Pergo Duracraft is a highly durable and visually appealing flooring option that offers the perfect balance of style and functionality. If you’re looking to install Pergo Duracraft in your home, this step-by-step guide will take you through the process to ensure a successful installation. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll have a beautiful new floor in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor
The first step in installing Pergo Duracraft is to prepare the subfloor. Ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Start by removing any existing flooring, carpet, or padding. Use a pry bar and hammer to carefully detach the baseboards and remove any debris.
If there are any uneven spots on the subfloor, use a leveling compound to create a smooth surface. Fill in any gaps or cracks with a patching compound, and sand down any high spots. The subfloor must be completely flat to ensure a proper installation of the Pergo Duracraft planks.
Step 2: Acclimate the Planks
Pergo Duracraft is made of composite wood materials, and like any natural product, it needs time to acclimate to the conditions in your home. Leave the unopened boxes of Pergo Duracraft planks in the room where you plan to install them for at least 48 hours. This allows the planks to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the space.
It’s crucial to maintain the correct indoor temperature during this acclimation period. Ensure the room temperature remains between 60°F and 85°F (16°C–29°C), with a relative humidity of 35%–65%. This step is essential as it prevents the planks from expanding or contracting after installation, ensuring a long-lasting and visually appealing floor.
Step 3: Install the Underlayment
Before laying the Pergo Duracraft planks, you need to install an underlayment to provide additional support, noise reduction, and moisture protection. Roll out the underlayment perpendicular to the direction you plan to lay the planks, leaving a 1/4-inch gap around the edges to allow for expansion.
If needed, trim the underlayment using a utility knife to fit the room dimensions. Ensure that the underlayment seams overlap by at least 8 inches and are taped securely with underlayment tape. This will create a smooth and continuous surface, enhancing the installation process and the overall performance of your Pergo Duracraft floor.
Step 4: Install the Pergo Duracraft Planks
Now it’s time to start installing the Pergo Duracraft planks. Begin in the left corner of the room, placing spacers between the wall and the planks to allow for expansion. Lay the first row of planks by angling the tongue of the second plank into the groove of the first and pressing them together. Continue this process until the first row is complete.
For the second row, cut the first plank to achieve a staggered pattern, ensuring that the end joints are at least 8 inches apart from adjacent rows. Use a pull bar and tapping block to connect the planks securely. Secure each row by applying pressure and ensuring the joints lock together perfectly. Continue installing row by row until the entire floor is covered.
Step 5: Apply the Finishing Touches
With the Pergo Duracraft planks in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches to complete the installation. Replace the baseboards by nailing them back into position or using adhesive, being careful not to damage the newly installed floor. Remove any spacers and fill the expansion gaps around the edges with a color-matched laminate sealant.
Finally, thoroughly clean the floor with a damp mop or Pergo laminate floor cleaner to remove any dirt or debris. Congratulations, you’ve successfully installed your Pergo Duracraft floor, and now you can enjoy its beauty and durability for years to come!