Learn how to install laminate flooring for a durable, attractive, affordable home upgrade.
Even beginners can knock out the project in a weekend!
Prefinished laminate plank flooring is easier to install than hardwood and offers the same luxurious appearance.
Credit: Carson Downing
In fact, it often takes as little as a weekend to implement the planks.
What is laminate wood flooring made of?
Laminate wood flooring planks are made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) coated in plastic laminate.
Credit: Carson Downing
The top laminate looks like random-grain wood, but its plastic composition makes it scratch- and stain-resistant.
Is laminate flooring a good option for any room?
Installing laminate flooring is an economical and durable alternative when doing floor renovations.
Credit: Carson Downing
The same thing may occur if laminate flooring is exposed to direct sun or extreme heat.
Take the following measures before installing your new flooring.
This prevents buckling and other problems after installation.
Credit: Carson Downing
Remove Baseboards
Remove the existing baseboard molding using the pry bar.
Separate the baseboard from the wall carefully, setting the pieces aside for reinstallation.
If the existing flooring is damaged, remove it to reveal the subfloor.
Credit: Carson Downing
Do not overlap adjoining strips.
Use the utility knife to cut pieces as needed.
The foam underlayment deadens sound and helps the floor feel more resilient and durable.
Credit: Carson Downing
Many flooring planks come with underlayment padding already attached to the underside.
If you have this punch in of laminate, you don’t need to drop in the traditional underlayment.
Cut planks in the first and last rows to this width.
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Plan on a 1/4-inch gap at each wall.
Use clamps to steady the floor planks as you cut them.
Use Spacers to Leave a Gap
Laminate wood flooring kits come with space chips.
Credit: Carson Downing
Wedge these between the wall and the planks to leave an expansion gap of 1/4 inch.
The gaps won’t be visible once the baseboards are reattached.
Connect one plank to another by connecting the tongues and grooves.
Cut the last plank in the row to length.
Install Additional Rows
Continue laying planks.
Start a new row with the scrap from the plank you cut to end the previous row when possible.
Leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap between the last row and the wall.
Cut Around Casings
Don’t attempt to cut the planks to fit around door casings.
To do this, rest a piece of flooring with underlayment on the floor and against the casing.
Rest the jamb saw on top and cut the casing to the desired height.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, beginners can learn how to install laminate flooring as a DIY project.
Laminate flooring installation should follow the longest wall in your room.
Begin in the left corner, installing planks parallel to the wall.
Take the time to thoroughly prep your floor before laying your new laminate flooring.
