How to Install Angle-Tap Click Flooring

Today I’m going to show you how to install Angle-Tap click flooring.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a laminate or engineered vinyl plank floor; as long as you have an “angle-tap” locking system, these instructions apply. Let’s get started.

Before you start, make sure you have the right underlayment, spacers, have let your floor acclimate, and understand the other flooring basics we won’t get into here.

And remember, before you start any project always refer to the online installation guidelines for the product you’re installing.

All click flooring boards are designed with an interlocking tongue-and-groove system. Looking closely at the long edges of a board, the groove edge has a deep slot in it and the tongue edge sticks out.

To begin, lay in one whole row and check that your last board will be long enough after you cut it to fit. Anything longer than 8 inches is good. If it’s too short, cut the first board accordingly before you start.

Next, put the first board in place against the spacers, with the groove edge facing you, and the tongue edge towards the wall.

Then lay the second board next to it about ⅛ inch away. Using a tapping block, tap the end-joints together with multiple taps striking the end evenly until the end-joints close.

Keep this up to finish out the row. When you get to the last board, you’ll likely need to cut it to fit. Then simply use a pull bar to secure it in place.

Make sure your first row is straight and in position.

To save on waste, you can take the piece you cut off from the end of the previous row to start your next row.

Just be sure your first and last boards in each row are at least 8 inches long, and you begin each row with a different length board than the one above it.

As you install the floor, try not to create H-patterns or stair-step patterns. It not only looks better, but secures the structural integrity of your floor.

Flooring that has a tiled pattern looks best when balanced. Choose from these two options for placement and best appearance. Set your starting line at a different point to balance the installation and avoid pieces less than 2 inches long or with uneven cuts.

To install the second row, hold a new board up at an angle, and gently push the tongue into the groove on the edge of the first row.

When completely in, push the board to the floor and make sure everything feels solid.

The second board in the second row is often the most difficult--and important--in the entire floor, so let’s be sure we get it right.

Using a full board, install it next to the first board by inserting the tongue into the groove on the previous row, locking it in by pushing down.

Then gently tap the new board on its end to lock it into the first board. Check that your seams are smooth and move on to the next.

Install the rest of the floor the same way: connect the board to the row above it, then tap it in to lock with the board next to it. Do this until you reach the last row.

Most likely, the last row will need to be cut lengthwise, or “ripped,” to fit properly.

Do this for all of the boards in this row, and install them as you go.

Congratulations! Your floor is complete. All that’s left to do is add your baseboards, and use moldings to cover areas where your floor transitions to other surfaces.

If you have more questions about flooring, installation, or the hundreds of ways to improve your home, talk with the experts at LL Flooring.