However, this technology does not offer the easiest installation and it’s more time-consuming than modern solutions, such as our 5G® Fold Down.
The second version is a Push Down system, like 5G-i™. This requires a rather high tolerance in production, it allows for one person installations but requires more force and a soft-faced hammer is needed to properly lock it in place.
The third system is a fold down system, such as our 5G Fold Down. We dare to say that our 5G Fold Down is the fastest, easiest and most reliable system on the market. It makes floor installation an enjoyable experience for everybody, both professionals and DIYs. When launched, our click system brought with it unheard-of convenience and precision and suddenly, one-person installations and one-finger engagement of the planks were a reality.

The type of locking system has a big say in overall customer satisfaction. As a DIY installer it might not be the first thing you think about when choosing a floor, but this will highly influence the result of the installation. For professionals, a modern installation system such as 5G Fold Down means more square meters installed within the same time.
When manufacturers and consumers choose a product with Välinge’s 5G Fold Down logotype they know they are getting the best floor installation system available. This means perfect and effortless installation every time with a result that stands the test of time. It’s also a very versatile solution that is perfectly suitable for both laminate, wood, and resilient flooring.

What determines the strength of a click system?
Locking systems work by correctly and consistently securing the floor panel’s position during a floating installation — which ensures that the floor can stand up to the thrills and spills of everyday life. An advanced locking system like 5G Fold Down secures the floor panels on two different axes — horizontal and vertical. This takes floor stability to a new dimension — preventing gaps between the planks and height differences between planks as well as dealing exceptionally well with movement from changing indoor climate, humidity, or just the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The strength of a high-quality locking system is especially important to look at over time. At Välinge we have one of the flooring industry’s largest and most advanced R&D Centers. This means that all products using our technology have gone through substantial testing before released to the market – all to ensure the high-quality we are known for.

The positive feedback we get from people living their lives on floors with our 5G Fold Down, and more recently 5G® Dry™, installation systems is another, highly appreciated, way for us to really know the strength and durability our innovations bring to a floor. Their satisfaction with everything from easy installation to floor longevity is what truly makes us happy and keeps us innovating.

Have there been any spectacular developments in click systems?
In general, it's an exciting time for the flooring industry. There has never been a greater variety of floor locking technology to choose from – suitable for all types of floors and budgets.

Our 5G® portfolio offers the fastest, easiest and most reliable installation on the market and both DIY and professional installers often highlight the effortlessness and time-savings this system offers. It’s important that people have a good experience installing a floor and we often hear from customers how great they think 5G is and how it makes their life easier — for us, this is the ultimate confirmation.

Lately, a lot of focus is on waterproofness and many floor options offer water-resistant features. But not all locking systems are created equal — and not all locking systems are waterproof or even water-resistant. In theory, a locking system creates a tight connection at the joints which can prevent liquids from leaking through to the subfloor and create real damage — but it's not really that straightforward. This is why we created 5G Dry. A waterproof upgrade to our well-known 5G Fold Down system. Our engineers have perfected a system that effectively blocks water and other liquids from penetrating the joints without the need of extra coating or chemicals.

Another exciting advancement is that it used to be impossible to install floors in straight sets without panels moving and creating shifts between the boards – but thanks to our brand-new 5G® Cross system this is no longer a problem. Installation is nothing but a breeze and all you need to add to keep your panels in the desired positions is a small cross component.

Herringbone is another pattern that used to be both hard and very time-consuming but with our 5G® Herringbone the traditional design is easier than ever to install. This method is the easiest and fastest installation alternative on the market and is perfectly suitable for both DIY and professionals.

The many benefits of Välinge’s 5G® portfolio are no longer limited to the floor. With 5G® Climb™, it is easy to create a wow-factor to any room simply by letting the floor climb the walls. Thanks to a unique clip this versatile solution allows for fast, easy and creative wall installation in all areas.

What are the characteristics of the ideal click system for these sorts of floors?
When Välinge introduced the mechanical locking system in the early 1990s it was a paradigm shift. It enabled for easier and more durable installations and revolutionized the business. Since, locking systems have considerably evolved and now offer much easier installation with more durable results every time – perfectly suitable for all choices of resilient, laminate and wood flooring.

For retailers and manufacturers, it’s important to know that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution and variables such as material, design, format and thickness of the panels impact the installation process. To ensure an excellent customer experience, we always offer our expertise and knowledge throughout the process and with 30 years in the business, we dare to say we truly know flooring technologies and locking systems.

The ideal click system for LVT, SPC and laminate flooring should mean easy installation, robustness, versatility and durability. Our versatile 5G portfolio is optimized to fit these products flawlessly. Choosing our 5G Dry system is especially beneficial for LVT, SPC and laminate since this means consumers get a waterproof and more durable floor – meaning less need to worry even for the more chaotic parts of everyday life.

Which tools are now the minimum ones required for the installation?
It’s not only the fast and easy installation process that comes with our 5G Fold Down system that is very beneficial – another advantage is that no tools are needed except a knife or a saw (depending on the material) to cut the panels. For installation, the panels are simply folded down and clicked into place in one single movement, without the need of any tapping blocks, wedges or a soft-faced hammer.