Lock and fold type
hardwood floors are systems that have a special
milled interlocking system built in. They
are similar to other floating floors in that
they require a sound flat and clean subfloor to
work with. Any irregularities can cause the
locking mechanisms to malfunction or not lock
entirely.
Considering these products
are very new, there has not been enough time to
properly evaluate these systems. Unknown is how
they actually perform in relation to moisture
level changes that commonly occur with seasonal
weather changes.
There is absolutely no
doubt these lock and folds could be the DIY
solution of the future as we cannot think or
find a more simple application for hardwood
floors. Industry leader Bruce hardwood was the
first to introduce the lock and fold function
through Home Depot and Lowes in early 2007.
Other products include Mirage, a high quality
Canadian manufacturer and their patented Mirage
Lock.
How Are They Installed?
Unlike more common glued
floating floors this system requires the groove
facing out from the starting wall. Adjacent end
pieces are placed next to each other. The groove
system has a small slotted area that accepts
additional boards that contain a small ridge
that hold the two together once they are
engaged. They remain connected and will not
loosen unless force is created from underneath.
This is why a flat subfloor is important. Even a
small protruding subfloor nail can keep the
locking system from functioning properly.
For additional rows,
boards are inserted by tongue into groove at an
angle. Angle insertion allows the boards
to easily accept one another. Once it appears
tight, a downward force is placed on the new
plank for the system to connect or lock.
Depending on product quality, a tapping block
may be necessary to insure a tight, gap free
installation. Care should be brought to
attention as these systems are more fragile
(before installation) than common floating
floors. Any damage caused by tapping can alter
the integrity of the lock and fold functions.
These types of floors do
present one problem also common with click type
floating floors. When it comes to the last row
or installing under door casings the groove has
to be altered by shaving so the boards can slide
into place.
Glue is used to keep boards
together.
All lock and fold floors
are engineered with some being constructed in
ply layers while others contain a medium density
fiberboard (common with laminate floors).
Installation time will be much faster than
common floating glued floors where a common
three inch width is used. Older wide plank
floating floors on the other hand will generally
take the least amount of time because of their
longer lengths.
Where Are They
Installed?
Lock and fold floors can
be installed in areas like any other engineered
floors including basements. Not only is floor
preparation a key to any successful
installation, but moisture testing as well. |