How Do You Lay Laminate Wood Flooring

How Do You Lay Laminate Wood Flooring?

Installing laminate wood flooring is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few hours. However, there are some essential steps that you should follow to ensure a successful installation.

1. Preparation

The first step is to prepare the subfloor. The subfloor should be level, smooth, and free of any debris. If the subfloor is not level, you can use a self-leveling compound to smooth it out. If the subfloor is not smooth, you can use a sander to smooth it out. Once the subfloor is prepared, you can start laying the laminate flooring.

2. Laying the First Row

The first row of laminate flooring is the most important, as it sets the tone for the rest of the installation. Start by measuring the length of the room and cutting the first plank to fit. Then, place the plank in the corner of the room and use a tapping block and hammer to tap it into place. Continue laying the first row of planks, making sure that they are all level and tight together.

3. Laying the Remaining Rows

Once the first row is complete, you can start laying the remaining rows. To do this, simply take a plank from the next row and align it with the edge of the previous row. Then, tap the plank into place using a tapping block and hammer. Continue laying the remaining rows of planks, making sure that they are all level and tight together.

4. Finishing Up

Once all of the rows are in place, you can finish up by installing the baseboards and moldings. The baseboards will help to hide the expansion gap between the flooring and the wall. The moldings will help to add a finished look to the room.

5. Tips

Here are a few tips for installing laminate wood flooring:

Use a tapping block and hammer to tap the planks into place. This will help to prevent the planks from being damaged.
Make sure that the planks are all level and tight together. This will help to prevent the flooring from buckling or warping.
Leave a small expansion gap between the flooring and the wall. This will allow the flooring to expand and contract without buckling.
Install the baseboards and moldings to finish up the installation.