Flooring โ FAQ
What's the difference between laminate and LVP installation kits?
Both use identical tools: tapping blocks, pull bars, spacers, mallets. LVP requires gentler tapping due to softer core material. Premium kits include softer mallet faces and rounded tapping blocks specifically designed for LVP's wear layer.
How many spacers do I need for my project?
Calculate one spacer per 2 feet of perimeter wall. A 200 sq ft room (10x20 ft) needs 60 linear feet of wall coverage = 30 spacers. For 500+ sq ft, choose kits with 60+ spacers to avoid stopping and repositioning.
Can I use these kits for hardwood flooring installation?
Yes, but verify the tapping block material. Hardwood requires steel-reinforced blocks; plain nylon cracks under hardwood's density. Ensure your kit's pull bar has a thick strike pad to handle the increased force needed for hardwood.
What's a contour gauge and why do I need one?
A contour gauge copies irregular wall shapes (pipes, curves, angles) onto planks for perfect cuts. Without it, you'll waste planks on trial-and-error cuts. Essential for older homes with non-standard architecture.
Do I need a double-faced mallet or will a regular hammer work?
Never use a steel hammer; it cracks planks and damages locking systems. Double-faced mallets distribute force evenly across the plank surface. The rubber faces prevent marring and absorb rebound, saving your wrists during long installs.
How do I fix gaps that appear months after installation?
Use a gap fixer tool with suction cups to pull planks together without disassembly. The FCHO kit excels here. Work from the gap toward the wall, closing 2-3 feet at a time. This fixes 90% of seasonal expansion gaps.
