Installing laminate flooring can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! This blog post will provide a step-by-step guide on installing laminate flooring like a pro. You don’t need professional help – follow these simple instructions, and you’ll be done in no time!
Before You Begin:
Before installing your new laminate flooring, remove all the baseboards and floor trim from the walls. Once you’ve removed the baseboards, thoroughly clean the sub-flooring or old flooring, so it’s clear of debris. The next step is to gather your materials. You’ll need the following:
- Hammer
- Pull Bar or Tapping Block
- Tape Measure
- Utility knife
- Straight Edge
- Pencil
- Chalk
- Wood Spacers
- Handsaw
- Laminate flooring of your choice
- Underlayment and Tape
Instructions:
Measure the room where you will be installing the laminate
Your first step in installing laminate flooring is calculating the room’s square footage. Once you know how much laminate flooring you need, add 10% more to account for waste and cuts. When Measuring smaller rooms, it’s easier to lay planks side by side instead of measuring the entire space of the room. Just make sure to buy more than enough flooring in case of mistakes.
Install the Underlayment
After you’ve measured the room and gathered all the materials, you can now install the underlayment. The underlayment is a thin layer of foam that provides cushioning and noise reduction. It’s essential to install the underlayment before you lay down the laminate planks because it makes the flooring softer and more comfortable to walk on.
To install the underlayment, start by unrolling it in the corner of the room and unfurling it across the floor. Use a utility knife to trim the underlayment to fit snugly against the wall. Once the underlayment is in place, use a hammer to nail it down or double-sided tape to adhere it to the subfloor.
Lay out the flooring in the room before you begin installation
It’s important to lay out the flooring before you begin installation. This way, you can know how the floor will look and plan your cuts accordingly. To do this, start by laying the first row of laminate boards along one wall of the room. Make sure the boards are placed tightly together, and use spacers to ensure even spacing between the boards.
Use a tapping block and hammer to secure the boards in place
Once you have the first row of laminate flooring, it’s time to start installing. Begin by securing the boards in place using a tapping block and hammer. Start at one end of the room and work your way toward the other. Make sure to use a tapping block, so you don’t damage the boards as you hammer them into place.
Use a spacer to ensure even spacing between the boards
As you install the laminate flooring, use spacers to ensure even spacing between the boards. This will prevent gaps between the boards with changes in temperature and humidity.
Finish Installing the Flooring
Once you’ve finished installing the laminate flooring, remove the spacers and trim the boards so that they’re flush with the wall. You can use a handsaw or power saw to make the cuts. Install the baseboards or floor trim, and you’re done!
Tips for Cutting and Spacing Planks
- To prevent gaps between the boards, use spacers when installing the flooring.
- If you’re installing laminate flooring in a small room, it’s best to lay the boards side by side instead of measuring the entire space of the room.
- If you’re installing laminate flooring in a bigger room, it’s best to begin in the middle of the room and work your way outwards. This will prevent gaps from forming at the edges of the room.
- Be sure to trim the boards so that they’re flush with the wall. You can use a handsaw or power saw to make the cuts.
Installing laminate flooring is a quick and easy project you can do yourself with just a few tools and supplies. With these simple instructions, you’ll be able to install laminate flooring like a pro in no time.
