Laying Pergo Flooring on Ceramic Tiles

Pergo Flooring

• Each strip of Pergo laminate flooring is composed of wood or wood products compressed and bound together tightly. These laminate strips are then locked into each other by means of a tongue and groove system. Pergo and other types of laminate floors are sometimes called "floating" floors because the laminate isn't fastened to the subfloor.

Floor Preparation

• Before laying Pergo flooring over ceramic tiles, the floor needs to be clean and free of debris. Any bits of grout or thinset that stick up over the edges of the tiles should be filed, sanded or chiseled down. Low spots or uneven portions of the ceramic tile floor should be filled in with self-leveling compound and allowed to dry, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Molding Removal

• Also prior to installing Pergo flooring, the molding around the walls of the room must be removed. Cut any caulk along the top of the molding with a sharp utility knife. Insert a putty knife in between the drywall and the molding to protect the drywall while you're working. Gently tap a chisel in between the putty knife and the molding then pry the molding away from the wall.

Padding and Moisture Barriers

• If you're installing the laminate over ceramic tiles on cement subfloors, a moisture barrier is required. This barrier protects the laminate from water vapor that may seep upward from the concrete. The edges of the barrier should overlap each other by about 8 inches. Padding is applied on top of the moisture barrier. Padding comes in many different styles and depths. The type that you choose will depend on your particular installation.

Laying Pergo

• Start in one corner and lay the Pergo flooring out in a line along the wall. Use spacers to keep the laminate the required distance away from the wall. Once the first two pieces of laminate are laid, start on the second row by snapping a piece of laminate into the first row with the tongue and groove locking system. Continue laying piece of laminate alternately on the first and second rows until you reach the opposite wall. Measure and cut the last two pieces of laminate to size. Repeat the process with succeeding rows of laminate until the room is complete.