Why they matter
Flooring warranties usually depend on the floor being laid the way the maker's instructions say. If something goes wrong and the instructions were not followed, a claim can be refused. The instructions also hold the exact numbers for your product, where this site can only give typical values.
Where to find them
- In the box. Most floors come with a folded leaflet in one of the packs, and some print the key steps on the carton. Open one box first and look before you start.
- On the maker's website. Search for the brand, the product line and "installation instructions". Look under downloads, technical documents or support. Instructions often differ between product lines, so match the name on your box exactly.
- On the retailer's product page. Many shops add the installation PDF under a documents or specifications tab.
- Ask. The retailer or the maker's customer service can send them. Give the product name and the batch or lot number printed on the box.
Take a photo of one box label showing the product name and batch number, and keep it with the instructions and your receipt. You need all three for a warranty claim, and the batch number helps if you have to buy matching boxes later.
What to check before you cut
| Check | Why | In the planner |
|---|---|---|
| Expansion gap at the walls | Too small and the floor buckles in summer | Step 3, Gap at walls |
| Largest floor before a transition is needed | Floating floors need a break in large rooms and often in doorways | Step 3, Check your box |
| Shortest piece and end-joint stagger | Short pieces and close joints weaken click floors | Step 3, Installation rules |
| Subfloor flatness and moisture limits | The most common reason for failed floors and refused claims | Install steps |
| Underlay and vapour barrier | Some products need a specific underlay, some none at all | Step 3, What's underneath |
| Acclimatising and room conditions | Temperature and humidity ranges differ by product | Install steps |
| Underfloor heating | Whether it is allowed, and the maximum floor temperature | Step 3, What's underneath |
| Rooms it is not suitable for | Bathrooms, conservatories and unheated rooms are often excluded | Not covered |
| Fasteners, adhesive or trowel | Nail spacing and adhesive type are product-specific | Shopping list (typical values) |
If a number in the instructions differs from what the planner filled in, change it in the planner. The plan updates straight away.
The standards behind the instructions
For wood floors, many makers refer to the NWFA Wood Flooring Installation Guidelines for anything their own instructions do not cover. Our wood pages follow the 2025 edition. For laminate, the North American Laminate Flooring Association publishes its product and underlayment standards free on its website. For tile, the adhesive, membrane and backer board makers' data sheets set most of the details, so read those as well as the tile box.
When the instructions and this site disagree
Follow the instructions. They are written for your exact product, and they decide the warranty. If you think something on this site is wrong or out of date, please tell us so we can fix it.
Spot an error or something out of date? Tell us and we will fix it. How we check our information