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Achieve Tile Look

Installation instructions also available in French and Spanish.

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1. Remove any existing carpeting or wood flooring glued to a concrete floor. Ensure the floor is clean and dry.


Figure A2. Remove baseboards. NOTE: If installing over concrete or a concrete floor covered by tiles, you must first lay down a 6-mil plastic sheet vapor barrier. Sheeting should overlap at least 8 inches and extend up the wall 2 1/2". Do not use plastic sheeting over an existing wood floor. (See Fig. A.)


Figure B3. For slate or ceramic tile designs, the width of the first and last planks should be approximately equal (width of the room), AND the length of the first and last plank should be approximately equal (length of the room).

For the width of the room, measure the width of the room and divide by 12" (the width of one plank). If the remainder is less than 12", calculate 1/2 of the remainder and trim this amount from the first row of planks on the tongue side (the less machined side).

The last row of planks should be the same width as the first row of planks. For the length of the room, measure the length of the room and divide by 46 1/2" (the length of one plank). If the remainder is less than 16 1/2", calculate 1/2 of the remainder and trim this amount from the length of the first plank that aligns along the floor edge. The last plank should be the same length as the first plank in the row.


Figure C4. Start in the left corner of the room. NOTE: If your room is larger than 1,000 square feet, you must leave expansion space. Use 1/2" spacers to create expansion space around the entire perimeter of the room and any fixed objects pipes, doorframes, cabinets, etc. If your room is smaller, a proportionately narrower gap is recommended no less than 1/4".


Figure JINSTALLATION TIP #1
The best visual effect is obtained by mixing planks from different boxes (preferably 4 or 5 boxes) during installation. Bear in mind that the width of the joint between the tiles on each strip varies. Using strips from various boxes and placing thin joints next to thick ones gives a more natural look. Aligning grout lines lengthwise and crosswise in a room is recommended.

Figure D5. Trim the first row per the above instructions or cut off the tongue of the planks (whichever is applicable), and run this trimmed edge parallel to the wall using the expansion spacers. (See Fig. B.)



Figure E6. Install each sequential plank by inserting one short end into the other at a 15 degree angle and pressing down. (See Fig. C.)




Figure KINSTALLATION TIP #2
To install flooring around pipes, drill a hole in the plank that is 1/4" to 1/2" larger than pipe diameter. Cut the plank across the center of the circle, position on the floor, glue plank pieces back together and clamp (do not glue laminate to subfloor). Cover expansion gaps with molding or pipe rings when the floor is complete. Water pipes require silicone sealant. (See Fig. J.)



Figure F7. When you reach the end of the row, measure and trim the last plank to fit. Cut with the decorative side up with a handsaw, decorative side down with a power saw. (See Fig. D.) Cut a new plank according to the pattern you have chosen (aligning or not aligning grout lines) and use this new plank to start the next row.


Figure G8. Lift the previously installed row slightly to enable you to lock the first adjacent plank into position. (See Fig. E.) For subsequent planks, the short end is positioned at an angle to engage the planks. (See Fig. F.) Then give the board a sharp rap with your hand to fully engage (See Fig. G.) and press down firmly (See Fig. H.) Continue until you are done.


INSTALLATION TIP #3
Flooring should extend under the doorframe. Use a piece of scrap flooring to mark the depth that the doorframe should be trimmed. (See Fig. K.)

Figure H9. To install the last row, trace the wall contour and cut. The last row should be the same width as the first row. Remember to leave room for expansion. (See Fig. I.)





Figure I10. Trim any excess plastic sheeting and remove spacers. Reinstall baseboards without nailing to the floor.




INSTALLATION TIP #4
To replace any planks that may have been damaged in installation, simply raise the last installed board approximately 11/4" until it disengages. Do not engage and disengage more than 3 times. Continue until you reach the affected plank, replace and reinstall the planks.