Installing laminate flooring can completely transform the look and feel of a room. With its realistic wood or stone textures, laminate offers the warmth and charm of natural materials at a more affordable price point. Installing these floors yourself can save substantial labor costs compared to hiring a professional. With some basic DIY skills and the right tools, you can create the stylish new floor of your dreams.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire laminate floor installation process. Follow these essential steps and tips to ensure your new floor goes in smoothly.
Installing Laminate Floors
Laminate flooring has become an immensely popular choice among homeowners in recent years. Made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) layered with melamine resin and printed décor, laminate replicates the look of pricier hardwood, tile, and stone. But it comes at a fraction of the cost and requires little maintenance compared to natural flooring materials.
Many factors make laminate a smart flooring option for do-it-yourselfers:
- Affordable – Laminate floors cost $1-8 per square foot installed. This compares favorably to solid hardwood ($8-15 per square foot installed) or natural stone tile ($15-40 per square foot).
- Durable – The melamine wear layer resists scratches, stains, and moisture damage. Laminate can withstand heavy foot traffic for 15-25 years with proper care.
- Easy installation – Laminate uses a floating floor method of installation that avoids adhesive. Planks click together simply using a tongue-and-groove system.
- Variety of styles – From natural wood looks to patterned tile, laminate comes in countless design options to fit any decor.
Installing these floors on your own takes careful planning and attention to detail. But the savings and satisfaction of completing the project yourself makes the effort worthwhile. Follow the steps below to install laminate floors like a pro.
Preparing for Installation
Success starts with proper planning and setup. Rushing into installation without taking vital preparatory steps can lead to problems down the road. Be sure everything is ready before laying those first planks:
Acclimate the Flooring
Laminate flooring needs at least 48 hours to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the installation room. Let the planks sit unopened in the space well before you plan to start installation. Open the cartons but do not remove the planks. Simply spread them out to allow proper acclimation.
The room temperature should remain between 65-85°F with a humidity range of 35-55%. Use a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor conditions. Running the HVAC system ahead of time can help regulate indoor climate. Drastic temperature swings after installation can cause planks to shrink or expand and lead to gaps or buckling. Proper acclimation prevents these issues.
Check Door Clearances
Look at all doorways leading into the installation room. Check there is adequate clearance under the door for the new flooring and underlayment layer. A minimum of 1/2-3/4 inch clearance is needed.
Use a scrap piece of underlayment and flooring to test the clearances. If needed, plane doors or use a small circular saw to remove enough material from the bottom to accommodate the new floor.
Prepare the Subfloor
Your laminate floor will only be as smooth and level as the subfloor underneath. Take time to thoroughly inspect and prep the subfloor before starting.
The subfloor must be clean to allow proper adhesion of the underlayment. Sweep and mop thoroughly, then let dry completely. Use painter’s tape to patch any cracks or gaps between subfloor panels.
Check for uneven spots or voids that could telegraph through the new flooring. Grind down any high points. Fill any dips or voids using a polymer-modified patching compound. Allow the patching material to dry fully per manufacturer guidelines before installation.
Lastly, test moisture levels in the subfloor and room. Excess moisture below or behind the flooring can cause planks to swell and buckle. Test the subfloor moisture content with a 3-prong moisture meter. Levels should be below 4% for plywood/OSB and below 2.5% for concrete subfloors.
Check humidity levels in the room too. Use a hygrometer to ensure indoor relative humidity remains between 35-55% before and after installation. Dehumidifiers can help regulate moisture during summer months.
Gather Tools & Materials
Installing laminate flooring does not require specialized tools. You likely have most of the needed supplies already or can easily purchase them at your local home improvement store. Here is an overview of the basic tools and materials:
Tools
- Tape measure
- Table saw, jigsaw or circular saw (for cutting planks)
- Miter saw (for cutting door trim)
- Drill/driver
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Rubber mallet
- Pull bar (for snapping planks together)
- 1/8” spacers
Materials
- Underlayment
- Laminate flooring planks
- T-moldings and quarter-round (for transitions)
Consult the laminate installation guide to see if any specialized tools or materials are recommended. For example, some types of underlayment require a certain seam tape.
Always wear proper protective gear like goggles, gloves, and a dust mask when cutting laminate boards. Review all safety procedures before operating saws or other equipment.
Step-by-Step Installation
Once all the prep work is complete, you are ready to start installing the laminate planks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for proper floor installation:
1. Install Underlayment
Underlayment goes down first before the laminate planks. It cushion floors from subfloor imperfections, absorbs sound, and acts as a moisture barrier. Use underlayment recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Popular options include:
- Foam – Closed-cell foam is affordable and easy to install. Look for underlayment with attached protective vapor barrier.
- Cork – Provides cushioning and insulates against sound. Choose cork with attached vapor barrier.
- Felt – Offers economical sound insulation. Use 15lb felt for general use or 30lb high-density felt for soundproofing.
Cut the underlayment to size with utility knife or scissors. Run the underlayment in the opposite direction that the laminate flooring will run to prevent seams from aligning. Underlayment sections fit tightly edge-to-edge. Tape seams with adhesive seam tape.
Pull the underlayment 1/4” from walls and obstacles to prevent buckling. The foam will compress when the flooring is installed.
2. Lay Out First Row
Start installation along the longest wall in the room. This helps minimize the number of plank cuts needed.
Measure the width of the room to calculate how many full planks will fit into the first row. Divide the room width by the width of a plank. This gives you the number of full planks needed. Avoid ripping first-row planks smaller than 2 inches. Adjust your layout to allow a larger cut on the last plank.
Tip: Save leftover cut planks from starter rows to use at ends of rows further into the installation.
Align the tongue edge of the first plank against the starting wall. Maintain a 1/4″ expansion gap between the wall and floor using spacers. The gap allows the floating laminate room to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Dry fit the first row planks together without clicking them into place. Check for proper seating of the tongue-and-groove and make minor adjustments.
3. Click Planks Together
Once the trial layout looks good, you can start snapping the first row of planks together using the following steps:
- Apply glue to the bottom lip of the plank grooves. Consult the flooring directions for recommended adhesive. Just a small bead of glue helps strengthen the tongue-and-groove joints.
- Fit the end joint of the second plank into the end of the first plank, maintaining the expansion gap from the wall.
- Hold the second plank at a 20-30° angle and insert the tongue into the groove of the first piece.
- Press the second plank down flat slowly. The tongue-and-groove should fit snugly together.
- Use a rubber mallet and wood block to gently tap the plank into the adjoining piece, engaging the locking system. Do not directly hammer the flooring.
- Check for gaps at seams. Pieces fit tightly flush when properly locked together.
- Repeat steps to fit additional planks together down the first row until you reach the last full piece.
4. Cut Final Row Planks
The last plank in rows often needs to be cut to size. Make these rip cuts using a sharp utility knife and straightedge for clean, smooth edges:
- Place the plank face up. Use a square and pencil to mark the cutline.
- Score along the cut line with the utility knife several times to slice through the wear layer.
- Snap board backward to break cleanly along cutline.
- Use knife to trim any frayed edges or fiberboard on end.
You can also cut planks using a miter saw or jigsaw for more convenience on larger projects. Make multiple passes with a fine-tooth blade for smooth edges.
Slide the final cut plank into place, engaging the locking system with the mallet and wood block. Check your finished first row for tight seams before moving on.
5. Install Remaining Rows
After the first row is in place, installation moves quickly using the same click-lock method. Follow these tips for smooth progress:
- Stagger planks: Start each new row with leftover cut planks from previous starter rows. Stagger end joints at least 6 inches between rows. Avoid aligning joints to strengthen the floor.
- Maintain spacing: Use spacers to preserve 1/4” expansion gaps along all walls and vertical surfaces. Laminate needs this space to expand and contract. Improper spacing can cause buckling.
- Tap joints: Engage locking joints by tapping planks together with rubber mallet and wood block. Do not hammer directly on flooring. Check for snug seams.
- Inspect alignment: Occasionally lift a few rows and look for any gapping at seams. This indicates planks are not fully clicked together. Remove and reinstall improperly aligned boards.
6. Install Final Row
When you reach the last row, there likely will not be enough room for a full plank width. Follow these steps to cut the final row of boards to fit:
- Place a panel directly over the final row gap and place a scrap piece against the wall. Trace a cutline onto the rest plank.
- Cut the plank width to fit the space. Dry fit the piece to test for accurate trimming.
- Run a bead of glue on the outer edge of the last row tongue-and-groove. This strengthens the seam against wall movement.
- Engage locking system using the mallet and wood block. Insert spacers to maintain required expansion gap.
- Inspect all seams. Make any adjustments needed before the adhesive dries.
The last piece locks the floor securely in place. Your new laminate floor installation is complete! Now it is time to add the finishing touches.
Adding Finishing Touches
With the planks fully installed, a few minor finishing steps give your floor a polished, professional look:
Install T-Moldings
- Measure and cut T-moldings to size. Miter corners at 45° angles using a miter saw.
- Apply construction adhesive beneath the molding.
- Fasten to subfloor with finish nails, countersunk below the surface.
- Use colored wood filler that matches the trim to fill nail holes. Wipe away excess.
T-moldings cover expansion gaps at doorways and room transitions. The flexible inner material allows independent movement between rooms.
Install Quarter Round Trim
Use quarter round to cover the 1/4” expansion gaps between floor and baseboards. Applying an adhesive-style color-matched caulk beneath the trim gives a seamless look. Watch for basement floors that may experience higher moisture. Here, it is better to leave the gap uncaulked in case excess moisture needs to escape.
Protect Your Floor
Your laminate flooring is durable, but still prone to scratches, dents, and moisture damage with improper care. Here are some tips to keep your new floor looking its best for years:
- Use felt pads under furniture legs
- Sweep and mop regularly with approved cleaner
- Avoid excessive moisture from standing water or leaks
- Close curtains during sun exposure to prevent fading
- Maintain indoor humidity between 35-55% year-round
With proper installation and care, your laminate flooring brings you lasting beauty and enjoyment for decades to come. Installing the floor yourself provides extra satisfaction at a significant savings. Follow these essential guidelines for smooth, successful laminate flooring installation.
