How To Install Wood Laminate Flooring

How to Install Wood Laminate Flooring Like a Pro

Transform your home with the warm, inviting look of wood laminate flooring. By following a few simple steps, you can achieve a professional-looking installation that will enhance your living space for years to come.

Materials Needed:

Wood laminate flooring
Underlayment
Moldings (optional)
Circular saw or laminate cutter
Tapping block or hammer
Crowbar
Measuring tape
Pencil

Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor

Begin by removing any existing flooring or debris. Check the subfloor for levelness and flatness. If necessary, use a self-leveling compound to create a smooth, even surface.

Step 2: Install the Underlayment

Roll out the underlayment over the subfloor, overlapping the seams by 6 inches. Secure the underlayment with tape or staples. Underlayment provides cushioning and helps reduce noise and moisture buildup.

Step 3: Determine the Starting Point

Measure and mark the center point of your room. This will be your starting point for installing the laminate flooring.

Step 4: Install the First Row

Start by placing the first plank along the center line, with the tongue side facing the wall. Use a tapping block or hammer to gently tap the planks into place, ensuring they lock together securely.

Step 5: Continue Installing the Rows

Continue installing the laminate flooring rows by aligning the planks' tongues with the grooves of the previous row. Tap them into place using the tapping block.

Step 6: Cut Planks to Fit

When you reach the end of a row, measure and cut a plank to fit the remaining space. Use a circular saw or laminate cutter for precise cuts.

Step 7: Install Moldings (Optional)

If desired, install moldings around the perimeter of the room to conceal the expansion gap between the flooring and the wall. Use a nail gun or adhesive to secure the moldings.

Step 8: Acclimatize the Flooring

Before walking on the newly installed flooring, allow it to acclimatize to the room's temperature and humidity for 24-48 hours. This helps prevent expansion or contraction.

Tips:

Leave an expansion gap of 1/4 to 1/2 inch between the flooring and walls to allow for expansion.
Stagger the joints between the planks for added strength.
Use a moisture barrier underlayment in areas prone to moisture.
Clean the flooring regularly with a laminate floor cleaner to maintain its appearance.

By following these steps, you can install wood laminate flooring with confidence and enjoy its beauty and durability for years to come.