How do we lay FLOORBOARD EFFECT laminate flooring? (where do the joins go?)?
Question:we are about to lay floorboard effect laminate, unlike the normal laminate flooring you can see the joins in this stuff (is called V groove laminate), we are not sure weather we should have random joins, try and match the joins up all the way through or have every other join matching, on the net there seems to be pics showing the random spacing ( which lets face it must be the easiest way to lay the floor with walls not been straight etc but doe sit look messy?) we have also seen pics of every other join matching , but the pics are not great.. If someone can tell us what looks best or even send some pics for us to look at that would be ace. thanks
Answers:
Sorry I don't have pictures. I do have a lot of installation experience. Laminate flooring should always be installed as randomly as possible. Try to avoid any pattern whatsoever. The same applies for all laminate whether the edges are beveled or not. Using the leftover from the end of a row as a starter usually works well. If you see a pattern emerging just cut some boards and get rid of it.
You'll need to do random joins for strength - the 'tied in' joins are not strong enough for the punishment that it will get - walking across it etc will split the join - always cross the flooring over by at least 30cm
After laying a laminate floor which is not v groove, I would still assume that the joins should be random. Usually there is a phone number or the company name of the manufacturer on the boxes of laminate, why not call them? I found them to be very helpful in making suggestions as this was the first time I had every done a project like this. Good luck.
I used the half plank method Either way they must over lap 400mm or more for an effective locking matrix. If its in a room they lay away from the window unless you are covering all floor surfaces then start in the hallway away from the door.
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