How To Lay Laminate Wood Flooring

Laying Laminate Wood Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide

Laminate wood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of hardwood without the high cost. It's also a relatively easy flooring to install yourself, making it a great DIY project. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you lay laminate wood flooring.

1. Prepare the Subfloor

The first step is to prepare the subfloor. The subfloor should be level, dry, and smooth. If the subfloor is not level, you may need to level it with a self-leveling compound. If the subfloor is not dry, you may need to wait until it dries or use a moisture barrier.

2. Install the Underlayment

Once the subfloor is prepared, you can install the underlayment. The underlayment will help to protect the laminate flooring from moisture and noise. There are several different types of underlayment available, so you will need to choose one that is appropriate for your needs.

3. Lay the First Row of Laminate Flooring

Once the underlayment is installed, you can begin laying the laminate flooring. Start by laying the first row of planks along the longest wall in the room. Make sure that the planks are aligned properly and that the edges are flush.

4. Continue Laying the Laminate Flooring

Once the first row of laminate flooring is laid, you can continue laying the remaining rows. Work your way from one end of the room to the other, and make sure that the planks are aligned properly and that the edges are flush.

5. Install the Baseboards

Once the laminate flooring is installed, you can install the baseboards. The baseboards will help to hide the expansion gap between the laminate flooring and the wall. There are several different types of baseboards available, so you will need to choose one that matches the style of your flooring.

Tips for Laying Laminate Wood Flooring

Here are a few tips for laying laminate wood flooring:

Use a tapping block and a hammer to tap the planks into place.
Make sure that the expansion gap between the laminate flooring and the wall is at least 1/4 inch.
Don't overtighten the screws when installing the baseboards.
Clean the laminate flooring regularly with a damp mop.