Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - trouble installing floating wood floors

I am having the hardest time installing my new Nirvana Laminate Floors. My first row is in with spacers around the perimeters however, I am unable to install the second row without a whole lot of sweat, power and luck! I've only been able to install 3 boards and have spent hours! I know that this is supposed to be easy so I must be missing something.

Here's what I'm doing. I place the tongue-side of the length into the previous rows groove at a slight angle as close to the last board installed as possible. Once it seems to be in place (I'm am hearing no "click" however) and I lay the board level, I am unable to push or gently tap it down to fit the tongue into the groove on the short end. Also, it doesn't lay flat once the long edges are engaged so it's difficult to match up the short ends with one person, even if you could scoot the board down a bit. I know I'm supposed to tap gently however, that could take forever. I find myself tapping harder and harder with little or no result except for popping the previous rows apart. What am I missing? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Most floating install difficulties are related to an uneven subfloor.

It's all how you hold your mouth. I find biting my lip works. :thumbup:


It is all rotating lock. The first row has to be dead on lined up straight. Once the first 2 rows are in, it gets easy.

I use a wedge instead of trying to hold the previous board at that angle. I find it takes two hands to work it as you slowly pull the wedge out. :thumbup:

No taping block needed. You can really damage a rotating lock by taping on it. You will split the grove and gaps will appear later.

or..........you can try the way we did it: click together an entire row of planks short ends to short ends. get it lined up perfectly, then carefully scoot it up real close to the previous row. then lift up the entire row and click it into the previous row. it's a 2 person job, but it's really easy that way! :thumbup: :) we couldn't ever figure out how to do it like the directions said to......... :rolleyes:

Thanks for the advice! I have managed to get almost the whole second row in but I must say, I've had to use a block and do some major tapping. There is just no way to budge the board once it's locked in lengthwise. I think I will give the last suggestion a try. That seems like it may work. I'll keep you posted.