How To Put Laminate Wood Flooring Down

How to Put Laminate Wood Flooring Down

Laminate wood flooring is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your home without breaking the bank. It's also relatively easy to install, making it a good DIY project for the average homeowner. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to put down laminate wood flooring:

1. Preparation

Before you start laying down the flooring, you need to prepare the subfloor. The subfloor should be level, dry, and free of any debris. If the subfloor is not level, you will need to level it using a self-leveling compound. If the subfloor is not dry, you will need to wait until it dries completely before installing the flooring. And if the subfloor is not free of debris, you will need to clean it thoroughly using a broom and dustpan.

2. Install the underlayment

Once the subfloor is prepared, you can install the underlayment. The underlayment will help to protect the flooring from moisture and will also help to reduce noise. There are a variety of different underlayment materials available, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your needs.

3. Lay out the flooring

Before you start laying down the flooring, you need to lay it out to make sure that you have enough and that it will fit properly. Start by measuring the room and determining how many rows of flooring you will need. Then, lay out the first row of flooring along the longest wall in the room. Be sure to leave a small gap between the flooring and the wall to allow for expansion.

4. Lock the flooring together

Once you have laid out the first row of flooring, you can start locking the planks together. Most laminate flooring planks have a tongue-and-groove design that makes it easy to lock them together. Simply align the tongue of one plank with the groove of the next plank and press down until they lock into place. Continue locking the planks together until you reach the end of the row.

5. Cut the flooring

Once you have locked the first row of flooring together, you will need to cut the last plank to fit. To do this, measure the distance from the end of the last plank to the wall and mark it on the plank. Then, use a sharp utility knife to cut the plank to length. Be sure to cut the plank straight and at a 90-degree angle.

6. Install the flooring

Once you have cut the last plank to fit, you can install the flooring. Start by inserting the tongue of the last plank into the groove of the next-to-last plank. Then, press down on the plank until it locks into place. Continue installing the flooring in this manner until you reach the end of the room.

7. Trim the flooring

Once you have installed the flooring, you will need to trim it to fit around any obstacles, such as doorways or cabinets. To do this, use a jigsaw to cut the flooring to size. Be sure to wear safety glasses when using the jigsaw.

8. Install the molding

Once you have trimmed the flooring, you can install the molding. The molding will help to hide the edges of the flooring and will also give the room a finished look. There are a variety of different molding options available, so be sure to choose one that matches the style of your home.

Installing laminate wood flooring is a relatively easy DIY project that can add a touch of elegance to your home without breaking the bank. By following these steps, you can install laminate wood flooring like a pro.