How to Install Laminate Flooring: Step-by-Step Guide

Essential Steps for Installing Laminate Flooring

Step 1: Prepare the Room

The first step in the process of installing laminate flooring is clearing and cleaning the room.

• Move all furniture and rugs out of the space.
  
  
• Remove old flooring if needed.
  
  
• Take off baseboards and door trims carefully.
  
  
• Clean the subfloor and check for damage.
  
  
• Ensure the surface is level and dry.

Let your new laminate planks rest in the room for 48 hours before you install them. This allows them to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity, which prevents buckling later.

Step 2: Lay Down Underlayment

Most laminate floors need an underlayment, which helps with sound, comfort, and moisture protection. Some planks have underlayment already attached - check before you buy.

• Roll out the underlayment over the subfloor.
  
  
• Do not overlap the edges.
  
  
• Tape the seams with underlayment tape.
  
  
• Trim the edges neatly along walls and corners.

If you are laying over concrete, you must first put down a moisture barrier to keep your floor safe from water damage.

Step 3: Plan the Layout

Smart planning prevents problems and saves you from awkward cuts.

• Measure the room’s width and divide by the plank width.
  
  
• Make sure the last row won’t be too narrow (less than 2 inches wide).
  
  
• Adjust the starting row if needed to balance both sides.
  
  
• Start laying the floor from the left-hand corner of the longest wall.
  
  
• Mix planks from different boxes to get a more natural look.

Step 4: Lay the First Row

Now it’s time to begin the fun part - laying the floor.

• Place spacers along the wall to allow for a 10 mm expansion gap.
  
  
• Put the first plank in place with the tongue side facing the wall.
  
  
• Connect the next plank end-to-end using the click-lock system.
  
  
• Cut the last plank in the row to fit as needed.
  
  
• Make sure the entire row is straight and tight.

Step 5: Add More Rows

Once the first row is in place, build out the floor one row at a time.

• Start the second row with a plank at least one-third shorter than the previous row’s starting plank.
  
  
• This staggered pattern looks better and adds strength.
  
  
• Angle the long edge of the plank into the one before it, then press down.
  
  
• Use the tapping block and mallet to lock joints tight.
  
  
• Use the pull bar for planks near walls.

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Step 6: Make Special Cuts

Rooms often have corners, pipes, or doorways that require custom cuts.

• Measure the exact space where the plank will go.
  
  
• Mark and cut it with a jigsaw or handsaw.
  
  
• Sand rough edges for a cleaner finish.
  
  
• For door frames, you can cut the bottom of the frame slightly and slide the plank underneath.

Step 7: Finish the Last Row

When you get to the last row, you’ll probably need to cut the planks lengthwise.

• Measure the gap between the last full row and the wall.
  
  
• Subtract the expansion space.
  
  
• Cut planks to fit.
  
  
• Use the pull bar to click the final planks into place tightly.

Step 8: Add the Final Touches

Now you can make your room look complete.

• Remove the spacers from the walls.
  
  
• Reattach baseboards and trims.
  
  
• Install threshold strips in doorways.
  
  
• Fill any small gaps with color-matched caulk.
  
  
• Clean the floor with a soft, dry cloth.

Step 9: Keep Your Floor Looking New

After you install laminate flooring, protect it by using the right cleaning methods:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and dust.
  
  
• Wipe spills immediately with a dry or damp cloth.
  
  
• Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
  
  
• Keep pet nails trimmed.
  
  
• Never use excessive water when cleaning.

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