Flooring is more than just a structural necessity. It sets the tone for your entire home, acting as a canvas upon which your interior décor narrative unfolds. Among the numerous flooring options available, one has begun to stand out in the world of DIY enthusiasts: click system wood flooring (also refereed to as click lock). This innovation in home improvement has become the go-to choice for those looking to seamlessly lay their own floors. But why is this the case? Let’s dive in to uncover the dream that is click system wood flooring.
Types of Flooring Available as Click Fit
Three primary types of flooring utilise the click fit system: engineered wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Traditional wood flooring of the solid wood suits glue down or nail down installation better.
Engineered Wood Flooring is a popular choice for those seeking the aesthetic appeal of solid wood without its typical downsides (expansion and contraction mainly). Composed of multiple layers of compressed timber, it’s topped with a layer of solid wood from hardwoods such as Oak and Walnut. The click system engineered wood flooring provides both visual appeal and practicality.
Laminate Flooring provides an economical yet appealing solution. Resistant to scratches and moisture, it’s perfect for high-traffic areas. The click system takes this practicality a notch higher, ensuring straightforward installation.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) is a top choice for those seeking an array of design options. These tiles and planks mimic the look of natural materials, and the click system further simplifies the process of attaining this versatile style.
The Benefits of Click System Flooring
The click system flooring, regardless of the material type, has distinctive advantages:
- Ease of Installation: The click system’s unique design allows for the floorboards to fit together effortlessly, making the installation process a breeze, even for beginners.
- Cost Efficiency: Given that it doesn’t necessitate professional installation, the click system can save substantial costs.
- Versatility: Available in a range of designs, click system flooring can mimic a host of styles and fit any décor preference.
- Flexibility: Click system floors can be installed over a variety of subfloors, including concrete, plywood, and older floors.
Potential Drawbacks of Click System Flooring
Despite the numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider a few potential drawbacks:
- Installation Care: While the click system is straightforward, it requires careful handling during installation to prevent damage to the locking system.
- Repair Limitations: Individual damaged boards may be more challenging to replace due to the interlocking system.
2G vs. 5G Click Fit System
A fundamental aspect to consider when choosing your click system flooring is the choice between the 2G and 5G systems. The 2G system generally involves angling and snapping planks into place, while the 5G system offers single-action installation, adding an extra layer of convenience. Although the 5G system can be slightly more expensive, its enhanced ease of installation often justifies the cost. Still, both options are ease enough for fitting yourself.
Essential Accessories for Click System Flooring
Accessories are key to a successful click system flooring installation. An underlay is fundamental as it provides a cushioning effect and can help level a slightly uneven subfloor. It also offers thermal and sound insulation. Skirting boards and beading are useful for covering the expansion gap required around the room’s perimeter, giving your floor a professional finish.
DIY Installation of Click System Flooring
The 2G and 5G click system has been a game-changer in the DIY flooring installation landscape. This simplified process allows even novices to achieve professional-looking results. Here is a more detailed, step-by-step guide to installing click system wood flooring:
- Preparation: Start with preparing your subfloor. It needs to be clean, flat, and dry. Remove any old flooring, thoroughly clean the surface, and ensure it’s level. If the floor is wooden, check for loose boards and secure them as necessary. For concrete floors, any cracks or holes should be filled with a suitable compound.
- Engineered Wood Flooring Only: Acclimatise the Flooring: Before you begin installation, it’s essential to allow the flooring to acclimatise to your home’s environment. Leave the unopened flooring packs in the room where they’ll be installed for at least two weeks. This allows the wood to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity and can prevent warping or distortion after installation.
- Install the Underlay: Unroll the underlay across the entire floor, ensuring it lies flat without any wrinkles or overlaps. The underlay serves as a sound and thermal insulator and helps to create a level surface for the flooring. Trim the underlay to fit and tape the seams to secure it.
- Lay the First Row: Start laying your click system flooring in the corner of the room, working from left to right. The short tongue side should face the room, while the long tongue side should face the wall. Leave a 10-12mm gap between the flooring and the wall to allow for natural expansion and contraction. This gap can be covered later with skirting boards or beading.
- Click the Boards Together: The beauty of click system flooring lies in its simplicity. Simply align the tongue of one board with the groove of the other and click them together. The boards will lock into place, creating a firm and seamless join.
- Continue Laying Boards: Continue laying the boards, making sure to stagger the end joints for a more natural look and improved stability. When starting a new row, use the cut-off end from the previous row. This helps to minimise wastage and ensures the joints are offset.
- Cutting Boards to Fit: Measure and cut boards to fit when you reach the end of a row or when you need to fit around obstacles like door frames or pipes. Always use a sharp saw and cut the board face-up if you’re using a handsaw or face-down if you’re using a power saw. This prevents chipping on the visible side of the flooring.
- Install the Final Row: The last row of boards may need to be cut lengthways to fit. Remember to leave the 10-12mm expansion gap at the end. Use a pull bar to click these boards into place if the gap between the wall and the installed flooring is too narrow to use your hands.
- Install Skirting Boards or Beading: Finally, cover the expansion gap around the room perimeter with skirting boards or beading. This gives your floor a professional finish and prevents any debris from getting into the expansion gap.
- Post-Installation Care: After installation, clean the floor to remove any sawdust or debris. Avoid washing the floor for at least 24 hours to allow any minor movement as the floor settles into place.
Caring for Your Click System Wood Flooring
Proper care ensures the longevity of your click system flooring. Regular sweeping or vacuuming, immediate spill cleanup, and using appropriate cleaning products are key. For more durable finishes such as LVT and laminate, a lightly damp mop can suffice for a thorough clean.
In Conclusion
Click system wood flooring has revolutionised the world of DIY home improvement, making professional-quality flooring installation accessible to everyone. From the variety of available materials to the easy-to-use 2G and 5G systems, the options are as vast as they are impressive. The dream of beautifying your home on your terms is now a click away, literally.
Ready to start your DIY flooring journey? Explore the range of click system wood flooring options at Wood and Beyond, where quality meets convenience.
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FAQ
What are the types of flooring available as Click Fit?
Click fit system is used for the installation of a variety of flooring types such as Engineered Wood Flooring, Laminate Flooring, and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). Each type provides its own unique advantages and aesthetic appeal.
What are the main advantages of Click System Flooring?
The main advantages of Click System Flooring include ease of installation, cost-efficiency, versatility and flexibility. It can be installed over a variety of subfloors, and is available in a range of designs to suit any décor preference.
How do 2G and 5G Click Fit Systems differ?
The 2G Click Fit System involves angling and snapping planks into place, while the 5G system offers a single-action installation method. The 5G system can be slightly more expensive, but its enhanced ease of installation often justifies the cost.
What accessories are needed for Click System Flooring installation?
Key accessories for Click System Flooring installation include underlay, which provides cushioning and helps level slightly uneven subfloors, and skirting boards that cover the expansion gap required around the room’s perimeter.
How can you care for Click System Wood Flooring?
Regular sweeping or vacuuming, immediate spill cleanup, and using appropriate cleaning products are key to maintaining Click System Wood Flooring. For more durable finishes such as LVT and laminate, a lightly damp mop can suffice for a thorough clean.
