1. Planning and Preparing the Space
Before you dive into installing laminate flooring, taking time to properly plan and prepare your space is essential for a smooth DIY experience. This step sets the foundation for everything that follows. Let’s break it down into manageable tasks.
Evaluate Your Room
Start by assessing the room where you’ll be installing laminate flooring. Measure the length and width of the space to calculate the total square footage. Always add 10% extra to account for waste, cuts, and future repairs. Also consider the shape of the room—irregular spaces may require more planning or additional trimming.
Example Measurement Table
| Room Dimension | Measurement (in feet) |
|---|---|
| Length | 15 ft |
| Width | 12 ft |
| Total Sq. Ft. | 180 sq. ft. |
| Add 10% Extra | 198 sq. ft. |
Choose the Right Laminate Flooring
Laminates come in various styles, thicknesses, and finishes. Choose a product that suits your home’s design and lifestyle needs. If you have pets or kids, look for scratch-resistant options. For high-moisture areas like kitchens or basements, select water-resistant or waterproof varieties. Don’t forget to check if your chosen laminate requires underlayment—it can affect comfort and sound insulation.
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
You don’t need expensive tools to install laminate flooring, but having the right ones will make things much easier. Here’s a list of what you’ll typically need:
| Tool/Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Tape Measure | For accurate room measurements |
| Pencil & Chalk Line | Marking straight lines and layout planning |
| Laminated Flooring Cutter or Saw | Cuts planks to size; a miter saw works well too |
| Tapping Block & Pull Bar | Aids in fitting planks tightly together without damage |
| Spacers | Keeps expansion gaps along walls consistent |
| Underlayment (if needed) | Adds cushioning and soundproofing beneath floors |
Prepare the Subfloor
A clean, dry, and level subfloor is crucial for successful installation. Whether youre working with concrete, plywood, or existing vinyl, follow these steps:
- Sweep and vacuum thoroughly to remove dust and debris.
- If installing over concrete, test for moisture using a moisture meter or plastic sheet method.
- If subfloor is uneven (more than 1/8 inch over 6 feet), use leveling compound to even it out.
- Remove any baseboards or trim that may be in the way during installation.
Pro Tip:
If you’re removing old carpet, double-check for leftover staples or tack strips—they can interfere with your new flooring.
2. Acclimating Your Flooring
Before you start laying down your laminate flooring, it’s important to let the planks get used to the environment where they’ll be installed. This process is called “acclimation,” and skipping it can lead to problems like warping, buckling, or gaps between planks later on.
Why Acclimation Matters
Laminate flooring is made from materials that expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. If you install the planks right out of the box without giving them time to adjust to your room’s climate, they may shift after installation—causing uneven surfaces or damage.
How Long Should You Acclimate Laminate Flooring?
Most manufacturers recommend acclimating your laminate planks for at least 48 hours before installation. Always check the instructions provided with your specific flooring product for exact guidance.
General Acclimation Guidelines:
| Room Temperature | Relative Humidity | Acclimation Time |
|---|---|---|
| 60°F – 80°F (15°C – 27°C) | 35% – 65% | 48 – 72 hours |
Steps to Properly Acclimate Your Laminate Planks
- Bring the flooring inside: Move the unopened boxes into the room where you plan to install them.
- Lay flat: Stack the boxes flat on the floor, but dont pile them too high (no more than three boxes high) to allow air circulation.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Keep the boxes out of direct sunlight and away from heating or cooling vents.
- Keeps doors closed: Maintain a stable indoor environment in the room—close windows and doors during acclimation.
Pro Tip
If your home is newly built or recently renovated, make sure all painting, drywall work, and other moisture-producing activities are finished and fully dry before acclimating your flooring. Excess moisture can affect how well your laminate adjusts to its new environment.
This simple step can make a big difference in how well your floor performs over time. Taking the time to acclimate helps ensure a smoother installation and a longer-lasting result.
3. Installing the Underlayment
Before laying down your laminate flooring, it’s essential to install underlayment to create a smooth surface and protect your floors from moisture and noise. This step is crucial for both performance and comfort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do it right.
Why Underlayment Matters
Underlayment serves several purposes. It provides a cushion that makes walking more comfortable, reduces sound, and acts as a barrier against moisture that can damage your laminate flooring over time. Choosing the right type of underlayment depends on your subfloor and specific needs.
Common Types of Underlayment
| Type | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | Concrete or wood subfloors | Basic sound reduction and cushioning |
| Foam with Attached Moisture Barrier | Basements or areas prone to moisture | Includes vapor barrier for moisture protection |
| Cork | Noise-sensitive areas (like upstairs) | Excellent sound insulation and eco-friendly |
Step-by-Step Guide to Laying Down Underlayment
Step 1: Clean the Subfloor
Sweep or vacuum the entire floor area to remove dust, dirt, and debris. The surface should be flat, dry, and clean before you begin installing underlayment.
Step 2: Roll Out the First Row of Underlayment
Start in one corner of the room and unroll the underlayment along the longest wall. Make sure the smooth side faces up if using foam underlayment. If it includes a moisture barrier, follow the manufacturer’s direction for correct placement.
Step 3: Cut to Fit the Room
Use a utility knife or scissors to trim the underlayment so it fits snugly against the wall without overlapping onto it. Leave about a 1/4 inch gap around walls and any stationary objects like pipes.
Step 4: Tape Seams Together
If your underlayment doesn’t come with an adhesive strip, use underlayment tape to seal the seams where two rows meet. This helps prevent movement during installation and adds another layer of moisture protection.
Step 5: Continue Covering the Floor
Roll out additional sections of underlayment side by side until you cover the entire floor. Make sure each piece is properly aligned and taped down before moving on to laminate plank installation.
Pro Tips
- Avoid overlapping: Overlapping can cause uneven spots that affect how your laminate planks sit.
- Use a straight edge: When trimming around corners or obstacles, use a ruler or straight edge for clean cuts.
- Double-check alignment: Misaligned underlayment can shift during installation, so make sure everything is secure before moving forward.
This completes your underlayment installation—youre now ready to move on to laying your laminate planks!
4. Laying the Laminate Planks
Now that your subfloor is prepped and underlayment is in place, it’s time for the most rewarding part—laying down your laminate planks. This step transforms your space, so take your time and follow these simple instructions to get a clean, professional finish.
Start Along the Longest Wall
Begin installing planks along the longest wall of the room. Ideally, this wall should also be the most visible one when you enter the room. This helps create an optical illusion of a larger space and ensures a neater appearance.
Arrange the First Row
Place spacers between the wall and your first row of planks to maintain a 1/4-inch expansion gap. This gap allows for natural expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
Tips for the First Row:
- Lay planks with the tongue side facing the wall.
- Use a straightedge or chalk line to ensure a straight first row.
- If needed, trim the last plank of the row with a saw to fit.
Locking the Planks Together
Laminate flooring uses a click-lock system that makes installation easier. Heres how to do it right:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Angle and Insert | Insert the tongue of one plank into the groove of another at about a 30-degree angle. |
| 2. Press Down | Gently press down until you hear or feel it click into place. |
| 3. Tap if Needed | If there are small gaps, use a tapping block and rubber mallet to close them tightly. |
Staggering Your Seams
Avoid lining up plank ends across rows—it doesn’t just look bad; it also weakens your floor’s structure. Instead, stagger each row by at least 12 inches from the previous one. You can use offcuts from one row to start the next if they’re longer than 12 inches.
Trimming Around Obstacles
You’ll likely encounter door frames, vents, or corners where full planks won’t fit. Use a jigsaw or handsaw to carefully trim planks as needed.
Common Obstacles and Cutting Tips:
- Door Frames: Undercut using a jamb saw so planks can slide underneath for a cleaner look.
- Pipes or Vents: Drill holes slightly larger than the pipe diameter and cut out a section to fit around it. Cover gaps with matching trim rings later.
- Irregular Corners: Create a cardboard template first, then trace onto your plank before cutting.
Check Your Progress Frequently
Every few rows, step back and check for any misalignments or gaps. It’s much easier to fix mistakes early rather than later when more of the floor is covered.
Keep an Eye on Expansion Gaps
Don’t forget those spacers! Keep them in place all around the perimeter until you’re done installing every plank. This ensures your floor has room to expand without buckling or warping over time.
Laying laminate flooring might seem intimidating at first, but once you get into a rhythm with arranging, locking, and trimming each piece, youll find its very doable—even for beginners. Take your time and enjoy seeing your new floor come together!
5. Finishing Touches and Cleanup
Youre almost done! After all the laminate planks are installed, it’s time to give your flooring a clean, professional look. This step includes installing baseboards, adding thresholds (also called transition strips), and cleaning up your workspace.
Install Baseboards
Baseboards help cover the expansion gap between your laminate flooring and the wall. Here’s how to install them:
- Measure and cut: Measure each wall section and cut the baseboard accordingly using a miter saw for clean angles at corners.
- Dry fit first: Place them against the wall without nailing to check the fit.
- Nail into the wall: Use a finish nailer or hammer and finishing nails to attach the baseboard to the wall—not the floor. This allows your laminate to expand and contract naturally.
- Caulk and paint: If needed, caulk along the top edge where it meets the wall and paint for a polished look.
Add Thresholds and Transition Strips
If your new laminate floor meets another type of flooring—like tile or carpet—you’ll need thresholds or transition strips. These help bridge the height difference and create a smooth visual transition.
| Type | Use Case |
|---|---|
| T-molding | Between two floors of equal height (e.g., laminate to laminate) |
| Reducer strip | Between laminate and lower surfaces like vinyl or hardwood |
| End cap | Against sliding doors, fireplaces, or open edges |
- Measure doorway width: Cut the threshold piece to size.
- Attach track: Many thresholds use a metal track that you screw into the subfloor first.
- Snap in place: Once the track is secure, snap the threshold strip into it.
Tidy Up Your Workspace
A clean space highlights your hard work. Here’s how to wrap up:
- Sweep or vacuum: Remove dust, sawdust, and debris from installation.
- Mop lightly: Use a damp (not wet) mop with laminate-safe cleaner to remove smudges.
- Packing materials: Recycle boxes and packaging from flooring materials.
Your Floor is Ready!
You’ve now completed a full DIY laminate floor installation—from start to finish. Taking time with these final touches makes all the difference in how professional your floor looks. Great job!
