How to Install Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors click together without nails or glue, which makes them one of the most DIY-friendly flooring options out there. Take your time on the prep and the rest goes fast.
What You'll Need
Video tutorial: How to Install Laminate Flooring
Tapping block
Pull bar
1/4" spacers
Miter saw or laminate cutter
Underlayment
Tape measure
Pencil & square
Step-by-Step
Prep the subfloorSweep clean, fix any squeaks, and check that the floor is level within 3/16" over 10 feet. Sand or fill where needed.
Roll out underlaymentLay underlayment with seams butted (not overlapped), and tape them. Trim around the room with a utility knife.
Plan your first rowMeasure the room and calculate the width of the final row. If less than 2 inches, rip the first row narrower so both ends look balanced.
Set spacers and lay row onePlace 1/4" spacers against the wall to allow for expansion, then click planks end-to-end with the tongue facing the wall.
Start row twoBegin with a plank cut to about 1/3 length so seams stagger. Angle the long edge into row one and press flat to click.
Tap planks tightUse a tapping block against the click edge to close any gaps. Never strike the bare plank — it will mushroom.
Cut around obstaclesMark and cut around door jambs, vents, and pipes. Use a jigsaw for curves.
Finish the last rowRip the final row to width, click it in with a pull bar, and remove all spacers.
Install trimAdd quarter-round or baseboards to hide the expansion gap. Nail to the wall — never through the flooring.
Pro tipStack the boxes flat in the room for at least 48 hours before installing. Laminate needs to acclimate or it can buckle later.
If you don't think you can do it, let our experts help.