How to Install Laminate Flooring

Learning how to install a floating laminate floor is a straight-forward project that most DIYers can tackle on their own. This guide will give you a general idea of the process, but before you go full-on weekend warrior, be sure to carefully read and follow the instructions provided with your particular laminate flooring for a successful installation.

How to Measure for Laminate Flooring

Knowing how to measure the square footage a room is an important first step. You never thought you’d use that knowledge from geometry class, but the basic formula is length times width. Turn odd areas into rectangles by multiplying the largest dimensions in both directions. Don’t forget to include closets when you measure.

How Much Laminate Flooring to Purchase

As a good rule of thumb, figure the square footage of the room(s) and add 10% (simply multiply by 1.10 — math class for the win again). The square footage should be marked on the package of flooring so you can determine how much laminate flooring you will need. The number of boxes will vary depending on the particular flooring.

Top Tools You Need for Laminate Installation

Before getting started, assemble all the tools for the job. 

• Eyewear
• Gloves
• Dust mask
• Knee pads
• Moisture meter
• Level
• Measuring tape
• Chalk line
• Pencil
• Hammer
• Hand saw or flush-cut saw
• Circular saw with 40-tooth carbide blade
• Jigsaw
• Utility knife
• Pull bar
• Tapping block
• 3/16-inch spacers
• Felt furniture pads

If your flooring includes waterproof warranty coverage, you will also need Performance Accessories PerimeterSeal Tape, which is the fastest and easiest option, or Performance Accessories Waterproof Quarter Round. You can also use a combination of foam backer rod and 100% silicone sealant, but it’s messy and the fumes are … well … let’s just say unpleasant.

Preparing the Subfloor

Successful laminate installations start with proper preparation underneath. First remove any existing flooring and underlayment. Then use a level to check for depressions and fill with floor leveling compound to create a smooth, level subfloor.

Next, using a hand saw or flush-cut saw, undercut any door casings as needed. The flooring should slide easily under each casing.

Finally, vacuum the subfloor thoroughly to remove any debris. Your subfloor should now be flat, smooth and clean — ready for installation.

Pro Tip:

For casings that need to be trimmed, prop the flush-cut saw on top of a scrap piece of the new flooring to ensure the correct height.

Underlayment for Vinyl Flooring

For planks without attached padding, you will need to install a single layer of underlayment. There are many options to choose from, depending on your needs. Underlayments can dampen sound, provide a vapor barrier, even out minor subfloor imperfections, and insulate floors. Be sure to choose a product intended for laminate and approved by the flooring manufacturer.

For planks with attached padding, you can install a manufacturer recommended moisture or vapor barrier before installing the laminate flooring.

Note that concrete subfloors require the installation of a vapor barrier with overlapping seams of eight inches or more.

Pro Tip:

For best results, acclimate your new flooring by placing it in the room for 24 to 48 hours prior to installation. Optimal temperatures to acclimate, install and maintain your flooring range from 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Cut Laminate Flooring

Learning how to cut laminate flooring is fairly straightforward. A circular saw with 40-tooth carbide blade works best for most cuts. You may also need a jigsaw for cuts around pipes or other obstructions.

Cut planks with the finished side up unless the instructions of your particular flooring recommend otherwise. Clamp the planks to keep them in place for more precise cutting.

Installing the Laminate Flooring

Once the subfloor has been prepped, measure the short dimension of the room and divide by the width of the planks. Plan ahead to be sure the first and last rows will be at least half the width of the planks.

Next, measure the long dimension of the room and divide by the length of the planks to ensure the first and final planks in each row measure at least eight inches long. Keep in mind that cut planks should never measure less than eight inches.

If your starting walls are straight and square, remove the tongue on the long side and the short end of the first plank. For uneven walls, trace the contour of the walls on the tongue sides of the plank and cut to fit.

Lay the first plank in the corner, cut sides to the walls with long side against the long wall and short end to the shorter wall. Insert 3/8-inch spacers to leave room for expansion.

Pro Tip:

Install flooring using planks from several cartons to ensure a more natural blend of colors throughout the floor, and be sure to inspect each plank closely before laying it.

For the second plank, remove only the long side tongue. At a slight angle, insert the short tongue into the groove of the first plank and rotate downward to click the joint together. Repeat this process until you reach the opposite wall, tapping the groove ends with a tapping block or pull bar to ensure tight joints.

Cut the last plank to fit, again leaving a 3/8-inch space at both walls for expansion.

Pro Tip:

Lay a carton of flooring over installed rows to keep them still while installing subsequent rows.

Start the second row by using the trimmed piece from the previous row to offset the joints. Join the first two planks in the second row at the short ends. Next, raise the outside edge of the planks up an inch or so, pushing the long tongues against the grooves of the first row and rotate down until the joints click together.

Tap the long side of the second row and then the short end to close the joints, using a tapping block or pull bar. Be careful, since excessive force may damage the joint.

Repeat this process to complete the remaining rows, always maintaining a 3/8-inch space for expansion wherever the flooring meets a wall or other fixed object.

Remember that pieces at the beginning and end of each row must measure at least 8 inches long, and joints should be offset by at least 12 inches between rows.

For door casings, slide the plank under the pre-cut casing. Tap the long side joint closed first, then tap the end joint closed.

On the final row, trace the wall contour if necessary and cut planks along the long groove edge to fit.

Finishing Your Laminate Floor

Once all the planks are in place, remove the spacers. For products without a waterproof warranty, you’re ready to install accessories like molding and transitions, being careful to avoid gaps between the molding and flooring. A word of caution, however, don’t install moldings too tight to the flooring to allow for natural expansion and contraction.

If your flooring comes with waterproof coverage, you must seal the entire perimeter of the installation.

Pro Tip:

Performance Accessories PerimeterSeal Tape allows for faster installation and easier clean-up.

First, you’ll need to fill all expansion spaces along the perimeter. The fastest and easiest way is to install Performance Accessories PerimeterSeal Tape, which requires no other sealant. Simply fold the width of the tape so half adheres firmly to the floor and half to the wall or other fixed object. One and done! Your new laminate floor is ready for use.

Another option is to use Performance Accessories Waterproof Quarter Round and only apply 100% silicone sealant in any place the flooring meets doorframes or other fixed objects where you can’t use the quarter round. It’s important that you do NOT use acrylic sealant.

If you opt to use backer rod instead, insert 3/8-inch compressible PE foam backer rod to fill the expansion gaps and cover with 100% silicone sealant, ensuring full coverage. Also apply silicone sealant anywhere the flooring meets doorframes or other fixed objects. Once the silicone cures, your new floor is ready to use.

Of course, the final step is to invite all your friends and family to admire your handiwork!

Learn More

Visit [link here] for a video tutorial, so you can watch professionals easily install a laminate floor.