what are the steps to install laminate flooring

6 Steps for Installing Laminate Flooring

• Step 1: Clear Existing Flooring Use a pry bar to gently remove baseboards. ...
• Step 2: Prepare Laminate You’ll want to mix up planks from various boxes of laminate to ensure a good variety of wood tones throughout. ...
• Step 3: Plan Ahead for Custom Boards ...
• Step 4: Install First Run ...
• Step 5: Install Remaining Laminate ...
• Step 6: Install Final Boards ...

Full Answer

What is the easiest way to install laminate flooring?

Install the Remaining Rows

• Use the remainder of the laminate flooring planks you cut at the end of row one to start the next row, as long as it’s longer than 1 foot. ...
• Start the second row where you started off the first. ...
• Hold the long side of the second-row plank at an angle and feed the tongue into the groove of the installed row. ...

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How to prepare your floor before installing laminate flooring?

• Remove the existing flooring, baseboards and moulding.
• Check that the subfloor is solid, flat and clean. ...
• If you are installing the flooring below grade or in a room with high humidity or moisture, such as a basement, lay down a vapor barrier before you install the ...
• Lay out the unopened boxes of laminate planks in the room. ...

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How should I prepare for a laminate flooring installation?

• Make sure that the surface is leveled, using a level
• Clean properly the floor’s surface using a vacuum cleaner
• Pour self-leveling screed if the floor isn’t smooth enough

How to install laminate flooring on stairs as a beginner?

What is the best way to put laminate flooring on stairs?

• Installation. Place the tread on the ground. ...
• Preparation of Floor. The first step in installing laminate flooring is determining which type is the most appropriate. ...
• 5. ...
• Pieces of tread (the top of the step, where people will stand) The tread sections should be as close to one another as possible from left to right, thus getting ...

What are the steps to laminate flooring?

The Steps to Install Laminate on StairsStep 1: Remove Existing Flooring and Underlay. ... Step 2: Remove any Overhang. ... Step 3: Lay Your Underlay. ... Step 4: Cut Your Laminate to Size. ... Step 5: Lay the Tread. ... Step 6: Fit the Riser. ... Step 7: Add the Nosing. ... Step 8: Leave for 12 Hours.

How should laminate flooring be installed for beginners?

3:2513:32How to Install Laminate Flooring for beginners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it already comes with its own tape on it so all you have to do is peel and stick. The tape isMoreAnd it already comes with its own tape on it so all you have to do is peel and stick. The tape is only on one side so once you place the opposite side to the wall.

What do you lay down before laminate flooring?

If you are installing the flooring below grade or in a room with high humidity or moisture, such as a basement, lay down a vapor barrier before you install the flooring. Lay out the unopened boxes of laminate planks in the room. This will allow them to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity.

What is needed to install laminate floor?

Tools and Materials to Install Laminate Flooringflooring.underlayer.barrier sheeting.laminate glue.adhesive.polyethylene tape.quarter-round molding, baseboard or wall base.end molding, threshold and other transitions.More items...

How soon can you walk on laminate flooring?

wait for the floor to cure Before you use your new floor or move into the room, make sure the floor is completely cured. Do not walk on the floor for 24 hours after installation. If you do, it will damage the installation, resulting in an uneven floor.

Do you cut the tongue off the first row of laminate?

Place the first plank with the tongue side towards the wall, being sure to allow 1/8" for expansion. We recommend cutting off the tongue on this first row to avoid any problem with the expansion gap.

What is the best underlayment for laminate flooring?

Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam or cork. Best underlay for laminate flooring is foam because it is simple to install, it is a good sound barrier, and is very cost effective. Some best foams have attached additional layer which functions as the best moisture barrier.

Does laminate flooring need underlayment?

' Laminate flooring underlayment is essential for installation as it allows to laminate flooring to expand and contract properly on top of the subfloor. Laminate is a wood product and will expand according to the climate of the room.

Which side of laminate goes against the wall?

The tongue is the side that you will want to place against the wall as you start your laminate-flooring installation.

Where do I start laminate flooring?

We recommend starting in the left corner of the longest wall in the room and to install the planks in the same direction as the main light source (e.g. the main window). Planks are always installed from left to right.

How long does it take to install 600 sq ft of laminate flooring?

The actual process of installation (excluding all preparation steps) would take most DIY homeowners three to four hours, with an extra one to two hours to wrap the flooring around cabinets and doorways.

Is laying laminate flooring easy?

Laminate flooring installation has an intermediate level of difficulty, but it can be easy for most homeowners to take on. Installing laminate flooring on your own will take a few hours, and it requires the right type of equipment to ensure a solid and secure installation.

How do I make sure my first row of floor is straight?

In order to keep the floor straight and square, start laying the laminate away from the wall because the wall may not be straight. Measure away from the wall the width of one piece of flooring and add 1/4 inch (for example, if flooring is 5 inches wide, measure out 5 1/4 inches) and snap a chalk line across the room.

Which direction should I lay flooring?

The most common way to lay hardwood flooring is by aligning the planks parallel to the longest wall. Apart from a few exceptions like sagging joists, this is the preferred direction to lay wood floors because it aesthetically provides the best result.

Can one person lay a laminate floor?

' Laminate flooring is known for being a great project for homeowners that love to work on home improvement projects themselves. If you are a person who can pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and find someone to help; you will be able to install laminate flooring by yourself.

Do I need to level floor before laminate?

The only leveling you need to do is to smooth out the surface to get rid of any bumps or dents. This is the foundation on which you surface (finished) surface rests. It gives sturdiness and balance and is attached to the floor joists.

What is the third step in laminate flooring installation?

The third step in the laminate flooring installation guide is underlayment, if your flooring does not have attached padding already. Underlayment is an essential part of a laminate installation that provides cushioning and potential moisture barrier between the subfloor and laminate. Properly installing your underlayment will set your floating floor up for success.

What are the angles for laminate flooring?

In a perfect world, every room would be square with 90 degree angles. Unfortunately, pipes, angles, cabinets and stairs can create some extra work during a laminate flooring installation. Here are two laminate flooring installation guides for obstacles and obstructions.

Do you have to fix a subfloor before installing laminate flooring?

Before any flooring underlayment or laminate planks get installed, it is imperative to prepare and fix any damages with your subfloor prior to an installation. Your subfloor is the foundation to a structurally sound, damage free floating laminate floor, so this step is very important.

Is it easy to lay laminate flooring?

Although it might seem like a daunting task to lay your own laminate flooring, it’s actually easier than you think ! Due to the click and lock flooring installation, a laminate floor is a DIY friendly project. Following along with our laminate flooring installation guide to get step by step instructions and tips for your installation.

Can laminate flooring damage warranty?

Now for the fun part—how to install laminate flooring! If you have already prepared by reading the manufacturer directions, you will know which installation method is appropriate for your brand of laminate flooring. Using the improper laminate flooring installation method can damage flooring and void the warranty!

Laminate Flooring

Lowe’s has many styles of laminate floors to fit any home, including Pergo ® TimberCraft™ Plus WetProtect, which is waterproof and protects against spills and pet accidents. It’s nearly indistinguishable from real wood, more durable and a fraction of the cost.

Prep the Floor

Before installing laminate, first prepare the subfloor. Also make sure the floor is clean, flat and smooth.

Installation

Before you begin laying out the planks, inspect them to make sure there's no damage.

Finishing Up

Now that you've installed your laminate flooring, it's time to add the finishing touches.

Flooring made of Laminate

Installing laminate flooring is a simple process, and after you’ve done it once, you’ll wonder why anyone would hire a professional installer to do it for them in the first place.

Is it simple to install laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring installation is a relatively simple project that can be completed by the average homeowner on their own time.

What would it cost to hire a professional to install laminate flooring in my home?

The expense of hiring an installer is likely on your mind as you consider whether or not to do the laminate flooring installation yourself or pay someone.

11 Steps To Install Laminate Flooring

Preparing your laminate wood flooring for installation involves allowing it to sit in the room for at least 48 hours, allowing it to expand and contract in response to changes in the room’s temperature and humidity.

Our Final Thoughts

Make a rough layout of your room, complete with measurements, before you go shopping.

Frequently Ask Questions

Our personal preference is that the laminate flooring be laid such that it runs parallel to the room’s longest wall, but this is something we believe should be done as well.

Laminate Flooring Installation Project Prep

Before getting started, consider the following preparation steps for a finished floor so seamless, guests will think you hired a professional.

How to Install Laminate Flooring Step by Step

It’s time to get the project started! Lay down laminate flooring like a pro by following these simple steps.

Tips for Cutting Laminate Flooring

You don’t have to be a pro to install laminate flooring, but basic saw skills are a must. Use these helpful tips if you’re new to power saws.