How do you put laminate flooring down?
To install laminate flooring, begin by preparing and leveling your subfloor, then lay an underlayment. Click the planks together, starting along the longest straight wall, ensuring a staggered pattern and maintaining a 1/4 to 3/8 inch expansion gap around the entire perimeter. This gap is crucial for accommodating natural material movement.
Installing laminate flooring yourself is a popular DIY project because it’s relatively straightforward. The process involves preparing your subfloor, laying down an underlayment, and then clicking the laminate planks together.
Begin by clearing the room of all furniture and removing existing baseboards. If you plan to reuse your baseboards, carefully pry them off without damaging them. If the subfloor is uneven, you’ll need to level it first. Uneven subfloors can lead to planks not locking properly and can cause squeaking sounds later.
Inspect your subfloor for moisture. If you’re installing over concrete, a vapor barrier is crucial. Most laminate flooring requires a minimum subfloor flatness of 3/16 inch over a 10-foot span. Use a long, straight edge to check for high and low spots. High spots can be sanded down, while low spots may need a self-leveling compound.
Next, roll out your underlayment. This layer provides cushioning, sound dampening, and a moisture barrier, depending on the type. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific underlayment, often involving butting seams together and taping them. Ensure the underlayment covers the entire floor area, extending slightly up the walls.
Starting the laminate plank installation
Begin installation in the corner of the room furthest from the door, usually along the longest, straightest wall. This allows you to work your way out of the room, leaving the last row to be cut to fit.
The first row of planks is critical. You will likely need to cut off the tongue side of the planks that will face the wall. This creates a flat edge that can sit flush against the wall. Use a tapping block and a rubber mallet to gently tap the planks into place, ensuring they are tightly butted together along the long edge.
Maintain an expansion gap of approximately 1/4 to 3/8 inch around the entire perimeter of the room, including against walls, cabinets, and pipes. This gap is essential because laminate flooring expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Use spacers to maintain this gap consistently.
Laying subsequent rows of laminate flooring
To create a strong and aesthetically pleasing floor, stagger the end joints of the planks. Aim for a random pattern with no joints lining up in adjacent rows. A common recommendation is to offset the end joints by at least 6 inches. You can achieve this by using the offcut from the end of one row to start the next, provided it meets the minimum length requirement.
When connecting a new plank to the existing row, insert the tongue into the groove at an angle, then lower it flat. For the long edge, you might need to use the tapping block and mallet to ensure a tight seam. For the short ends, many systems use a ‘click-lock’ mechanism where you angle the new plank’s tongue into the previous plank’s groove and then push down to lock it.
Continue this process row by row. As you approach doorways or other obstacles, you’ll need to carefully measure and cut planks to fit. For areas around pipes, cut a hole slightly larger than the pipe to accommodate expansion. You can then use a piece of the pipe to cover the gap.
Finishing the laminate flooring installation
The last row of planks will likely need to be cut lengthwise to fit the remaining space. Measure the distance from the edge of the installed flooring to the wall, remembering to account for your expansion gap. Transfer this measurement to your planks, cut them, and then often you’ll need to undercut the door jambs to slide the last row underneath for a clean finish.
Once all planks are laid, remove the spacers. Reinstall your baseboards, which will cover the expansion gap. Ensure the baseboards are attached to the wall, not the floor, so they don’t restrict the flooring’s movement.
Clean the floor thoroughly with a damp mop and a laminate floor cleaner. Avoid excessive water, as it can damage the material. Your new laminate floor is now ready for furniture.
Common Mistakes When Installing Laminate Flooring
| Step | Typical Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|---|
| Subfloor Preparation | Not leveling or cleaning the subfloor | Leads to uneven planks, squeaking, and premature wear. Can prevent planks from locking correctly. |
| Expansion Gaps | Forgetting or not maintaining adequate gaps around the perimeter | Laminate will expand and contract with temperature/humidity changes, causing buckling or lifting. |
| Staggering Joints | Aligning end joints in consecutive rows | Weakens the overall structure and creates an unappealing, grid-like appearance. |
| Using a Tapping Block | Hitting planks directly with a hammer | Damages the edges and locking mechanisms of the planks, leading to poor fit and potential failure. |
| Acclimation | Installing planks immediately after delivery | Laminate needs time to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity to prevent expansion/contraction issues after installation. |
FAQ
How to put laminate wood flooring down?
To install laminate wood flooring, prepare a clean, level subfloor and lay down an underlayment. Begin in a corner, clicking planks together along the longest wall and maintaining a 1/4-inch expansion gap around the perimeter. Stagger the end joints for stability and aesthetic appeal, using a tapping block to ensure tight connections.
What is the first step in laying laminate flooring?
The very first step is thorough subfloor preparation. This includes cleaning it of debris, ensuring it’s completely dry, and checking for flatness. Any significant imperfections need to be leveled or repaired before you lay down the underlayment and start clicking planks.
Do I need an underlayment for laminate flooring?
Yes, an underlayment is almost always required and highly recommended for laminate flooring. It provides a moisture barrier (especially over concrete), cushioning for comfort, and sound dampening. Always check the flooring manufacturer’s specific recommendations.