How To Install Laminate Flooring: Step-By-Step Guide

Installing laminate flooring is a popular home improvement project that many homeowners can tackle themselves. With its affordability, durability, and wide variety of styles, laminate flooring offers an attractive alternative to more expensive flooring options. This guide will direct you through installing laminate flooring, from preparation to the final touches. Whether you are a DIY beginner or an experienced handyperson, you’ll find valuable tips and tricks to ensure your laminate flooring installation goes smoothly.

Considerations Before Installing Laminate Flooring

For budget-conscious homeowners, laminate flooring is a great option because it is much less expensive than hardwood or tile. The material is resistant to scratches and dents while offering various patterns, colors, and styles to perfectly suit your home’s aesthetic.

Despite these benefits, it is not a good choice for homes in humid areas. Laminate expands and contracts in humid environments, potentially causing issues with the flooring’s fit and appearance over time.

Laminate floors are more slippery than hardwood or other materials, so it is not ideal in homes with pets, young children, or older adults. 

Tools & Materials Needed for Laminate Floor Installation

Before installation, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will help the project go smoothly and prevent interruptions. Some common tools and materials for installing laminate flooring include:

• Underlayment
• Spacers
• Hammer
• Rubber mallet
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Straight edge
• Saw
• Utility knife
• Duct tape
• Pull bar

Other materials may vary, but we recommend eye and ear protection to keep you safe throughout the project.

Installation kits are available at most home improvement stores. They typically include tools like spacers, a tapping block, and a pull bar. We recommend beginners use a kit for a smoother process.

Laminate Flooring Installation Steps

Installing laminate flooring is a surprisingly straightforward home improvement project that’s more than doable for most homeowners—even if you don’t have much DIY experience.

• Step 1: Make the necessary preparations
• Step 2: Cut the molding around your door
• Step 3: Measure the room
• Step 4: Cut the first and last row of planks
• Step 5: Install the underlayment
• Step 6: Install the first row of planks
• Step 7: Install the remaining rows
• Step 8: Install the last row of planks

Step 1: Make the Necessary Preparations

To install your new laminate flooring, first remove your old floor. Thoroughly inspect the subfloor. It should be level, clean, and free from mold and mildew. While the subfloor does not need to be perfectly level, you want less than ¼ inch of unevenness across a 10-foot room. An uneven floor could be superficial or a signal of underlying foundation issues. Have a specialist investigate further if you have mold and mildew or other signs of foundation problems.

Cement backer board subfloors are common, but you may have a wood subfloor instead. In this case, check for protruding nails and remove them. Install a vapor barrier before installing the underlayment. 

Next, your laminate planks need time to adjust to the temperature and humidity conditions in the room. This process takes around 48 hours. Remove them from their packaging, and lay them flat on the ground in the room where you’ll be installing them for at least two days before starting.

Step 2: Cut the Molding Around Your Door

Trim the molding around your doorways so your laminate flooring sits flush against the wall. Lay a laminate flooring section on top of a piece of underlayment against the molding. Mark where the top of the laminate reaches on your molding in pencil so you know where to cut. Then, use an oscillating saw to cut the molding to the proper height. Repeat the process for all entryways. 

Note: It is much easier to cut the molding and install laminate flooring underneath than to cut a laminate plank to fit around your door jamb.

Step 3: Measure the Room

Most people prefer to install laminate flooring so the planks run parallel to the longest wall in the room. This orientation is pleasing to the eye and reduces how much you need to trim your laminate strips.

Calculate how many pieces of laminate you need by measuring the room’s width, starting at the longest wall and then dividing by the width of each laminate plank. Laminate flooring will expand and contract as the humidity and temperature change, so include space for a ⅜-inch gap against each wall.

It is unlikely that your result will be a whole number. Trim each piece in the last row widthwise to fit flush with the other planks and the wall.

If you need to trim the last row’s pieces to under 3 ½”, cutting the first and last rows might be easier. Take the space you need to fill and divide it by two. Then, use that number to figure out how much you need to trim each plank to fit.

Step 4: Cut the First and Last Row of Planks

Cut the pieces in the first and last row using your preferred saw. We recommend using a diamond blade if you have one since some types of laminate are extremely hard to cut with a regular blade. Do not worry about making a clean cut since you won’t see the edges once you install the molding.

Note: Clamping the laminate pieces when cutting stops them from sliding around.

Step 5: Install the Underlayment

If your laminate flooring doesn’t come with a pre-attached underlayment layer, you must install one separately. Underlayment offers protection against moisture and adds a bit of insulation to your floor. It also makes the floor quieter to walk on and more comfortable underfoot. If you install laminate flooring in a basement, put down a moisture barrier first to help protect your floor from water damage. Roll out the underlayment so that consecutive sheets touch without any overlap. If your underlayment overlaps, it will make your floor uneven. Use tape to secure the underlayment and prevent it from moving over time.

Step 6: Install the First Row of Planks

Now, it is finally time to start installing the floor itself. Getting the first planks right sets up the rest of the project, so take your time here.

Allow a ⅜-inch gap between the first row of laminate and the wall to allow for expansion. This is extremely important. If you forget, you will have buckling floors as the laminate expands. Place ⅜” spacers along your wall and attach them with duct tape so they do not move during the installation.

Start laying pieces against the wall, taking care to position the cut edge toward the wall—if you had to cut the first row by width—so it is harder to see in the finished product. Otherwise, orient the pieces so that each piece’s tongue faces the wall.

Snap the pieces together by pressing firmly. You do not need much force to connect them.

Cut the final piece to fit the remaining space. Do not forget to account for the ⅜” gap when measuring and making this cut.

Step 7: Install the Remaining Rows

Lay out the available laminate pieces to get a sense of the variety of colors and shades you have. Organize the pieces into groups to create a consistent overall look and avoid clumps of certain colors, grains, or patterns as desired.

The second row is similar to the first, with one primary difference. Make sure to stagger the seams so that one row’s seams sit roughly in the middle of each adjacent piece. Avoid having two seams right next to each other. Each seam should be approximately one foot away from any other seams.

Snap the second row’s pieces to the first by attaching each piece’s tongue grooves. If you find yourself pressing hard, you may not have aligned the pieces properly.

Trim each row’s final piece to size so it fits snugly at the end. Be sure to leave a ⅜-inch gap at each end of every row.

Some people like to encourage a snug fit by using a pull bar to pull the planks together as they go. Others also like to use a tapping block and a rubber mallet to lightly tap the planks together while they work to get a tighter fit. While neither technique is strictly necessary, both can help you achieve a crisp, clean look.

Save time and reduce waste by using the leftover piece from the previous row as the starting piece for the next row. This makes it easy to keep your rows staggered and reduces the number of cuts you must make.

Step 8: Install the Last Row of Planks

Installing the final row is much like installing the first row. Start by attaching spacers along the wall if you have not already done so. Do not forget to leave a gap for expansion.

The only remaining steps at this point are installing some quarter-round molding and baseboards and caulking the edges of the baseboards for a polished look.

Additional Tips for an Efficient Installation

Pay attention to details and follow these tips to save time and resources in the long run.

Ensure Proper Acclimation

Allowing your laminate planks to acclimate correctly prevents future issues. Place unopened boxes in the middle of the room, away from walls, which can have temperature variations. Keep the room’s climate stable during this period, avoiding significant temperature swings.

Double-Check Measurements

Accurate measurements are imperative for laminate flooring projects. Always measure twice and cut once to avoid errors. Use a speed square to cut perfectly straight. If working with angles, use a protractor to get precise measurements and cuts.

Work Around Obstacles

Precise cutting will maintain a professional look for areas with obstacles like vents or pillars. Create a template using cardboard to fit around the obstacle perfectly, then transfer this shape to your laminate plank. This practice ensures a clean, tight fit around obstructions without unnecessary gapping or misalignment.

Use Consistent Gap Spacing

Maintaining consistent gaps along walls is crucial for proper expansion. Use spacers uniformly throughout the installation. If you run out of spacers, use small pieces of laminate or similar materials to keep the gap uniform.

Cut Efficiently

Use the correct saw for each type of cut. A circular or table saw works best for straight cuts, while a jigsaw is ideal for intricate shapes or notches. Always wear goggles to protect your eyes from dust and debris. Keep your blades sharp for clean cuts and reduced splintering.

Take Safety Precautions

Always wear the appropriate gear. Keep your workspace well-lit and free of tripping hazards. Organize your tools and materials to prevent accidents and interruptions during your project.

Common Mistakes When Installing Laminate Flooring

Even experienced DIYers can make mistakes when installing laminate flooring. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Forgetting expansion gaps: Always leave a ⅜” gap around the room to allow for expansion.
• Not staggering seams properly: Ensure seams are at least 6 inches apart between rows for a stronger, more attractive floor.
• Ignoring subfloor issues: Address any unevenness or moisture problems in the subfloor before installation.
• Rushing the acclimation process: Give the flooring ample time to adjust to the room’s climate before installation.
• Using excessive force: Laminate planks should click together easily. If you’re forcing them, recheck your technique.

Related: Pergo XP Vs. Pergo Outlast: Which Laminate Flooring is Better?