Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Laminate Flooring Installation

Laminated flooring is one of the most stylish commercial uses for homeowners renovating their houses. It is inexpensive, durable, and has an array of designs-just like the appearance and feel of natural wood, stone, or tile. It can be applied with no instructions into a relatively easy self-installation process. Proceed to learn the quick DIY laminate flooring installation guide and get it done professionally without hiring a professional guy.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a synthetic substance created by people and designed to seem like stone or wood. It has four layers: the core layer, the backing layer, the decorative layer, and the wear layer.

The primary reason why laminate flooring is so great is due to its well-known flexibility and durability. It is best suited to areas with heavy traffic like the sitting room, kitchen, and even hallway. The installation will not be very hassle-filled because this is a floating laminate flooring installation. This means no nailing or gluing down of the flooring in place. As such, laminate flooring is the ultimate DIY project for most homeowners.

How to Install Laminate Flooring

Preparing all your tools and supplies before starting the laminate flooring installation is recommended. In this scenario, you will need to use:

• Laminate flooring planks
• Underlayment (as required)
• Spacers
• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Tapping block
• Pull bar
• Safety goggles

Let's discuss the step-by-step procedure for the better understanding: 

1. Preparation of the Subfloor

One of the pre-installation steps of laminate floors is preparing the subfloor. In fact, the surface must be clean, dry, and level, thus having a smooth surface; any hump or dip in the surface has to be leveled before the laminate flooring installation.

• Start by vacuuming to clean the floor of dust and debris.
  
• Also, if you are going to lay over concrete, it should have cured fully and be dry.
  
• If there is moisture, you will need to apply a moisture barrier.

2. Lay Underlayment

Underlayment is the first laminate flooring installation step, which you are tested on most of the time for installing laminate flooring. The underlayment helps to absorb noise and give some form of insulation.

• Roll out the underlayment to cover all areas in the room and ensure that all edges are secured.
  
• Cut off the excess using a utility knife.
  
• Press together all the seams with tape to hold everything firm together.

Laminate flooring products may already have underlayment attached, so it's wise to read up on your specifications before purchasing separate materials.

3. Measure and Plan Your Layout

Plan everything out so you can avoid making expensive mistakes. Measure the room to get a good idea of how many planks you will actually need.

• Please measure the room's width by dividing it by the width of one plank. This will tell you how many rows of planks you would require.

• Do not let the last row be too narrow, as this can make the structure unstable; therefore, trim the first row when necessary for a balanced arrangement.

• Ensure the gap between the walls and flooring at the room corners is minimal, ideally 1/4 inch. You should install spacers here. The gap will allow the flooring material to expand or contract due to temperature.

4. Laminate Flooring Installation

Once you have calculated your layout, you can start laying the flooring. Start working along one of the longest walls in the space.

• In the wall direction, place the first plank such that its tongue faces the wall.
  
• Utilize spacers wedged into the wall to keep up the expansion gap.
  
• Place the second plank into the groove of the first plank in a position, then push it down. 
• Make sure that the plank is firmly fixed.

Cut diagonally across the plank when you reach the end of the row. You can use a jigsaw or a circular saw to make a clean cut across

5. Overlap seams

Overlap seams with the next row, staggering seams for a natural look that adds strength to your floor.

• Cut one-third of the first plank in the second row.
  
• Snap the plank into place in the previous row and repeat this process.
  
• Ensure the planks' joints are tightened so there aren't any gaps.

6. Cutting Around Obstacles

You could be installing laminate flooring next to a door, a vent, or even pipes. Use a jigsaw to make any custom cuts so that you can fit over these obstructions.

• Take your measures and mark the places where you are supposed to cut carefully.
  
• You are supposed to keep all your safety goggles when you are cutting the laminate.

7. Installation of the Final Row

The biggest challenge is usually the final row of laminate floors. For fitting purposes, it would be best to cut the planks lengthwise.

• Measure the width of the remaining space, including room for expansion gap.
  
• The pull bar will snugly fit in the final planks.

8. Transition Strips

Transition strips are installed wherever you transition from one kind of floor covering to another, from laminate flooring to carpet or tile. They bridge the gaps between dissimilar types of floor coverings for a smooth appearance.

• Measure the width of the doorway or transition.

• Cut the transition strip to length and install.

9. Install Baseboards or Quarter-Round Molding

Now that your flooring is installed, it can be deemed complete by reinstalling your baseboards or quarter-round molding. This will close those expansion gaps and give your floor a professional-looking finish.

Conclusion

Laminate flooring is one of those DIY projects that can be very rewarding if the steps are followed. It saves you money but requires little effort to renovate your home. Preparing your subfloor with the right tools and this guide will result in a perfect finish, making you feel you hired a professional. Ready to take another look at your space? Browse all of our laminate flooring options at BuildMyPlace. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does it take to install laminate flooring?
A. If you have some experience, completing an average-sized room may take 1-2 days.

Q. Does Laminate Flooring Need Underlayment?
A. Unless the laminate comes with pre-attached underlayment, you will need underlayment, which cushions, suppresses noise, and prevents moisture.

Q. Can Laminate Flooring be Installed Over Other Types of Flooring?
A. Laminate flooring can directly be laid on some types of floors, that include tile and even vinyl. Still, to get the best results, it requires a level, clean, and absolutely dry surface.

Q. How do I maintain laminate floors after installation?
A. Maintenance of any floor is essential. To prevent damaging your laminate flooring, you should sweep or vacuum it continuously and mop it using a damp mop with a laminate-friendly cleaner.

Q. Is Laminate Flooring Suitable for Wet Areas?
A. Laminate flooring should avoid humid bathrooms and rooms. Excessive moisture would warp this type of flooring. Instead, opt for the water-resistant types of laminate flooring.