Installing Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is so easy to install, you can lay 300 square feet in one weekend–and even that is a conservative estimate.

All laminate flooring is installed differently, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

1. Ensure That Surface is Flat and Smooth

Unlike hardwood or engineered wood, laminate flooring will bridge only the tiniest gaps and irregularities. It is more of a cosmetic fix than a structural fix. Make sure that the surface on which you will install laminate flooring is nearly perfect.

2. Acclimatize Materials

Unwrap from protective covering and let laminate flooring acclimatize in the room where it is to be installed. The material must adjust to the humidity level of the room.

3. Cover Floor With Plastic

Lay down 6-mi plastic over entire floor surface as a vapor barrier.

4. Cover Plastic With Foam Underlayment

Foam underlayment recommended by the manufacturer goes on top of the plastic to absorb sound, bridge small gaps, and to make for an easier walking surface.

5. Run Laminate Flooring Planks Parallel to Longest Wall

Aesthetically, laminate flooring looks best when you run it parallel to the room’s longest wall. But it doesn’t have to go that way.

6. Lay Planks in Staggered Fashion

On the first row, begin with a full plank and continue row until you reach the wall. Cut board with a fine-toothed miter saw.

On the second row, start with a two-thirds-length plank and continue down the line.

On the third row, start with a one-third-length plank and continue down the line.

7. Glue or Snap Together

Depending on your laminate flooring material, you will either glue or snap the boards together.

8. Vary the Pattern

If you continue this same staggered pattern throughout the floor, you will call attention to the joints. So occasionally you will want to randomly stagger the boards so that the joints blend into the general appearance of the floor.

9. Cut Around Obstructions

Radiator pipes, cabinet corners, stairs–all are obstructions that you will need to cut around with a fine-toothed jigsaw blade.