Installation Guide

0446ES | 03/2021 | PAGE 6 OF 9
PERGO® IS MANUFACTURED AND DISTRIBUTED BY MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, INC.
MOHAWK TECHNICAL SERVICES - HARD SURFACE | 888.387.9881 OPTION 3 | [e-mail]
Rigid Core Vinyl Plank Installation Instructions
Defense+
™
PERGO DEFENSE+ VINYL PLANK CLICK LOCK INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Inspect each plank. Floor should be installed by blending planks from several cartons at the same time to ensure good color
and shade mixture throughout the installation.
2. It is recommended that installation begin in a corner of the room with the tongue facing the wall. Between the first row of
flooring and the wall, insert spacers so that a 3/8" (9 mm) gap is created.
3. When installing the first row, insert the short edge of one plank into the short edge of another plank at a slight angle and
rotate downward. Continue to complete the starter row, maintaining a straight edge for the following row.
4. Use a tapping block and soft-faced hammer to close any gaps between the planks.
5. Once you reach the end of the first row, measure and cut the final plank so that it completes the row while also leaving the
necessary 3/8" (9mm) expansion gap. Last planks of rows must be at least 8" long.
Note: Use a spare plank to create a straight edge at the cut line. Use a utility knife to score the top of the pattern and snap the
panel. It will be necessary to cut the foam underlayment after snapping the panel.
6. Start the second row of flooring by trimming a plank to a length dierent from the first plank in the first row. First and last
pieces must be at least 8" long. End joints should be staggered a minimum of 6".
7. At a slight angle, insert the long edge tongue of the first plank in row 2 into the long edge groove of the plank in row 1 until
the plank edges meet, and then rotate down until the joints lock.
8. When joining the next plank to the first plank in the row, join the short side edges first. There will be a gap on the long side
joints when the plank is rotated down.
9. Raise the outside long edge of the plank upward approximately 1". This will raise the outside long edge of planks in that row.
Maintain this angle as you push the plank in until the long edge of the plank meets the long edge of the first row. Rotate
downward on the plank until the joint locks.
10. After tapping the long side joint closed, close the short edge joints using a tapping block or pull bar.
11. Repeat these steps to complete the installation.
12. After each row is complete, ensure there will be a 3/8" (9 mm) gap (after the joints are closed) to the wall for expansion.
13. For the last row, align the plank to be used on top of the 2nd to last row. Using a full-width plank as a spacer, trace the wall
contour. Use a full plank as a straight edge to cut the plank. Insert the long edge tongue in to the long edge groove and use
a pull bar and hammer to close the gap.
14. After tapping the long side joint closed, close the short edge joints using a tapping block or pull bar.