How to Install Laminate Flooring

After searching for the right floor style and color you’ve finally settled with laminate flooring. But now the question is, how do you install it? Laminate or engineered flooring can often go over existing flooring, no matter what the material is. With a few tools and a little time, you can turn any old floor into a new beautiful space where everyone can hang out. 

• Rubber mallet
• Tape measure
• Table saw
• Chop saw
• Pull bar
• Tapping bar
• Jigsaw
• Spacers

When removing an existing floor, whether it be laminate, carpet, or vinyl, always use best-practices to ensure the safety of yourself and your home.

Remove thresholds and baseboards using a flat pry bar. Use a piece of wood between the bar and the wall to protect the wall from damage.

*Expert tip: If you're removing existing molding, do so carefully this way it can be reused.

Check to see if the subfloor is solid, flat, and clean. Fix any holes or crack and remove protruding nails. Use an embossing leveler for floors that are mildly worn or damaged to smooth out the surface. This will provide a stable base for the new flooring. If the floor is badly damaged and too difficult to remove cover it up with new underlayment.

Plywood works best for carpet and wood floorings. Remember, when laying new underlayment on top of existing floors it will raise the floor, so make sure to cut door jams and give enough clearance for any appliances or cabinets.

If you are replacing a floor that is below grade, or in a place with high humidity and moisture, put down a vapor barrier.

Lay the unopened boxes of laminate planks in the room for 2 to 3 days to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity. This will ensure that the planks stay flat and do not warp.  

Measure out the width and length of the room. Plan to have your first row of planks parallel to the focal wall or longest wall in the room. To determine the width of the final row, divide the width of the room by the width of the planks. Allow for a 1/4 inch gap along both walls, as laminate flooring will expand. Make sure the first and last row of planks are at least 2 inches wide.

Start with the first row along a straight wall, and use tape to mark the plank. Then using a table saw, circular saw, or hand saw, remove the tongue along the side that will be up against the wall and the short side of the first plank. Keep the finished side of the planks up while cutting to help reduce splintering. For the cleanest cut use a finishing blade and clamps to hold planks steady.

It is easier to start your first row of planks away from the wall. Take the pieces you cut earlier and piece them together. Put the tongue into the groove of the previous plank. Press the plank flat to snap together. Continue by laying the first 2 rows of planks. When you get to the far wall, cut planks to fit the opening leaving a 1/4 inch gap. Using a hammer and pull bar, snap planks down into place.

Start the third row with the end of the plank at least 8 inches from the neighboring plank. This will give you a staggered look to your flooring, creating a stronger and more attractive floor. Work your way across the room laying down a single row at a time. Use a block and hammer to tap together any planks that have a gap. Once all rows are laid down and planks are tapped in flat, nail in baseboards and quarter-round molding to complete the room.