Installing Pergo

Pergo is specially constructed with a unique tongue-and-groove system to ensure an easy and accurate installation – whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it for you.

If you plan to install Pergo yourself, you will need to determine how much flooring and accessories to purchase.

If you choose to have your Pergo floor professionally installed, your local retailer can recommend a Pergo Endorsed Installer.

For additional questions, please call Pergo's
consumer helpline at 1-800-33PERGO (1-800-337-3746).

Tools and Accessories
Sub-Floor Requirements

Do-It-Yourself

Door frames: To fit flooring under a door frame, lay a loose plank upside down on top of the underlayment material. Saw the bottom of the door frame off so that the plank can slide underneath. Remember to leave space for expansion underneath the door frame.

Pergo floors require an underlayment to provide added comfort and noise reduction. On concrete subfloors, you must use a 6-mil. polyethylene film as a vapor barrier. Simply follow the instructions on the underlayment material.

Decide the best direction to install your floor. As a general rule, install the planks so they run parallel to the incoming light source.

Getting the first three rows straight is very important and will make the installation process much easier. Assemble the first three rows without gluing.

Saw the last plank in the row and use the piece that is left over to begin the next row. If the leftover piece is less than 8" (200mm), cut a new plank to fit. Cut the plank with decor side down if using a circular or saber saw.

Cut the plank with the decorative side up using a hand saw or table saw.

Install the floor so that the end joints of the planks in the adjacent rows are offset by at least 8" (200mm).

Once you've dry-fit the first three rows, you'll be able to see if the wall is straight. If it is not, trace the contour of the wall on the first row of planks using a pencil and installation spacer against the wall, then saw the planks accordingly.

Glue the planks in the order shown. Be sure to use plenty of glue and fill the grooves. For the best results, use only Pergo Glue, as it is designed for the correct absorption into the core of the plank, creating the strongest joints and a water-resistant seal. One bottle of Pergo Glue covers approximately 60 sq.ft.

Place the tapping block against each plank and tap with a hammer. All joints must be tight.

Continue to install the first three rows, working from left to right, plank by plank, row by row. Glue should ooze to the surface along all the joints to seal the seam. Wipe off excess glue with a damp cloth immediately as this will make clean-up easier. AFTER INSTALLING THE FIRST THREE ROWS, WAIT ONE HOUR BEFORE INSTALLING THE REMAINDER OF THE FLOOR.

Glue and fit the last row in place using the pull bar to position the planks together.

The last row will probably need to be cut lengthwise. Using a scrap piece of the floor, trace the contour of the finishing wall onto the planks to be cut and cut accordingly.

Holes for pipes along the short side of the plank: To allow for expansion, measure and drill holes centered on, and 1/2 inch larger than, the diameter of the pipe. Cut the plank through the center of the holes. Apply plenty of glue along the cut edge and press the end pieces into place using the pull bar. Holes along the long side of the plank: Mark and drill the same way as on the short side; however, saw at 45 degree angles to the holes.

When the entire installation is complete, allow the glue to dry for 12 hours before cleaning or using. Before moving furniture back in the room, place felt floor protectors under the legs of chairs, sofas, TV stands, tables and other easily movable items. Replace plastic casters with rubber casters. Place walk-off mats at the entrances of your home to collect dirt.

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