How to Install Pergo on a Concrete Subfloor

Level your floor. If your concrete floor foundation has uneven areas with more than a 3/16-inch difference in a 10-foot radius, you may need to use Portland cement, and a latex-based floor leveler, to ensure your concrete floor is appropriate to be covered with Pergo laminate flooring. If you’re flooring needs leveling, do this prior to installation and ensure all products and leveling agents are dry before beginning. Grind high spots level using a grinder if necessary. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the leveling process. Ensure your area has an acceptable moisture level for your product.

Measure and determine the square footage of your area. Purchase enough material to fully cover the area. Purchase vapor barrier, foam barrier, laminate flooring planks, moldings and trim. Ensure that you have appropriate tools before beginning.

Install the 6-mil. polyethylene film. The edges must overlap 8 inches. Typically, this product comes in a roll that you simply unroll and overlap each layer until the entire floor has a single layer covering the area where laminate will be installed. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation if different from above as some products require different methods. This layer will serve as a vapor barrier to protect from moisture emitted from a concrete floor. Cut to length using scissors.

Install a layer of Pergo Softseal according to manufacturer’s instructions. This layer will be installed over the vapor barrier. Cut to length using scissors.

Install the laminate planks. Beginning along a wall, lay a layer of Pergo laminate planks that stretch the length of the wall. Leave a ¼-inch gap between the laminate and the flooring on each wall. Interlock the pieces together following manufacturer’s directions. Begin the second row starting with a 1/2 piece and proceed to the other end. It may be necessary to use a pry bar for tight or difficult areas when the planks will not interlock easily. If the area measures greater than 66 square feet, it is necessary to leave a 1/2-inch gap along perimeter walls. Cut as necessary for a good fit using a circular saw and a sharp blade. Continue following the same pattern, staggering the seams, until the entire floor is covered.

Install wall boards and moldings according to manufacturer’s directions along walls, thresholds and stairwells after the laminate flooring is completed.