How to Install Laminate Flooring

9 Steps for Installing Laminate Flooring by Yourself

When considering new flooring in your home, there are many options, such as ceramic tiles, vinyl flooring, natural hardwood, concrete surface, bamboo flooring, marble, laminate flooring, and many others. However, one of the most popular materials is laminate flooring. Laminate flooring, or floating wood tile in the US, is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused with a lamination process.

According to Coswick, the core layer of laminate flooring is manufactured primarily from melamine resin and fiberboard material. The top layer has an imprinted textured image that looks like real wood. Simply put, laminating flooring is a composite. Laminate flooring is durable and scratch-resistant, available in various colors and designs. This beautiful material resembles real hardwood but can be purchased at an affordable price.
Many choose it for its versatility and resiliency; it’s a good option for most areas and rooms around your home. Laminate floors are also easy to install on your own, which can help save you a bit of money on hiring contractors. Here are the steps for installing laminate flooring that you can apply yourself.

1. Gather the necessary materials

You’ll need laminate flooring planks, underlayment, a saw (preferably a power saw), a tapping block, a pull bar, spacers, a measuring tape, a pencil, and safety equipment (such as safety glasses and knee pads)

2. Prepare the subfloor

Ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Remove any existing flooring and fix any imperfections or unevenness in the subfloor.

3. Install the underlayment

Roll out the underlayment over the entire floor area, ensuring the edges are properly aligned and there are no gaps between the sheets. Use a utility knife to trim the excess underlayment along the walls.

4. Plan the layout

Measure the room’s dimensions to determine how many rows of flooring you’ll need. It’s recommended to start laying the flooring planks parallel to the longest wall in the room.

5. Install the first row

Place spacers along the wall to create an expansion gap (typically around ¼ inch) that allows the flooring to expand and contract. Begin the first row by laying the plank with its grooved side facing the wall. Use the tapping block and a hammer to tap the plank into place gently. Use the pull bar and hammer to lock the planks together tightly.

6. Continue installing the planks

For the subsequent rows, use a short section of plank from the previous row to start the new row, ensuring that the end joints are staggered by at least 6 inches. Use the tapping block and pull the bar to fit the planks together securely. If necessary, trim the last plank in each row to fit the remaining space.

7. Trim around obstacles

When encountering doorways, vents, or other obstacles, measure and mark the planks accurately before cutting them to fit using a saw

8. Complete the installation

Continue installing the planks row by row, using the spacers to maintain the expansion gap. As you approach the final row, you may need to trim the planks to fit the remaining space. Remove the spacers and install baseboards or moldings to cover the expansion gap along the walls.

9. Clean and maintain

Once the flooring is installed, clean it thoroughly and maintain it by following the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and care.

It’s important to note that these steps provide a general overview of the laminate flooring installation process. It’s recommended to consult the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your laminate flooring for detailed guidance tailored to the product you are using.

These are some of the results of our projects that have been made by Michael. He built laminate flooring on the deck.

If everything up to these points make difficult for you, you can easily contact us. We will help.