Laminate flooring is one of the most popular DIY flooring options — it’s affordable, durable, attractive, and achievable for homeowners with no prior flooring experience. Here’s how to install it correctly from start to finish.
Choose the Right Laminate
Laminate flooring varies in thickness (typically 6mm–12mm), wear layer thickness, and AC rating (a measure of durability). For living areas, an AC3 rating is sufficient. For high-traffic areas, choose AC4 or AC5. Also consider the click system — most modern laminates use a floating click-lock system that requires no adhesive.
Acclimate the Flooring
Before installation, allow the laminate planks to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours. Leave the boxes stacked in the room where they’ll be installed. This prevents the planks from expanding or contracting after installation, which can cause buckling or gapping.
Prepare the Subfloor
The subfloor must be clean, dry, and flat. Any bumps or dips greater than 3mm over a 1.8-meter span must be corrected — use floor leveling compound for low spots and sand or grind down high spots. Remove any existing baseboards and door thresholds.
Install the Underlayment
Underlayment provides cushioning, sound dampening, and a moisture barrier. Roll it out perpendicular to the direction you’ll be laying the planks. Overlap seams by a few inches and tape them. Some laminates come with underlayment pre-attached; in that case, no additional underlayment is needed.
Plan Your Layout
Calculate your room width and the width of your planks to determine if the last row will need to be cut narrower than half a plank. If so, trim the first row to avoid ending with a very narrow strip. Start laying planks from the straightest wall, typically opposite the main entrance to the room.
Lay the First Row
Place spacers (typically 10mm) along the starting wall to maintain an expansion gap. Click the first row of planks together end-to-end, working left to right. Maintain the spacers throughout. The expansion gap is critical — laminate expands and contracts with humidity, and without it, the floor will buckle.
Continue Laying Planks
For subsequent rows, stagger the end joints by at least 30cm (12 inches) for structural integrity and a natural appearance. Use a pull bar and tapping block to click rows together tightly. End each row by cutting the last plank to fit, saving the offcut to begin the next row (as long as it’s at least 30cm long).
Cut Around Obstacles
For doorways and other obstacles, use a jigsaw to make cuts. Undercut door jambs with an oscillating tool or hand saw so the laminate slides underneath — this gives a professional, finished appearance.
Install Baseboards and Transitions
Once the floor is laid, remove the spacers and install new baseboards or reinstall existing ones. Add transition strips between rooms and in doorways. Do not glue or nail through the laminate — baseboards should cover the expansion gap without restricting movement.
Final Thoughts
Installing laminate flooring is one of the most satisfying DIY projects a homeowner can complete. The results are dramatic, the process is manageable, and the cost savings over professional installation are substantial. With proper preparation and patience, your new floor will look professionally installed.