How to install Lowe’s Quickstep Studio Restoration Oak Laminate Flooring! Awesome Looking and cheap!
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- Опубліковано 7 жов 2024
- How to install Wood Laminate Flooring. Quickstep Studio Restoration Oak laminate flooring is an easy and cost effective flooring option! In this video I show you some Tips and tricks for easy installation and show you some cool tools to make installation of your flooring easier!
Flooring installation tools amzn.to/36YMJPj
Studio Restoration Oak 7.48-in W x 3.93-ft L Embossed Wood Plank Laminate Flooring www.lowes.com/...
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Literally the only video that makes sense!! I’ve torn off the first 2 rows sooo many times because it isn’t staying flat!! Didn’t realize you have to beat it SO much to get it flat 🙄
It about drove me crazy today trying to get it lay flat, glad it wasn’t just me
Excellent instructional. I had to go back and watch it again to get those first pieces to be still. I piled the full boxes on and the rest was a breeze! One tip I could give- be sure to cut off any of the foam on the bottom that sticks out past the ends. This will allow the end joints to click together better. Thanks again!
Glad it was helpful!
I wish I saw this video earlier! Would have saved me a ton of grief. It took my about ~3 hrs of frustration and destroyed planks to arrive at this same technique. The angle "locking" is key, and then tapping them to lower the planks - that's how you get it done. It's super unintuitive, but I guess you do get what you pay for 😅 This video should be mandatory viewing before installing QuickStep products
I had this exact same problem , and relief !
Thankfully I found this before the 3 hrs of agony!
I've put laminate flooring down several times and still got some good tips from your video. Thanks for posting!! I will say that Lowe's Quickstep is cheap in price. Not bad laminate flooring. However, one thing I noticed is that it chips easily if you hit it just a little bit harder than you should when you are locking them in using the plastic block. I have also noticed with this particular laminate that in a couple of small areas, the top of it has started to peel up a little. Not real noticeable, but it has happened on a few boards. I have used Pergo Laminate flooring and honestly, I can attest that it's a little better laminate to use. However, it costs more. But this stuff isn't bad and I currently putting it in one of my bedrooms. Again, thanks for posting!!
You really save my day! So i bought the floor and everything needed, after watching some videos, I though I could install the floor easily, but no! it was not so easy. I got a little stressed, searching for some other videos, and found yours. After watching your mini tutorial, I became and expert, earned some confidence and did it. I will add that measuring and dividing the long measured area by the planks will be great, I did it and i could install the floor evenly.
Thank you!
Sweet! glad you got it figured out and glad I was able to help!
I’m glad I watched this video you have allot of helpful tips that seemed simple but when your taking on a project for the first time it’s hard to think of those “simple” details.
I chose this same flooring and plan to do one room at a time. Glad I saw your video!!!! Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Saw this video and immediately went to Lowe’s and made a purchase. They should pay u a commission.
We are preparing to do the same floor in most of our house. The main rooms anyway. Your video is going to be very helpful I believe! Thank You!!
By far the best laminate installation do it yourself I've seen on the internet congratulations great job
Thank You I really appreciate that!
How is yoir flooring from lowes holding up? Would you reccomend this flooring? @JeremiahMcintosh
Yes I would. It still looks like the day I installed it. As long as you don’t get it wet it’s great. Also might is not in a really high traffic area with no pets so keep that in mind.
Great video, we put this stuff on our whole main level. It looks good enough and is a decent price, but doesn't handle moisture very well and the joints will bubble... but it does dry out and can return to shape if water hasn't sat on it too long. Also if you drop utensils or what not on it it dings easily. If we had to do it over we would have spent more on a vinyl product, which we did for the basement and upstairs bathrooms and we are way happier. Overall though this is a great budget option that'll work and looks good but not hardy and it attractive as vinyl.
Looks great. I'm installing the same brand but whistler oak tomorrow luckily only 240'. I got a laminate cutter and I'm hoping that works.
Starting my install today, same floor different color. Yours seemed to go smooth. Hoping for the same 😅
I can't recommend this video enough! I bought this flooring and was so frustrated it wasn't flat. 7 minutes in to your video and I'm nearly done with my project. The manufacturer/Lowes videos are just terrible and don't give the tips I needed. Thank you thank you!!!
I have to echo all the positive comments. We put this brand in over the weekend and I was pretty close to screaming until I found your video🤩
Thank You Christina! I’m glad my video was helpful for you!
How's your floor hold up now? I want to get this floor but I'm afraid to use it in a kitchen area 🥲
I'm glad I found this video. I am trying to lay the same flooring and was wondering why the floors seemed to be curving. Thank you!
Glad I found ya. Getting ready to lay the exact same floor and colors. Think you just made it make sense for a beginner like me. Thanks.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video!! I was so frustrated and discouraged laying in a floor. I stopped and found your video and headed to Home Depot to buy a tapping block and that metal end tapping tool. Still plenty of work but it went so so much better!
Lesson learned: Don’t skimp or try to be clever. Get and use the right tools for the job.
Insta-subbed ❤️😊
Awesome Thank you!
i installed a laminate floor 6 years ago . i used the cheap stuff but i used exterior tite bond wood glue . i put it all the way around the piece locked it together and wiped exess glue with damp rag . had many water spills and not one joint came up . the water proof glue makes the floor sealed in the joints
Using this flooring in the next couple weeks. Just waiting for shipping to arrive. Very helpful. Thanks
Seriously have watched 6 videos tonight on laminate floor installation. Yours has the least (if any) amount of gaps on the short side.
Nice work, I'm installing the same brand this weekend, 1000 sqft. Wish I could install it "time lapse" speed!
Good video and your final product is perfect. Well done!
Thank you!
I laid this flooring last month and one thing can't stress enough you have to have one of the plastic tapping blocks and have to beat the hell out if to get it to lay flat.
You are better off using a heavier hammer then a light one, never did a floor like this that needed to be hammered this hard to lock and lay flat.
Make sure you tapping block is in the right place you can damage the lip if you aren't careful.
That last sentence!! I ruined a couple of boards using a block because I used it on the whole side instead of on the tiiiiiny lip. Once I figured that out I was on my way pretty easily. Oh, and cushioned knee pads were a lifesaver
Thanks for the hard work you do to show us dummy's what to do!!!!! 😁
You’re welcome 😂
Some of the laminate flooring you have to tap it quite a bit harder then that to get it to lock. If it don’t snap together tightly you messing up. I to use that nylon block but a scrap piece of the same laminate works very good also for tapping it together. Another great video dude.
Thank You Paul!
At last! This video explains and shows all what I was looking for! Thanks.
That looks great. Like you said you do not want to get this wet or i should say let liquid stand on it for any length of time. Our dog urinated on ours and itr now has a bow in it. When we change it out i will be going with the vinyl type next time. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your vids.
Thank you. We are going to use a luxury vinyl floor in our downstairs.
Your flooring that bowed up, was that this same product (Lowes Quick-Step etcc) or some other laminate? The Lowes Quick Step says it's waterproof.
No laminate flooring that I know of is waterproof.
Our it’s out of alignment just a tiny bit. We don’t want to start over we only have about 6 feet left. It’s in the middle then when we try to add the next horizontal piece they all just fall out. Any tips
Doesn’t sound like they’re locked in all the way tightly. Make sure they are locked and laying flat and also the short ends are locked in by tapping them together as well on the small side.
Did the floor stay together? How much per box? How long did it take to finish that room? Would you purchase the same floor again? Would you install another floor, or pay to have it done? Looks great and thanks for the video
Yes the floor stayed together so far and it is $39 per box or 2 dollars per square foot. I didn’t really keep track of how long it took me but I think I had it done in about two weekends. I would definitely do it again myself but then again I do everything myself LOL. I would purchase this floor again for areas that will definitely never see water. Downstairs I’m going to use a luxury vinyl plank so I don’t have to worry about it getting wet.
@@JeremiahMcintosh Isn’t this flooring waterproof?
Not really. It’s water resistant but if water gets in the seams it could cause them to buckle up at the seams. A Vinyl plank floor would be better if you plan on getting a lot of water on it.
i wanted to see how do you terminate at the stair landing Jere, you got a vid of that? : )
No I don’t sorry. My last stair tread was the same height as the finished floor so all I did was put a transition piece over it.
Recently purchased this brand and color. The box says “ 10 mm thickness, spill repel waterproof guarantee, lifetime limited residential warranty, 5 year limited light commercial warranty”. What I could see on your boxes is a different label. Based on your explanations, it seems you have a different version. Jeremiah, what was your expectation in purchasing this product? Thanks
Is this something that a first timer could do at home?
I was looking at getting this flooring to install myself and obviously a professional makes it look super easy.
Possibly it just all depends on your skill level and the tools you have. I’m no professional at all lol but thank you!
@@JeremiahMcintosh well I’ve never done it before but I do have some saws and things I will order the kit you suggested. I would have occasional help from my husband but it’ll be mostly me
Such a helpful video. Now this Quickstep is durable and waterproof correct?
Thank You! It is pretty durable but it’s not waterproof. I would recommend vinyl plank if you want something more durable.
Great Job Jeremiah, the floor looks great. My wife and I built our own log cabin and recently decided on this very flooring for the great room, kitchen. dining. hall and office. Whew, much less stress after watching your video! Thanks.
Use a dead blow verse that weak hammer he’s got it makes it a little easier great video
So beautiful! The tips you gave were a big help. Thx ☺️
Thank You.
What do you use to clean it? Our’s looked great until a damp swiffer was used to clean it.
Can I ask why you didn't use a padding underneath? Is it not necessary?
I saw that you used a miter saw for the cross cut at the end, but what did you use to do the long cut for the last few pieces? Also, what blade do you recommend using to avoid splintering?
I can't speak for him but I use a diablo ultra finish blade
Hi Great Video! After 3 years of this video posted. Is the flooring quality still good? I'm thinking on buying same brand. Any advice?
Yes it still looks as new as the day we put it in but it’s in a low traffic area and no pets on it.
Very helpful. Your floor looks great. Thank you!!
Thank You Tom!
Great vid!! What would you use to cut if you don’t have a saw?
Definitely some type of saw.
Can you put like a polyurethane coating on it to help water proof it? Or maybe use waterproof glue to keep it down if it gets wet??
Beautiful. How is it holding up? I'm getting an install this weekend.
Thank you! So far It is holding up well and still looks like new. This is in an upstairs room there so no water getting on it whatsoever.
I'm going to install the flooring in my basement on concrete. Does it need a vapor barrier?
Thanks dogg I install tomorrow
The video is very good, what I don't like about this is that they don't show from the beginning they should do that
I used this product on our living room. I started in the opening between the kitchen and living room. I like it so much, I want to go into the kitchen. However, if I connected to the current flooring, I'd have to work in the opposite direction (i.e. putting the tab into the slot, rather the slot over the tab.) Can this work or should I find a way to turn my start piece around by cutting off the slot on the floor pieces that are already down and also cutting off the slot on the new pieces in my "starter" row in the kitchen, butting these two up together??
I did it backwards and it works. Just takes more patience getting the seams to close
Great video. Would like to see another one using the gold accordian style underlayment also...how to use it.
Thanks Linda. I didn’t have to use it here because the padding was already attached to the bottom of the planks.
@@JeremiahMcintosh Jeremiah. Putting in our flooring now as I type. Same brand different color. Concord maple. Notice that the ends of the boards appear to have a slight bevel - so the edges are not completely flush with each other and there is a tiny seam. Indented. Can see it and feel it. Where dirt can catch. Are yours like this? We have got them tight as they can go and it appears to be part of the design....?
I just called lowes. Apparently all the QS studio flooring has this bevel along the sides as well as ends Lovely. We have high traffic and dirt is going to gather in the seams and look awful. So rather than return two pallets of flooring I am thinking of doing a fine bit of silicone along each seam - clear - to keep dirt out. A bit time consuming but in the end it should work don't you think?
I would not use silicone it would look like crap and it still will not get rid of the bevel! Mine has a slight bevel as well and have not had a problem with it however we don’t walk on it with dirty shoes.
Do you need to mix boxes and do you need to make cuts
Can't stress enuff get a tapping block... half way threw our floor went to lowes and got one made it 100 times easyer... it's hell to do it with scrap wood...
I agree! Definitely worth it!
Can you install it directly over tile or do I have to pull it up and put thin set down first
You should be fine installing it over tile just make sure there are no big dips.
if there is a perpendicular hallway which way should you lay it down?
lay in the same direction.
Nice job. I’m sure the lady is the supervisor 😁
Thank you. Yep she is the Boss!
Nice Job Guys, Looks Great !!
Thank you!
Thank you ! I could not firgure out why my quick step pieces were not laying flat , gave it some of the abuse with the hammer and tools you showed , worked like a charm
How long did that room take you?
Video doesn't really touch on leveling. It's incredibly important to check the whole floor is level and any dips patched and any highs planed down. Any variance over 3/16ths will come home to roost and cause buckling or decoupling of the latches.
I know it’s a stupid question, but what type of saw did you use to cut the planks?
How much total cost for this?
You said something about cutting the edges getting started? Do I do this for every one or on the starting row and outter edges?? Floor looks superb btw!! 👌👌
Basically you just want to make sure that you have enough room for expansion and contraction but don’t want to cut too much off that your baseboard is not going to cover the gap. If you don’t cut the edges off that’s less room you have for expansion. Once you get going most of the time you will start your next row with the piece you cut off from the previous row assuming it’s big enough so it will already be cut off.
Thanks, very helpful.
Can I use a razor blade to cut and snap the flooring or do I have to use a saw?
I don’t think you would be able to because it’s to thick . Best to use a saw.
Excellent tips! Thank you!
You’re welcome
I see no table saw. How did you rip the boards lengthwise to get the final width against the wall?
I used a circular saw.
Where can we find the plastic block with the notch cut into it? Also wondering what it's called. Thanks.
If you expand the description of my video title I put an affiliate link there to tools I used on Amazon.
Was you sub flooring OSB tongue and groove or regular OSB sub flooring?
It was three-quarter inch tongue and groove OSB.
Hello ,how many paks u spend on that space?
We’ve spent 4 hours on our floor using this brand. Bought the instillation kit after watching your video the first time. Have watched two more times and still can’t get past the 2nd row. The pieces will not lock in. I don’t know what else I’m doing wrong.
Make sure you’re tapping them together on the short side also because even though they look like they’re together, sometimes they’re not which makes them not lay flat.
What type of sub flooring was used under the Quick Step flooring?
Thank you
For the expansion gap, do I want it all the way around or is one gap in each direction ok? I live in southern NM so relatively dry with a monsoon season and rarely gets below 30 for longer than a few hours in the winter but the summers are over 100 regularly, in a detached room with a concrete floor.
Yes you should have the expansion gap all the way around.
Very helpful! THX
Where do I get those tools or can I improvise ?
Just open it the description of the video with the little arrow next to the video title and there is a link in the description for them.
I am installing this exact same flooring at the moment. Most idiotic locking system I have seen in 15 + years of installing flooring. For a guy who works contract that size of a room would be good money. That locking system slows you down big time. One row at a time is not installer friendly. Leaving it up at an angle was some thing I wasn't doing. Thanks for the tip ( previous board would keep popping out, very frustrating :(. Buy the way you can do 2 first boards at a time instead of one, saves a bit of time.
Contractor of 10 years.. I’m helping a buddy out with his flooring job, this locking system is the worst I’ve ever used. Then they said they got it at Lowe’s and my first thought was oh.. that’s why.. there’s a reason Lowe’s are always ghost towns
@@zachmosphereiii9683 Just a note, Lowe's just sells the stuff. They don't make it. I work for a large flooring chain that sells different brand names. If I remember right this is made buy Wilson.
I need help me and my sister started putting this flooring in and it hates us it just will not go in to each other so if you see this please help me
It is tough to get started until you get a few rows down but you just need to use the hammering block and hammer them until they lay flat. Don’t forget the hammer the short end as well because even though they look like they are together I’ve noticed it still Has to go a little further to lay lay nice and flat.
I was upset at first to when I laid this floor, having done others, I watched Jeremiah's video and can honestly say you really have to hammer this stuff hard I even damaged a 2 pcs because I had the plastic tamping block a little over the lip instead of up a bit on the floor. Once you get it locked in you will notice it lays flat, I also noticed even after getting locked it still came a part pretty easy considering how much effort it took to get it locked, but once I started rolling it was just like any other floor I have done, in fact I like it better it's locked so tight and I have had no separation or rising of the seams and liked the fact the underlayment was attached. Saves time.
@@brianj3150 I have beat the piss out of it and it will not lock..lol
Can you mail a few pieces at the beginning edges to lock it in?
You can put nails behind the pieces to keep them from moving but make sure you remove them to allow for expansion if needed so the floor does not buckle When you’re finished.
How did you install the pieces when you got close to the finishing wall? I can't get my pieces to lock cause the tool won't fit for the close ones.
The tool should fit because you need to leave an expansion gap by the wall or the plank will buckle when they expand from humidity and temperature difference .
Yes, the tool does fit, it's just hard to hit it I guess. These are a real tight fit.
How long did you let it sit inside the home to acclimate ? I thought maybe 12-16 hrs would be good the guy at Lowes was saying like three days?...lol.. I know for hardwood yes but for laminate ?
Actually it sat in my house for a few weeks before I was able to put it in. So my flooring was definitely acclimated LOL
@@JeremiahMcintosh was just wondering I cannot get mine to lock together and lay flat and we have beat the mess out of it!!! About to load it up and take it back to Lowe’s!!
Make sure you tap on the short end as well because even though they look like they are locked together you can go just a little bit more and allows it to lay more flat. This is what I have noticed when installing mine.
Can you install this flooring over old hardwood flooring?
Yes you can if it is not a floating floor. Just make sure it does not have any big dips or humps.
@@JeremiahMcintosh ok thank you!
You make it look simple, but I think with your video I will attempt it.
Why didn't u stagger the floor? So all your lines aren't seamed as 1 continuous line?
It is staggered?
What did you use for the transition at the stair nose?
I actually didn’t put anything there yet but I’m going to use a flat transition piece.
Was the "baby hammer" used on purpose as to not apply too much force? Seems like a larger hammer might be easier.
Lol no it wasn’t. My son was up there helping me and whatever hammer was closer was the one I was using. You are right tho, the bigger one probably would’ve been easier.
@@JeremiahMcintosh awesome
Great tips 👍
Does the floor hold up well in high humidity?
Im not quite sure because the room is controlled but if you think you may have an issue I would use a luxury vinyl plank and it wouldn’t matter if it was humid or got wet.
Why haven't you used underlay?
It’s on the back of the flooring already.
Is there a reason why you can’t install in the gap under the drywall?
Yes you can as long as it has a gap to expand and contract.
Dude this room has more plug receptacles than any other I’ve seen. How is the floor? Water proof? Chipping edges or corners? Scratches?
Haha can never have too many receptacles!It is not waterproof but has held up well with no scratches or chips but it is in an upstairs room that doesn’t see heavy traffic.
@@JeremiahMcintosh Yeah you’re probably right. Damn… that’s a let down on the water proofing cause on lowes in the description it says it water proof and talks it up like it is. At least the quick step studio I’m lookin at says it had spill repel and then in the description it’s waterproof I wanna redo my living room and kitchen. I have laminate in both bathrooms and it’s held up over the years. But I can’t remember the brands I used. It’s been over 10 years for both.
I'm curious how leveled the floor underneath has to be to do this type of installation.
It doesn’t really need to be level but you don’t want to have any big dips or humps. Anything big will need filled in with floor leveler.
@@JeremiahMcintosh Thanks for the quick reply. I also saw in the reviews people saying with this Lowes brand "They don't stay clicked together over time" ... Is this true in your case?
I have not had a problem yet. Make sure they are locked together good on the long and also short end when installing and no huge dips or humps and you shouldn’t have a problem.
If I have a problem in the future with it not staying together I will update it in the description
Hi I was wondering if you would be able to give me some tips. I’ve watched the video and read the comments and the flooring still isn’t clicking in for me and is such a hassle that is taking me forever ! Is there any other advice you have so that i can get the boards secure and in place ?
Do you have the tapping block? You also need to tap on the short end as well as the long end because even though it looks like it is together on the short end it may go further and lay easier but use the tapping block do you don’t damage the edges.
I have a tapping block but that doesn’t seem to work either. I’ve only been able to lay down 3 rows but have only the 1st one successful.
After tapping the end piece into the field, how do you prevent it from moving back toward the wall after the floor is completed.?? In addition, like any other wood flooring, all the boxes should be opened, wrapping removed, with spacers in between each layer and allowed to acclimate to the room conditions for at least 3 days...
Excellent point pjf I should’ve mentioned this in the video! Yes definitely leave the flooring acclimate to room temperature. Mine was actually indoors for a few months so I was not worried about this. As far as it moving back toward the wall after installation the pieces all lock together and it does not move very easily but you do want to allow it to move slightly if it expands or contracts.
@@JeremiahMcintosh Everyone should read my above post... I also posted elsewhere that all the edges should be stained darkly and allow to dry BEFORE installation, as separation SOMEWHERE will occur revealing a light colored scar you'll be making excuses for to your friends and family and blame the product or your inexperience.. LOL! LOL!
@@pjf7943 you shouldn't have any exposed edges that can been seen. That's what the edging or nose is for
can you install this product over existing hardwood floor ?
Absolutely you just have to make sure there is no big humps or dips in your floor you want it to be pretty flat.
No you cannot
@@JeremiahMcintosh the laminate will sweat on top of the wood thus causing headers to pop out. You have also not used underlay.
The underlay Was already attached to the planks.
do I need plastic when installing on cemented 1st floor?
In not sure but it is anywhere moisture can be I would not us this and would use a luxury vinyl plank.
I would for a vapor barrier...
yes you need a vapor barrier on any slab/concrete areas, but i would use the vinyl plank for that
@@JeremiahMcintosh : Thanks was going to install in kitchen, but I don't think I will do that being that sometimes water does get on the floor when cooking . Thanks
Yeah I would definitely not install in areas where it’s prone to get wet. You may want to look into a luxury vinyl plank which I will be installing in my new living room. That can get wet without any problems and will not swell up.
Can you please upload a video about how to remove or repair a piece that was damaged in the middle of the room? I will appreciate it.
Not unless some of my floor gets damaged lol.
Can’t get mine to fall down
Probably not lock together all the way use a blocking hit it with a hammer like I did short end as well
@@JeremiahMcintosh tried that as well
What is that tools that you can use for.
There is a link for them in the video description.
is it water proof?
No it is not.
What about around heater vents ?
Pull the vent and sit on top of new flooring. Cuts don't have to be precise but enough to hold the vent up
What class rating is the floor used?
I’m Not really sure sorry
My floor is not locking as I add pieces
It’s a little tricky when you’re first getting started but you’ll know when they lock in because they will lay down flat. Make sure you hammer along the short edges and make sure the short edges are locked in as well with each piece because if the short edges aren’t locked in it also will not lay flat. You do not want to put nails in the flooring but you could put a few nails behind it until you get started but make sure you pull them out when you’re finished so the floor has room to expand if needed or it will buckle. I hope this helps. Are you using quickstep studio flooring Or a different brand?
I got the exact same ones in a different color and they don't really "lock" or click together. It's a huge hassle for me because as I tap them, something else comes loose. I feel like Sisyphus pushing a stone up the hill. Thinking about trying another brand and returning all these.
Make sure you tap on the short end as well if the short and doesn’t lock together completely it will keep the long ends from laying flat. It is a little tough to get started but once you get going and get a few pieces locked together it seems easier
Update: I got it to work. I had to build from the corner diagonal out rather than going row by row. Also for the first 2 pieces in a row I put the short ends together and folded them down until I heard a crease. That allowed the others to tap into place better. Hope it helps.
Awesome! Glad it worked out for you and you got them to lock together.
Still can't seem to get it to lay flat no matter how much I tap it with a hammer. I'm still on my first row and can't get the last to lay down
Make sure you tap the short end as well even tho it might look like it is in it will go more.