Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Hydro Step Flooring for your Bathroom
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Hydro Step Flooring for your Bathroom
Hydro Step Flooring is a popular choice for bathrooms, thanks to its 100% waterproof design, built-in underlay, and ease of installation. It combines durability with style, offering wood plank and stone tile effect that enhance any bathroom aesthetic. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a first-time installer, Hydro Step Flooring provides a seamless and straightforward installation process. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your bathroom gets a professional-grade flooring makeover without the hassle of hiring a contractor.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Hydro Step Flooring Planks
- Spacers (6-10mm thick)
- Measuring Tape
- Jigsaw, Handsaw, or Laminate Cutter
- Cleaning Cloth
- Safety Goggles
Step 1: Acclimatise the Flooring
Allow the Hydro Step flooring to acclimatise in your bathroom for at least 48 hours before installation. This ensures that the planks adjust to the room's temperature and humidity levels
Step 2: Prepare the Subfloor
Ensure that the subfloor is clean, smoth and dust-free. The flatness tolerance should not exceed 3mm in a 3-meter span. We would recommend spanding down or unsing a self-levelling compound in any uneven areas over 4.7mm.
Step 3: Starting the First Row
- Place a 6-10mm space against the wall to create an expansion gap.
- Position the first plank with its tongue side facing the wall.
- Fold the plank down in a single action to lock it into place.
Step 4: Continuing the First Row
- Take the second plank and place it tight against the short end of the first plank.
- Fold it down and press gently or knock slightly to secure the joint.
- Repeat until you reach the end of the row. Measure and cut the last plank as needed.
Step 5: Beginning the Second Row
- Use a spacer to maintain the 6-10mm gap.
- Start the second row with a plank at least 30cm long.
- PLace the plank's short end tight to the previous row and fold down.
- Press or knock gently along the short end until it clicks into place.
Step 6: Continuing the Installation
- Ensure the general minimum distance between the end of planks in parallel rows is at least 30cm.
- Adjust the floor distance to the wall every 2-3 rows by repositioning the spacers.
Step 7: Installing the Final Row
- Measure and cut the plank lengthwise (if needed) to fit.
- Maintain a 6-10mm gap between the last row and the wall.
- Glue down the short ends of the planks if necessary and secure them with spacers until the glue cures.
Special Installations
- Radiator Pipes: Drill holes 20mm larger than the pipe diameter to accommodate for expansion.
- Narrow Final Row: Ensure the final plank's width is at least 50mm.
Disassembly (If required)
Hydro Step flooring can be easily disassembled:
- Lift the entire row carefully and slightly know about the joint.
- Fold up and release the long edge.
Final Tips
Avoid forcing planks or using excessive force to secure joints. Clean the floor with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris after installation.
