How To Install Laminate Flooring On Wood Subfloor

How to Install Laminate Flooring on a Wood Subfloor

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, affordability, and ease of installation. If you have a wood subfloor, installing laminate flooring is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a weekend.

Materials You'll Need:

Laminate flooring planks
Underlayment
Vapor barrier
Tapping block
Pull bar
Spacer blocks
Circular saw
Jigsaw

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Subfloor:

Before installing the laminate flooring, make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. If there are any uneven spots, use a sander or leveler to smooth them out.

2. Install the Vapor Barrier:

To protect the flooring from moisture, lay down a vapor barrier over the subfloor. Overlap the edges of the barrier by at least 6 inches and tape them together with duct tape.

3. Install the Underlayment:

The underlayment provides cushioning and soundproofing for the flooring. Cut the underlayment to fit the room and lay it down over the vapor barrier. Overlap the edges by 2 inches and tape them together.

4. Start Laying the Flooring:

Start laying the flooring in a corner of the room. Place a spacer block between the wall and the first plank. Tap the plank into place using the tapping block and a hammer.

5. Continue Laying the Flooring:

Continue laying the flooring row by row, tapping each plank into place. Use a spacer block to maintain a consistent gap between the planks and the walls.

6. Cut Planks for the Perimeter:

When you reach the end of a row, measure and cut the last plank to fit. Use a circular saw for straight cuts and a jigsaw for curved cuts.

7. Tap the Planks Together:

Use the tapping block and hammer to tap the planks together tightly. Avoid hitting the laminate planks directly, as this could damage them.

8. Remove the Spacer Blocks:

Once the flooring is installed, remove the spacer blocks. Use a pry bar or pull bar to gently pry the blocks out.

9. Install the Moldings:

To finish the installation, install baseboards, quarter rounds, or other moldings around the perimeter of the room. This will cover the expansion gap and give the flooring a finished look.

Tips:

Allow the laminate flooring to acclimate to the room temperature for 24-48 hours before installing.
Use a tapping block and hammer to tap the planks together, not a regular hammer.
Leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap around the perimeter of the room.
Cut the planks to length using a circular saw or jigsaw with a fine-toothed blade.
Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to keep it clean.