How To Put Laminate Flooring: A Step-By-Step Guide

Installing laminate flooring is an affordable, easy to maintain, and attractive way to upgrade any room in your home. It’s a great way to freshen up a space and create a unique look. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through the process of putting laminate flooring in your home.

Step 1: Measure and Prepare the Room

The first step in putting laminate flooring is to measure your room and make sure you have enough material for the project. You’ll need to measure the length and width of the room, as well as the height of the walls. Once you have the measurements, you can calculate the square footage of the room and determine how much laminate flooring you’ll need.

Once you have the measurements, you’ll need to prepare the room for installation. This includes clearing the room of furniture, removing the existing flooring (if necessary), and making sure the subfloor is level and clean. It’s also important to make sure the walls are clean, dry, and free of any debris.

Step 2: Install the Underlayment

The next step is to install the underlayment. Underlayment is a thin layer of foam or felt that is placed between the subfloor and the laminate flooring. It serves as a cushion between the two materials and helps reduce noise and increase comfort. You’ll need to measure and cut the underlayment to fit the room before installing it.

Once the underlayment is in place, you’ll need to make sure it is level. You can use a level to check that the underlayment is even throughout the room. If not, you’ll need to adjust the underlayment until it is level.

Step 3: Lay the Laminate Flooring

The next step is to lay the laminate flooring. You’ll need to start in a corner of the room and work your way out. It’s important to make sure you lay the planks in the same direction as the rest of the room to create a uniform look. Make sure the planks are snug against each other and that there are no gaps.

You’ll need to use a tapping block and a rubber mallet to securely fit the planks together. This will help ensure that the flooring is securely installed and won’t come apart. If you’re working with pre-finished laminate, you’ll need to use a glue or tape to secure the planks together.

Step 4: Install the Trim and Baseboards

Once the laminate flooring is installed, you’ll need to install the trim and baseboards. You’ll need to cut the trim to fit the room and make sure it fits snugly against the walls. The trim will help provide a professional look and prevent the laminate flooring from expanding or contracting too much.

The baseboards will need to be cut to fit the room and fit snugly against the walls. Make sure to use a level to make sure the baseboards are even throughout the room. This will help ensure a professional finish to your laminate flooring installation.

Step 5: Clean and Enjoy Your New Laminate Flooring

The final step is to clean the floor and enjoy the fruits of your labor! You’ll need to make sure to vacuum up any dirt and debris that has accumulated during installation. Once the floor is clean, you can move your furniture back in and enjoy your newly installed laminate flooring.

Installing laminate flooring can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to upgrade your home. With the right tools and materials, you can put laminate flooring in your home in no time. Follow the steps in this guide and you’ll be on your way to enjoying your beautiful new laminate flooring.