Laminate Flooring Installation

How to Install Laminate Flooring

1. 1 Secure Underlayment

   
   

   Start in one corner and unroll the underlayment to the opposite wall. Cut the underlayment to fit using a utility knife or scissors. Overlap the second underlayment sheet according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and secure the pieces in place with adhesive tape.

2. 2 Set wall spacers

   

   Work from the left corner of the room to the right and set wall spacers and dry lay planks (tongue side facing the wall) against the wall. The spacers allow for expansion. If you are flooring a room more than 26 ft. long or wide, you need to buy appropriate-sized expansion joints. Note:Some manufacturers suggest facing the groove side to the wall.

3. 3 Trace cutline for final plank in row

   
   

   Set a new plank right side up, on top of the previously laid plank, flush with the spacer against the wall at the end run. Line up a speed square with the bottom plank edge and trace a line. That’s the cutline for the final plank in the row.

4. 4 Score plank

   
   

   Press painter’s tape along the cutline on the top of the plank to prevent chipping when cutting. Score the line drawn in step 3 with a utility knife. Turn the plank over and extend the pencil line to the back side.

5. 5 Clamp and cut board

   
   

   Clamp the board to a work table face down on top of rigid foam insulation or plywood. The foam reduces chipping. Clamp a speed square on top of the plank, as though you are going to draw another line parallel to the cutline—use this to eye your straight cut. Place the circular saw’s blade on the waste side of the actual cutline.

6. 6 Create tight fit for last plank

   
   

   To create a tight fit for the last plank in the first row, place a spacer against the wall and wedge one end of a drawbar between it and the last plank. Tap the other end of the drawbar with a rubber mallet or hammer. Protect the laminate surface with a thin cloth.

   To create a tight fit for the last plank in the first row, place a spacer against the wall and wedge one end of a drawbar between it and the last plank. Tap the other end of the drawbar with a rubber mallet or hammer. Protect the laminate surface with a thin cloth.
   

   To create a tight fit for the last plank in the first row, place a spacer against the wall and wedge one end of a drawbar between it and the last plank. Tap the other end of the drawbar with a rubber mallet or hammer. Protect the laminate surface with a thin cloth.
   

7. 7 Continue to lay flooring, staggering joints

   Continue to lay rows of flooring, making sure the joints are staggered. This prevents the entire floor from relying on just a few joints, which keep the planks from lifting. Staggering also strengthens the floor, because the joints are shorter and more evenly distributed.
   

8. 8 Fit final row

   
   

   Fit the final row: Place two planks on top of the last course; slide the top plank up against the wall spacer. Use the top plank to draw a cutline lengthwise on the middle plank. Cut the middle plank to size using the same method as in step 3, just across the grain. The very last board must be cut lengthwise and widthwise to fit.