Installing Laminate Flooring
A beginner-friendly guide for beautiful, durable floors.
Tools & Materials
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Subfloor
Clean, dry, and level the surface. Remove all debris, staples, or nails - Lay a Moisture Barrier (if needed)
Essential over concrete. Lay it flat across the entire room. - Install Underlayment
Roll out the underlayment and trim edges as needed. Tape seams if required. - Plan the Layout
Measure the room and decide where to start. Use a chalk line if needed. - Start Installing Planks
Place spacers along the wall. Click planks together, tapping them gently into place with the tapping block. - Stagger Seams
Cut the first plank of every new row to stagger seams by at least 6 inches. - Trim Around Obstacles
Use a jigsaw to cut planks around vents, corners, or door frames - Install Final Row
Measure and cut to fit. Use the pull bar to tap planks into place securely. - Add Trim and Finish
Remove spacers and install baseboards or quarter-round to cover gaps.
Pro Tips
Let planks acclimate for 48 hours in the room to prevent warping.
Always use spacers to leave a 1/4” expansion gap around all walls.
Mix planks from different boxes to blend color and grain variations naturally.
Use a tapping block and pull bar to protect edges while fitting planks snugly.
Sweep as you go to avoid debris getting under the flooring.
Ready to Upgrade More Rooms?
Give Your Room the Full Makeover
New floors are a great start — now bring the rest of your space up to speed. Try jour Painting Guide for crisp, clean walls or upgrade your cabinet with our Revamp Guide.
Explore more beginner-friendly guides and start transforming your home one project at a time.
Pro-Approved Flooring Tools
These are our go-to tools for laminate installs — durable, easy to use, and beginner-friendly.
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