I rolled out the least expensive plastic underlayment I could buy, and carefully attached each row with red sheathing tape. I started from the dinette side and would finish by the fireplace on the other end. Since it was a sunken family room, I had a straight wall to start with. Using plastic shims to keep the flooring from sliding under the drywall, I started the first row. With my full color random pattern in my hands, I grabbed the needed planks from the different opened boxes located on the other side of the room.
After I laid the first row, I made my cut on the last plank. I had set up my miter saw in the garage to keep the wood dust out of the house. The planks were slightly larger than the saw could cut. I needed to lift and angle the plank so it would cut through. I installed that piece and the first row was done. On to the next row.
I continued on with each row, making sure the pattern was correct. Until the weight of the floor was heavy enough to keep the floor from sliding on the underlayment, I had to constantly adjust the flooring so it would stay parallel to the wall. I eventually needed to pound in nails between the wall and the flooring to keep it from moving.
I noticed on some home improvement shows that the installers pound on the side of the flooring to make sure the planks are tightly connected. I understand on tongue and groove flooring that is necessary. I did the same thing when I installed the wood flooring in the kitchen and dinette. However, I do not get the need to do the same thing on the click and lock floors. Unless you installed the planks improperly or the previous row is not straight, the planks should just drop into place. You might need to apply some pressure to the top of the plank to make sure it is locked in place, but pounding away on the planks is completely unnecessary.
After several rows I stopped, and I decided to continue the next day. Efiwym came into the room and checked out the flooring. She noticed a chip in one of the planks. I had missed it. The chip was in plain view and not easy to hide under furniture. The plank was several rows back from the row I ended on. After trying to justify in my mind that it was okay, I had no choice but to remove the rows and replace the damaged plank. I would save it for another day.
The next day I would remove the damaged plank and rebuild the floor. It did not take much time, and I was almost near the room’s midpoint. I would soon need to move the furniture and start on the other side.