How to How to Install Laminate Flooring

Remove old flooring if needed. Subfloor must be flat (within 3/16" over 10 ft), clean, and dry. Fill low spots with leveling compound. Remove high spots by sanding. Vacuum thoroughly. Install moisture barrier if over concrete.

Store boxes in room for 48 hours to acclimate to temperature/humidity. Measure room, plan to run planks parallel to longest wall. Start with full planks, end with at least 6" piece (if less, cut first row shorter).

Roll out underlayment, tape seams. Place 1/4" spacers along starting wall. Lay first plank with groove side toward wall. Click second plank at angle, snap down. Continue row, cut last piece to fit. Start second row with leftover (if 12"+).

Stagger seams by 12" minimum. Click short ends together first, then long side. Use tapping block to close gaps (never hammer directly on planks). Work around obstacles using jigsaw. Maintain 1/4" expansion gap at all walls.

Undercut door jambs with oscillating tool (easier to slide flooring under). For other obstacles: make cardboard template, transfer to plank, cut with jigsaw. Use transition strips where floor meets other flooring types.

Measure width needed for last row (include expansion gap). Rip planks lengthwise if needed. Use pull bar to snap last row tight. Remove spacers. Install baseboards or quarter round to cover expansion gap. Don't nail through flooring.