A step-by-step guide to installing laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for creating a stylish, durable, and cost-effective surface in your home.

Its versatility, combined with the authentic look of wood, makes it a popular option for DIY enthusiasts.

Whether you’re revamping a single room or your entire home, our step-by-step guide will help you achieve a flawless installation.

Tools and materials you’ll need:

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Spacers
• Rubber mallet
• Tapping block
• Pull bar
• Pencil and straight edge
• Floor cover strips (if required)
• Underlay (if required)
• Floor self-levelling compound (if required)
• Saw (handsaw or jigsaw)
• Laminate flooring planks
• Floor cleaner and mop (for prep)

Step 1: Prepare your subfloor

A clean, dry, and level subfloor is the foundation of a successful installation. Sweep or vacuum to remove any debris, then mop to eliminate dust. If there are uneven areas, use a self-levelling compound to smooth them out. This ensures a stable base for your laminate flooring.

Tip: Ignoring subfloor preparation can lead to creaking, gaps, or even buckling. Address these issues upfront by using a moisture meter for concrete subfloors and filling gaps or cracks with levelling compound to ensure a stable foundation for your laminate flooring. Allow adequate drying time before proceeding.

Step 2: Acclimatise the flooring

Laminate flooring needs time to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity. Place your unopened packs of laminate in the room for 48 hours before installation. This prevents potential warping after the planks are laid.

Tip: Failing to acclimatise the laminate flooring before installation can lead to expansion or contraction after it’s laid. Letting the flooring acclimatise ensures a seamless and durable fit.

Step 3: Lay the underlay

If your laminate requires underlay, roll it out across the room. Underlay provides cushioning, absorbs sound, and acts as a moisture barrier. Ensure the edges meet without overlapping and tape them together for a seamless base.

Tip: A misaligned underlay can cause uneven flooring. Ensure the underlay is laid flat and free from wrinkles or bubbles. For best results, use a self-adhesive underlay that stays securely in place during installation. Smooth out wrinkles and align each section carefully for the best results.

Note: Some laminate flooring options come with pre-attached underlay, eliminating this step.

Step 4: Plan your layout

Decide on the direction of the planks. Typically, running the planks parallel to the longest wall or towards a window creates an aesthetically pleasing flow. Measure the room and calculate how many planks you’ll need, accounting for cuts along the edges. The first row is the most important, as it sets the tone for the entire floor.

Tip: Underestimating the importance of expansion gaps around the edges can cause the floor to buckle. Make sure to leave a minimum 10mm gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for natural expansion and contraction of the flooring.

Step 5: Install the first row

Start in a corner of the room. Place spacers between the planks and the wall to ensure a 10mm expansion gap. This gap allows the flooring to expand and contract with temperature changes. Lay the first row of planks, ensuring they are straight and snugly joined.

Tip: Cutting laminate planks inaccurately can result in uneven seams and gaps. Use a sharp saw or laminate cutter to make clean, precise cuts and ensure a perfect fit around edges and corners.

Step 6: Assemble the flooring

Subsequent rows should be staggered for stability and a natural appearance. Cut the first plank of the second row to start with a shorter piece, ensuring the end joints of adjacent rows are offset.

Connect the planks by aligning the tongue and groove, then click them into place. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to secure the fit without damaging the edges. For the final plank in each row, use a pull bar to achieve a tight fit.

Tip: Not securing the laminate planks properly can cause them to shift or become loose. Ensure each plank clicks securely into place by gently tapping them together with a tapping block and rubber mallet.

Step 7: Trim around obstacles

For doorframes, pipes, or other obstacles, carefully measure and mark the necessary cuts on a plank. Use a jigsaw or coping saw for precise cuts. Ensure these pieces fit snugly and that the expansion gap is maintained where required.

Tip: Cutting laminate around obstacles without measuring properly can cause uneven gaps. Always measure twice before cutting, and ensure the expansion gap is consistent around obstacles to avoid any fitting issues.

Step 8: Complete the final row

The last row will often require cutting planks lengthwise to fit. Measure the remaining space, subtracting the expansion gap, and cut the planks accordingly. Use the pull bar to lock the final pieces into place securely.

Tip: Not cutting the final row precisely can lead to gaps or an uneven finish. Double-check the measurements before cutting and use a pull bar to ensure the last planks fit snugly against the wall.

Step 9: Add finishing touches

Once the planks are laid, remove the spacers and install skirting boards or beading to cover the expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room. This not only protects the edges but also gives the floor a neat, polished appearance.

Tip: Neglecting to cover the expansion gaps with skirting boards or beading can lead to visible gaps and an unfinished look. Ensure the trim is securely installed to achieve a professional, clean finish.

Step 10: Clean and admire

Once the installation is complete, sweep or vacuum the surface to remove dust and debris. Wipe the floor down with a damp mop, avoiding excess water. While laminate is water-resistant, it’s not waterproof, so be cautious with moisture.

Tip: Using too much water can damage the laminate floor over time. Always use a damp mop rather than soaking the floor, and dry any spills promptly to preserve the finish.

Maintenance tips

To keep your laminate flooring looking its best:

• Use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches.
• Clean up spills promptly.
• Sweep regularly to remove grit and debris.

Need expert advice?

Laminate flooring installation is a project anyone can tackle with the right tools, patience, and preparation. While challenges like uneven subfloors, precise cutting, and tricky final rows can arise, they’re manageable with proper planning and a methodical approach.

For expert advice, high-quality laminate flooring, and the tools you need to succeed, visit our store in Ballymote, Co. Sligo, send an email to info@mybuildingsupplies.ie, or call 0818 888 000. With options like Everest Oak and Carlingford Oak, your dream floor is just a few steps away.