How to Lay Laminate Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Welcome! Today, we’re going to tackle a project that will not only improve the look of your living space, but also give you a sense of accomplishment: laying laminate flooring. Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before – this guide will take you through the process and help you achieve professional looking results.
Materials and Equipment
Before we begin with laminating your floor, here is a list of materials and equipment that you are going to need:
| Materials | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Laminate flooring | Tape measure |
| Underlay | Pencil |
| Spacers | Saw (hand or electric) |
| Baseboards/Skirting boards | Safety goggles |
| Damp cloth | Dust mask |
| Cleaning supplies | Knee pads (optional) |
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started.
Step 1: Measure And Plan
The best place to start this laminate flooring job is with some proper planning. Before rushing off to the shop to buy your laminate, take some time to measure the area where you intend to lay the flooring. This step is crucial as it ensures you get the right amount of laminate and helps you avoid any surprises during the installation.
1. Measure The Room – Grab your trusty tape measure and get to work. Measure the length and width of the room in metres or feet, whichever you prefer. If your room has any irregularities, such as alcoves or nooks, measure those areas separately. Don’t forget to account for any space you want to leave under appliances or built-in furniture, like kitchen cabinets.
2. Calculate The Area Of The Room – Now that you have all the measurements, it’s time to do some simple maths. Multiply the length by the width of each section of the room, and then add these values together. This will give you the total square metres / feet of the area you want to cover with the laminate flooring.
3. Account For Wastage – It’s always a good idea to add a bit extra to your area calculation to account for wastage and mistakes during installation. Laminate planks can sometimes get damaged during cutting, and you might need to trim pieces to fit around obstacles. The general recommendation is around an extra 5-10% of your total area to be safe.
4. Choose Your Laminate – Now that you have the exact quantity of laminate needed, head to the shop and choose your laminate flooring. There are various styles, colors, and thicknesses available, so pick the one that best suits your taste and budget.
5. Check Packaging Information – Now that you have your total area to be covered, check the packaging of the laminate you’re interested in. It should tell you the coverage area per box. Divide your total area by the coverage area per box to figure out how many boxes you need to buy. Round up to the nearest whole number if you end up with a decimal.
6. Prepare For Subfloor Considerations – Before finalising your purchase, consider the subfloor of the room. Different types of subfloors may require specific underlays or preparation. For instance, if you have a concrete subfloor, you may need a moisture barrier to prevent any dampness from affecting the laminate. Be sure to ask for advice at the shop if you’re unsure about the right underlay for your specific subfloor.
Now that you’ve planned everything out and made your purchases, you’re all set to start your laminate flooring project. Remember, careful planning and precise measurements are the foundations of a successful installation, so take your time at this stage, and the rest of the process will be much smoother.
Step 2: Prepare The Room
Now that you have everything ready to roll, it’s time to get the room prepped before you can begin laying your floor. Preparing the room properly will ensure a smooth surface for installation and make the process much more efficient.
1. Clear The Area – The first step is to remove all furniture and obstacles from the room. Clearing the space allows you to have a clean slate to work with. If there are heavy pieces of furniture that cannot be easily moved, you can slide them onto a protective sheet or use furniture gliders to avoid damaging the existing floor.
2. Clean The Existing Floor – If you have any old flooring, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned before proceeding. Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dust and debris. If there are stubborn stains or residues, you may need to use appropriate cleaning agents or solvents to get the surface spotless. Remember, a clean floor will result in better adhesion for underlay if it needs to be stuck down.
3. Check For Imperfections – Now, take a good look at the subfloor for any imperfections. If you’re installing laminate over concrete, check for cracks, holes, or unevenness. For wooden subfloors, look for loose boards or any signs of water damage. Addressing these issues before installation is crucial to avoid problems with your laminate later on.
4. Fix Subfloor Issues – If you find any imperfections, take the time to fix them now. Fill cracks or holes with suitable filler material and allow it to dry completely. For wooden subfloors, secure loose boards and ensure they are level. If there’s water damage, identify and fix the source of the problem before proceeding with the laminate installation. This is not a step worth skipping as it will increase the longevity of your new floor.
5. Remove Skirting Or Moulding – It’s a good idea to remove the skirting boards or moulding along the walls before installing your laminate. This will make it easier to lay the flooring flush against the wall and allow space for expansion. Use a pry bar or crowbar and a gentle hand to remove the skirting boards carefully, so you can reinstall them later for a polished look.
6. Check Door Clearance – Before installing the laminate, check that there will be enough clearance under your doors after installation. Laminate flooring adds a bit of height to the floor, so if the doors don’t clear it, you may need to trim them to fit, sand down sections of the bottom, or even use a door bottom extension.
7. Level The Subfloor (If Needed) – In some cases, you might encounter minor unevenness in the subfloor. It’s essential to have a level surface for the laminate to sit properly. If you find any significant irregularities, you may need to use a floor leveling compound to even out the subfloor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the leveling compound.
8. Lay A Moisture Barrier (If Necessary) – If your subfloor is concrete or in a basement, it’s wise to lay down a moisture barrier before installing the laminate. This barrier will protect the laminate from any potential moisture or humidity coming from below. Make sure to overlap the edges of the moisture barrier and tape them together to create a continuous barrier.
Once the preparation is complete, you’re ready to move on to the next steps: laying the underlay and the laminate flooring itself. Preparing the room properly will set you up for a successful laminate flooring installation, so take your time and ensure everything is in tip-top shape.
Step 3: Acclimatise The Laminate
Just quickly, before jumping into the actual installation, it’s crucial to give your laminate flooring some time to acclimatise to the environment where it will be installed. Acclimatisation is essential to prevent any potential issues like expansion or contraction of the laminate after installation. Go through the below to ensure your laminate is in perfect condition before laying it down.
1. Unbox The Laminate – Start by unboxing the laminate flooring you purchased. Open all the boxes and stack the planks in the room where they will be installed. This allows the planks to start adjusting to the room’s temperature and humidity.
2. Allow Sufficient Time – Laminate flooring needs time to acclimatise, typically around 48 hours. During this time, the planks will adapt to the moisture levels and temperature of the room. Be patient and resist the urge to rush this step. Proper acclimatisation is essential for a successful and long-lasting installation.
3. Keep The Room Conditions Normal – While the laminate is acclimatising, maintain the room conditions as close to the normal living environment as possible. Keep the heating or any air conditioning on at its usual settings. Avoid any extreme temperature changes or high humidity levels, as these could affect the laminate’s performance.
4. Stagger The Plank Stacks – To ensure an even acclimatisation, stagger the stacks of laminate planks in the room. Don’t pile them all in one spot; instead, spread them out across the floor. This way, every plank has a fair chance to adjust to the room’s conditions.
5. Check Manufacturer’s Recommendations – While 48 hours is a general guideline for acclimatisation, different laminate brands or types may have specific recommendations from the manufacturer. Always check the product information or installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure you’re following their recommendations correctly.
7. Measure And Plan Again (Optional) – If you’ve got some extra time during the acclimatisation period, you can take this opportunity to recheck your measurements and plans. Make sure everything is in order before you begin the installation. A little extra preparation never hurts!
Once the acclimatisation period is complete, you can move forward with confidence knowing that your laminate is ready for installation. Taking the time to let the planks acclimatise will help prevent any potential issues and ensure a smooth, hassle-free installation process. Patience is key in this step, but it will pay off in the long run with a beautiful and durable laminate floor.
Step 4: Lay The Underlay
Now that your laminate has acclimatised and the room is prepped, it’s time to lay down the underlay. The underlay is a crucial layer that sits between the subfloor and the laminate planks. It serves multiple purposes, such as providing cushioning, reducing noise, and acting as a moisture barrier. Let’s go through the steps below to ensure your underlay is installed correctly for a solid foundation for your laminate flooring.
1. Gather The Underlay Material – First, make sure you have the right type of underlay for your specific laminate flooring and subfloor. There are various underlay materials available, such as foam, cork, or felt. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations or installation guidelines to ensure you’re using the appropriate one.
2. Start At One End – Begin by laying the underlay along one edge of the room. It’s best to start at the same end where you plan to start laying the laminate planks. The underlay typically comes in rolls, so roll it out in the direction parallel to the longest wall.
3. Overlap And Tape the Seams – If your underlayment comes in multiple strips or rolls, overlap the edges of adjacent pieces by a few inches. This helps create a seamless moisture barrier and prevents any gaps between the underlay sections. Use underlay tape to secure the overlapping seams, ensuring they stay in place during installation.
4. Trim The Excess – As you lay the underlay, you may encounter areas where it extends beyond the room’s boundaries or around obstacles. Use a utility knife or scissors to trim the underlay to fit the room perfectly. It’s essential to have a clean edge along the walls and any protrusions. If you encounter obstacles such as doorways, heating vents, or floor registers, make precise cuts in the underlay to fit around them. Take your time with these cuts to ensure a neat and accurate fit.
5. Secure The Underlay – Some underlay materials come with adhesive strips or tabs to secure them to the subfloor. If your underlay has this feature, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a stable and firm installation. If your underlay doesn’t have adhesive strips, don’t worry—it’s weight and the laminate flooring on top will hold it in place.
6. Check For Bumps Or Wrinkles – As you lay the underlay, be mindful of any bumps, wrinkles, or folds that may form. Smooth it out as you go to ensure a flat and even surface. Any unevenness in the underlay can transfer to the laminate and create an unattractive and uneven finish.
With the underlay in place, you’ve created a stable and comfortable base for your laminate flooring. Underlay not only provides support for the laminate but also helps with sound insulation and prevents moisture-related issues. Now, you’re ready to move on to the exciting part—laying the laminate planks!
Step 5: Start Laying The Laminate
You’ve done the groundwork, and now it’s time to start laying down your beautiful laminate flooring. This step is where you’ll see your room really transform. Let’s walk through the process of starting the installation and setting the stage for your new floor.
1. Begin In A Corner – Start your laminate installation in one corner of the room. The corner you choose doesn’t have to be specific; you can start on either side. Just make sure it aligns with the direction you want the laminate planks to run. Most people choose to install laminate parallel to the longest wall for an aesthetically pleasing look but it’s entirely up to you.
2. Place Spacers – Place plastic spacers along the walls to create a gap between the laminate and the wall. This expansion gap (about 6mm or 1/4 inch) allows the laminate to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. The spacers ensure a consistent gap around the perimeter of the room.
3. Lay The First Row – Lay the first row of laminate planks along the starting wall. Keep the tongue side of the planks facing the wall and the groove side facing the room. This orientation will help you connect the planks as you progress.
4. Trim The First Row (If Necessary) – Depending on the room’s width, you may need to trim the width of the first row of planks to fit appropriately. Measure the space and cut the planks accordingly, leaving enough room for the expansion gap.
5. Snap The Planks Together – To connect the planks, insert the tongue of one plank into the groove of the previous plank at a slight angle. Then lower the plank into place, and you’ll feel and hear it snap securely together. Continue this process along the entire first row.
6. Stagger The Joints – As you move to the second row, stagger the joints of the laminate planks. The end of the plank in the second row should not align with the end of the plank in the first row. Instead, it should be offset by at least 15cm (6 inches) or more. This staggered pattern creates a more natural and visually appealing appearance.
7. Cut Planks For Proper Length – When you reach the end of a row or encounter obstacles like doorways or corners, you’ll likely need to cut some laminate planks to fit. Measure the space and mark the plank accurately before making the cut. A saw (hand or power) will be your best friend for these cuts!
8. Install The Rest Of The Rows – Continue installing row by row, snapping the planks together and staggering the joints. Take your time to ensure each plank fits snugly and securely. Use a tapping block and a mallet to gently tap the planks together if needed.
9. Keep The Expansion Gap – As you install the flooring, remember to maintain the expansion gap along all walls and around any fixed objects like pipes or pillars.
10. Check For Levelness – Periodically check for levelness as you progress. If you notice any unevenness, adjust the planks accordingly to ensure a smooth and even surface.
With each plank you lay, you’ll see your floor start to come to life. Take your time, enjoy the process, and soon you’ll have a stunning laminate floor that enhances the beauty of your space.
Step 6: Cutting Around Objects
As you continue with the installation of your laminate flooring, it’s likely you will encounter various obstacles that require special attention. These obstacles could be doorways, corners, radiators, or any other fixed objects in the room. Properly cutting and fitting the laminate around these obstacles is crucial to achieving a polished and professional look for your floor. Here are some tips to handle these challenges with precision.
1. Measure And Mark – Before making any cuts, measure the area around the obstacle carefully. Use a tape measure to get accurate dimensions of the space where the laminate needs to fit. Take your time with these measurements, as precision is essential to ensure a seamless fit. Remember: Measure Twice, Cut Once.
2. Transfer The Measurements – Transfer the measurements from the obstacle area onto a laminate plank. Use a pencil to mark the plank where you need to make the cuts. Make sure the plank is oriented correctly, with the tongue facing away from the obstacle and the groove facing the room.
3. Use A Suitable Saw – Depending on the type of cut needed, you may need to use different types of saws. Use the appropriate saw for the cut required. A hand saw, jigsaw, circular saw, or a laminate cutter can be used for different types of cuts. If you have access to a laminate cutter, it can make the job faster and cleaner, but other saws work well too.
4. Cutting Tips – When cutting, make sure to follow the marked lines accurately. Take your time to ensure a clean and precise cut. If using a power saw, go slowly and steadily to prevent splintering or chipping the laminate surface.
5. Test The Fit – Once you’ve made the cut, test the fit of the laminate plank around the obstacle. It’s essential to get the fit right before proceeding further. If needed, make minor adjustments to the cut until the plank fits perfectly.
6. Trim For Doorways – When fitting laminate around doorways, you may need to trim the bottom edge of the door casings to allow the laminate to slide underneath. Use a flush-cut saw or a multi-tool to carefully trim the door casings as needed. This ensures a neat finish without having to remove the entire door frame.
7. Handling Irregular Shapes – For obstacles with irregular shapes, such as heating vents, you may need to trace the shape directly onto the plank. Then, use a jigsaw or another appropriate tool to carefully cut along the traced line.
8. Maintain Expansion Gaps – As you cut and fit the laminate around obstacles, always remember to leave the required expansion gap around the edges. This ensures the laminate has enough space to expand and contract without causing any issues.
9. Be Patient And Precise – Cutting around obstacles can be a bit challenging, but with patience and precision, you’ll achieve a seamless integration of the flooring around these areas. Take your time, and don’t rush this step.
10. Check And Double-Check – Before moving on to the next row or section, double-check all the cuts and fits to ensure everything looks perfect. A bit of extra time spent on this step will pay off when it comes to the end result of your floor.
With your laminate planks expertly cut and fitted around obstacles, you’ll see your flooring project taking shape beautifully. Attention to detail in this step will make sure of a professional-looking installation that enhances the overall appearance of your room.
Step 7: Complete Your Installation
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the final stage of your laminate flooring installation! By now, your room will be looking more stylish and fresh with each row of laminate planks you’ve laid down. In this step, we’ll wrap up the installation process and make sure everything is in place for a clean and professional finish:
1. Finish The Last Row – As you approach the final row of planks, you may need to trim the width of the last row to fit the remaining space. Measure the width required and cut the planks accordingly, considering the expansion gap.
2. Ensure A Snug Fit – Take your time when installing the last row to ensure a snug fit against the wall. Use a pull bar and tapping block to gently tap the planks into place if needed. The last row can be a bit tricky, but with patience, you can achieve a seamless result.
3. Remove Spacers – Once your last row is down, you’ll need to remove the plastic spacers you placed along the walls during the installation process. These spacers were essential to create the expansion gap, but now that the laminate is in place, they are no longer needed.
4. Install Skirting Boards – With the laminate flooring laid down, it’s time to install the skirting boards. Skirting covers the expansion gap around the edges of the room and gives your laminate flooring a clean and tidy looking finish. Use nails or adhesive to secure the baseboards in place.
5. Check For Loose Planks – After completing the installation, walk carefully across the entire floor and check for any loose planks. If you find any, reseat them by tapping with a rubber mallet and a tapping block.
6. Install Transition Strips (If Needed) – If your laminate flooring meets other types of flooring, such as carpet, tile, or vinyl, you’ll need transition strips to create a seamless transition between the different surfaces. Transition strips not only look tidy but also provide a smooth surface to walk on.
7. Clean Up The Room – Your laminate flooring is in place, and it’s time to clean up the room. Remove any leftover packaging, scraps, or debris from the installation. Vacuum or sweep the floor to ensure it’s clean and ready to be admired. Be careful to make sure you get rid of any and all debris to avoid scratching your new floor!
8. Put Back Furniture – Finally, it’s time to bring back your furniture and set up your room as desired. Be gentle when moving heavy pieces to avoid scratching the new laminate. Use furniture gliders or protective pads under furniture legs to prevent any damage to the floor.
9. Follow Maintenance Guidelines: To keep your laminate flooring looking its best, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove dust and dirt. Use a damp (not wet) cloth or mop to clean up spills promptly. Avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaning products, as they may damage the laminate surface.
With the installation complete, you should now have a stunning laminate floor that adds elegance and charm to your living space. Well done on your DIY project! Remember that installing laminate flooring takes time and patience, but the result is well worth the effort.
Conclusion
Congratulations on successfully completing your laminate flooring installation! From acclimatising the laminate to cutting around obstacles, you have tackled each step with precision and patience, transforming your room into a stunning new space. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and now you can enjoy the beauty and durability of your new laminate floor. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines to keep it looking its best for years to come. Embrace your new DIY skills and take pride in the work you’ve put into creating your ideal home.
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