Things You'll Need
Foam underlayment
Utility knife
Tape
3/8-inch wedges
Measuring tape
Jigsaw or handsaw
Construction adhesive
Baseboard molding
Charisma flooring is a type of laminate made by Laurentian Laminate. It has interlocking grooves, which makes it easy to install with only a few tools. The flooring is durable and affordable. According to the Laurentian Laminate website, laminate flooring as an environmentally friendly alternative because it is made from paper instead of old-growth wood, like hardwood flooring. You can use laminate flooring in any room in your home because it is resistant to water and can be cut to size.
Step 1
Place the Charisma flooring planks in the room where they will be installed. Let them sit for 48 hours to acclimate them.
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Step 2
Clean the floor so that it is smooth before you begin laying the underlayment and laminate. Drive in or replace any protruding nails. You can lay laminate over hard surfaces, vinyl flooring or low-pile carpet.
Step 3
Unroll the foam underlayment across the room so that it lies in the same direction that you will install the planks. Cut the underlayment to fit, using a utility knife. Position the underlayment so that the entire floor is covered and the foam isn't overlapping. Secure the foam in place with tape.
Step 4
Position the first plank in the corner farthest from the door. Insert a 3/8-inch wedge between the plank and the end wall. Lay the plank in the direction you want the flooring to face. The manufacturer recommends laying the planks so they follow the direction of the main overhead light.
Step 5
Connect the next plank by lining it up with the groove of the first and dropping it down into position. Continue adding planks in this manner until you reach the far wall.
Step 6
Measure the space between the last plank and the wall. Subtract 3/8 inch from the measurement to allow for the gap around the wall.
Step 7
Cut the laminate to fit the space using a jigsaw. Face the laminate plank down when using the jigsaw. If you cut it with a handsaw, face the plank with the good side up.
Step 8
Start the second row with the remaining piece of laminate from the plank you just cut. Avoid using a piece of laminate that is less than six inches long. Using a short piece of laminate at the start ensures that the joints are staggered, which makes them stronger.
Step 9
Lay three rows of laminate planks in this manner, then slide the planks away from the wall and insert at least one 3/8-inch wedge between the laminate and the wall. Slide the planks back up against the wall so they are snugly in position.
Step 10
Lay the planks until the whole floor is covered.
Step 11
Cut the last row to fit using a jigsaw. Glue the pieces in position using construction adhesive along the grooves. This row is usually narrower and needs to be cut quite small so the glue ensures that it stays in place.
Step 12
Finish the flooring by installing baseboard molding around the edges to hide the gaps.
Tip
Lay polyurethane plastic sheeting under the underlayment if you are installing the laminate over concrete.
Leave a 3/8-inch gap around any structures, such as pipes or heat vents, in the room so that the laminate can contract and expand.
Install the flooring in sections that are up to 33 feet wide. If the room is bigger than this, break up the room by inserting a T-mold in an inconspicuous place.
Warning
Do not use the laminate flooring over heat pads that create radiant heat.
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