Angle Angle Lock

Involves fastening boards to each other (not the subfloor) with a built-in locking mechanism.

Pros

• Laminate is easy to cut with a saw or shear.
• The product can be installed in multiple rooms.

Cons

• The angle/angle locking system requires the row to be on a slight angle until the row is completed.

Lock & Fold

Easy two-step locking installation system is good for the DIYer.

Pros

• Installation is fast and easy. 
• Quick clean up.

Cons

• Requires expansion space.
• Larger installations may require a transition strip.

Full Spread

An Armstrong Flooring installation system for residential vinyl flooring with the Armafelt backing. Armafelt Options provides the option of installing some residential Armafelt backed floors with adhesive under the entire area of the floor (full spread) or just around the perimeter (perimeter plus).

Pros

• Can spread a 12” band of adhesive around the perimeter or outside edge of the underside of the floor. This option saves time and money.

Cons

• Temperature recommendations are extremely important to the perimeter plus installation method.

Perimeter Plus

An Armstrong Flooring installation system for residential vinyl flooring with the Armafelt backing. Armafelt Options provides the option of installing some residential Armafelt backed floors with adhesive under the entire area of the floor (full spread) or just around the perimeter (perimeter plus).

Pros

• Can spread a 12” band of adhesive around the perimeter or outside edge of the underside of the floor. This option saves time and money.

Cons

• Temperature recommendations are extremely important to the perimeter plus installation method.

FasTak

Fastest, most forgiving LVT installation with releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back of the plank or tile.

Pros

• Installs quickly and easily with no mess.
• To cut simply score with a utility knife and snap.
• Position and re-position as needed.
• Repairs are fast and easy.

Cons

• Subfloor must be clean free of all debris and dust.

Floating

Floor installation that floats above the subfloor utilizing either locking planks/tiles or an underlayment

Pros

• Can be installed over most subfloors.
• Subfloor remains as a base for future floor replacements.

Cons

• Proper expansion space must be maintained throughout the installation.
• In areas of direct sunlight it may be required to use adhesive to fasten the product to the subfloor.

Full Spread

This installation method involves covering the entire backing of the floor with adhesive.

Pros

• Installed floor is fully adhered.
• Cabinets can be installed on top of the floor.

Cons

• Difficult to remove.
• Removal may require the subfloor also be removed and replaced.

Integrilock

First 5G locking system. Simply engage the side lock, slide over and snap the end lock into place. The product can be floated over most subfloors.

Pros

• Fast and easy installation without any modifications to the floor.
• Can be installed over most subfloors.

Cons

• Proper expansion space must be maintained throughout the installation.

Locking

Flooring floats on the subfloor using an angle/ angle locking system.

Pros

• Strong locking system -  the product is locked on the side and the end joints.
• Repairs are easy. Simply remove one plank and replace with a new one. 

Cons

• In areas of direct sunlight it may be required to use adhesive to fasten the product to the subfloor.

Modified Loose Lay

Tape is used to secure the flooring to the subfloor. No adhesive is required.

Pros

• Can be installed over wood subfloors such as plywood and OSB, provided the OSB has a factory fully sanded face.

Cons

• Only one seam allowed if installing over wood subfloor.
• Cannot install cabinets on top of flooring.

Self-Stick

Tiles have a peel-off backing that, once removed, uncovers adhesive on the tile’s underside.

Pros

• Quick and easy installation.
• Measure, remove release paper and place tile.

Cons

• Subfloor must be clean and free of all debris and dust.
• Cannot be installed on painted subfloors.