How to Install a Laminate Floor

Are you planning to renovate your floors and give them a fresh look?

Install laminate flooring! Laminate flooring has become a popular option for homeowners due to its durability. It also comes in various colors and designs that make it perfect for all interior styles.

With the right tools and approach, you can install laminate flooring by yourself. If you’re looking to save on hiring a contractor, this is the laminate flooring installation guide for you. Read on to discover how to install a laminate floor!

Acclimate the Planks and Prep the Base

Before preparing the subfloor, you first need to acclimate your planks. Do this by laying down your planks on the installation site and leaving them alone for at least 48 hours. This allows your planks to adjust to the moisture and temperature conditions before installation.

Your subfloor is the foundation of the final product, so make sure it’s clean and smooth. You may need to remove any existing flooring, including trims and baseboards. If you have concrete flooring, you may need to patch up any chips to ensure it’s even.

Trim Door Jambs

Installing a new floor around a door is often the hardest part of the job. To make it easier, you want to cut some trim from the door. This saves you the trouble of having to cut an irregular plank shape.

Lay a piece of laminate over the underlayment and line it up with your door frame. With a pencil, mark where the laminate and the frame meet. Use a jamb saw to cut, and you should be able to slide this piece over the small gap with ease.

You can also find custom floor molding here at Ultimate Floors.

Install the Underlayment

The underlayment consists of dense and thin foam. This allows your floors to absorb sound and warm up faster. It also helps you even out any dents or gaps in your subfloor.

Roll out two rolls of underlayment and use a utility knife to trim the pieces as needed. Ensure that they don’t overlap to avoid uneven bumps on your floors. Moisture-prone rooms like kitchens may require a vapor barrier before the underlayment.

Lay Down the First Row

Pick a wall to begin the installation. Most people start with the longest wall, but you may also start with a big focal point in that room. This can be a fireplace or large windows.

Start installing laminate flooring with the tongue side against the wall. Place the groove of the next piece, then snap it into place. When you reach the last plank of the row, cut it and leave a gap for expansion.

Lay Down Subsequent Rows

Start the second row with a smaller or longer plank. You may also use the piece you cut from the last plank of the first row. Staggering the planks gives your floor a more professional look and makes it more secure.

You may use a pull bar or tapping block to secure the planks. This ensures there are no gaps in between your laminate pieces. Keep in mind that you may need to cut off a bit of the width for the final row of laminate.

Add Final Touches

After installing the last row, remove the spaces and install the necessary baseboards and door thresholds. Caulking the edges of your baseboards will give your floor a smoother and more finished look.