My Laminate Flooring Won't Lock

Possible Problems

• Possible reasons why laminate pieces won’t snap into each other may be that you have a warped piece of laminate or the subfloor is uneven or has something sticking up that is preventing the board from laying as flat as the first piece. Hold the plank up at eye level to see if it is warped. If this isn’t the problem, look at the floor underneath the underlayment for nails or other debris that is causing the broad to sit up higher than the other plank. Check the grooves of the laminate. The piece could have dirt inside the groove or a flaw in the workmanship.

Tools Needed

• When you are installing snap and click laminate flooring, you will need a soft rubber mallet and block of wood. The block of wood can be a scrap piece of wood, as long as it is flat on both sides. Use caution when using a block of wood and a mallet on some laminate flooring. Some locking systems are can be damaged from the tapping.

Side Grooves

• Snap together the sides of the laminate pieces together by holding the piece you need to install upwards. Slide the tongue of laminate being inserted into the laminate already on the floor. As you are moving the piece into the grooves on the flat piece, lower the piece in your hand as you are pushing it together with the flat piece. You should here a click. If you don’t hear the click, use the block of wood and soft rubber mallet to finish the connection. Place the block on the left side of the outer piece of laminate. Gently tap the block of wood with the mallet. Move to the right side and do the same. Finish the connection by tapping the center of the plank.

End Grooves

• To fit the end pieces together, you angle the second piece of laminate upwards. As you push the piece you are holding towards the laid piece of laminate, start moving the piece downwards so that the grooves meet each other. Push the piece you are holding into the first piece. Use the soft rubber mallet and the block of wood to secure the connection. Place the block of wood on the end of the second piece of laminate. Gently tap the block of wood with the mallet until the pieces are flush and form a tight seam.