[jromjam]

Hello,

I did a few searches in the forum to see if someone had asked a question similar to this one, but I couldn't find anything. I am just about finished putting click together laminate floor in our living room, and like a true DIYer, I started the job and dealt with problems when I got to them, rather than look ahead!

I now have half a row left, and a small closet, about 4 feet wide by 2 feet deep. I can't figure out how to put in the next piece though, without taking down the door jam and casing (which isn't the end of the world, but I'd rather not if there's an easier way).

I've attached a very poor drawing I did in paint (my wife is on a holiday and took the camera!), but it is likely better than me describing it. The Red square is a heat vent. The brown squares are laid boards, the gray one is next, and the green are the next row.

Problem 1: In order to have the board under the door jam/casing, how do I get the gray board in? Is there a way to do it without taking the jam down?

#2: When I put the green row in, how can I lock it into the previous row? Half of the previous row will still be under the jam, so I won't be able to lift and click it in.


Thanks for any help. I don't know if I'll do laminate floor again, it looks good and I don't think I've done a bad job, just had some obstacles that are rather discouraging (I put a piece in that took me quite a bit of wiggling, only to realise when I went to put the next board in, that the other board had a big chip out of it!)

 

[bob22]

I think the answer depends on the brand of flooring you are using and their locking system. I used Bruce Lock and Fold. In a similar situation, I had to remove the little ridge that ran along the tongue of the board so I could slide it into the already installed boards without having to lift it. A couple drops of glue helps hold it in and they really don't move much without the ridge anyhow in one spot. You will have to undercut the jamb etc to make sure you've no exposed board showing and to allow you room to maneuver the board in. Not a fun spot to work in. Good luck.