Learning how to install laminate flooring can open up a new pathway to enjoying one of the most popular flooring options. Known for its wide variety of styles, textures, and finishes, laminate flooring is becoming a new favorite in many homes and working environments.
From materials and equipment needed, to know the step-by-step process, there are a few tips and tricks that will make the installation process a whole lot smoother.
Equipment and Materials Needed
Equipment/Tools
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Tapping block or pull bar
- Rubber mallet
- Tape measure
- Straightedge
- Speed Square
- Pencil
- Circular saw, jigsaw, or handsaw
- Table saw
- Chalk box
Materials
- Laminate flooring
- Underlayment and tape
- Scrap wood spacers
Best Steps On How To Do It
The following steps will assist in the process of how to install laminate flooring:
Step 1: Examine the Flooring Layout
Test-fit a few laminate planks to see how they will appear in the room by arranging the planks side by side across the room and locking the side joints together or butt the planks against one another.
Step 2: Place the Vapor Barrier or Underlayment in Place
Put down an underlay for the laminate flooring to absorb sound, create a thermal barrier and make it more comfortable to walk on. One can roll out sheets of underlayment, put the edges together so they are touching but not overlapping, and then secure the seams with tape.
Step 3: Start the First Plank Row
One can lay the first row of laminate flooring along the longest wall with the trimmed edges of the planks against the wall while starting on the right side and working towards the left. One should use a spacing of about 1/4 to 3/8 inches away from the wall and ensure that the groove edges are facing out.
Step 4: Wrap Up the First Row
Cut the plank to length with a circular saw or jigsaw and keep the cut-off end for the first plank in the second row. Finally, fit the final cut piece into the first row of flooring, and secure the tongue-and-groove end joint.
Step 5: Plan the Next Rows
The rows of laminate planks should have a staggered, sawtooth appearance for seams to never line up in adjacent rows.
Move in a direction from right to left, noting that the last piece in each row of laminate flooring will always be cut off, with this cut-off piece from the left side moving down to begin the next row of flooring on the right.
Step 6: Install the Last Row
Install the last row of ripped planks, using the same tongue-and-groove fitting technique as before. Then, remove all spacers and install baseboard molding along the room’s perimeter.
Tips and Tricks For Installing It
How To Cut Laminate Flooring Correctly
To avoid noise and dust, one can cleanly and quietly cut the planks with a laminate shear where they’re going to be installed.
Floor Installations: Where To Begin
Start on the wall that has the most doorways. One will still have to undercut jambs and trim, but it’s easier starting at a doorway as opposed to ending up at one.
Make Use of a Sacrificial Scrap With A Tapping Block
When using a tapping block to tap a plank into place, one should snap in a sacrificial scrap, and tap on that to avoid damaging the flooring edges.
Start With A Smooth Subfloor First
As laminate flooring does not work best on uneven surfaces, it is advised to inspect the subfloor before starting the installation process to find areas that are more than 1/8-inch high or low. When such areas have been found, one can use a belt sander with a coarse-grit belt to smooth over the subfloor.
Visit Laminate Flooring Services Today!
When it comes to knowing how to install laminate flooring, Interior Motives has all the answers. We offer a wide variety of flooring options and cater to all types of flooring projects such as residential home remodels, new construction, corporate offices, apartment complexes, and more.
Call us today at Interior Motives Flooring for a free quote or contact us online, where our team is ready to assist you with all your flooring needs!
