If you’re thinking about hardwood but want a DIY installation, consider a Lock&Fold floor. Armstrong’s Midtown Hardwood product line offers the beauty of hardwood in an engineered structure, which allows it to be installed on any level of your home.
Floating floors using the Lock&Fold method can be installed over any subfloor that is structurally sound, flat, clean, and dry. Does your basement man cave need a new look? Midtown is a perfect choice for any climate-controlled basement. And you don’t need nail guns and other expensive tools when installing Midtown. With Lock&Fold technology, the hardwood planks simply snap together.
Expansion Space
When installing Midtown, make sure to leave the proper expansion space, especially if you’re accustomed to installing a nail-down or glue-down floor. Since Midtown Hardwood is floated on top of your subfloor, follow the expansion guidelines below based on the size of your installation. Expansion space will allow your floor to properly expand and contract as needed with changes in moisture and humidity.
See also: Oakwood Homes (one of America’s “Top 100 Builders”) installs Midtown in their model home
Underlayment
The next step is to install the underlayment. We recommend using Armstrong’s Quiet Comfort and Quiet Comfort Premium with our Midtown hardwood product. The underlayment provides a cushion between the hardwood floor and the subfloor that compensates for slight subfloor irregularities.
Installing Midtown Hardwood
Now you’re ready for the floor! Starting from left to right, begin laying your first row with the tongue facing the wall. You can use pre-measured wedges along the wall to compensate for your required expansion space. Once the first piece is laid, line up the second piece by overlapping the end of the first board, so that the joint is tight when the board lays flat. Slight adjustment of the board may be necessary to assure a tight fit.
After your first row is laid, begin the second row by placing a board into the groove, angling it upward slightly, pushing forward, and interlocking the side tongue. Then carefully push the board down until the tongue and groove lock together on the side and at the ends. Continue this process until the installation is complete.
Up for the challenge? Be sure to read our step-by-step installation recommendations before attempting to install Midtown. Remember, you can always find an Armstrong Certified Installer near you for guaranteed results.
Emily Swingler Emily Swingler is the Customer Service Team Lead. She has been with the company since June, 2011, and has worked as a Customer Relations Technical Services rep, as well as a Commercial Techline rep in her time with Armstrong. She enjoys working with potential customers to help them find the right floor for their home. When not at work, Emily enjoys going to the gym, playing basketball, and spending time with her fiancé Joel and her black Labrador, Remington.
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