How to install laminate flooring: step-by-step guide

Installing laminate flooring is a fast, clean, and affordable renovation that allows you to renew the look of any room without complex construction work or removing the existing flooring. Thanks to the floating installation system with click-lock joints, this project is entirely manageable for any DIY enthusiast who has the basic tools and rigorously follows the ground-preparation guidelines.

Transforming the look of a home requires combining a good choice of material with meticulous finishing work. Throughout this guide, you will discover everything you need to know about installing laminate flooring professionally, from the essential materials to addressing critical areas such as door frames, radiator pipes, and perimeter expansion joints.

Tools and materials needed to install laminate flooring

To install laminate flooring correctly, you need a combination of flooring materials and measuring, cutting, and fitting tools. Having the Tools and equipment Having the right equipment from the outset ensures a smooth process, prevents interruptions during installation, and guarantees an impeccable finish around the edges.

Essential materials: planks, underlay, and skirting boards

Preparing the material requires calculating the total surface area in square meters and adding an additional 10% allowance to account for waste from cuts. The elements you need to have on hand are as follows:

• Laminate flooring planks with a resistance rating suitable for the room’s use (AC4 for normal residential use or AC5 for high-traffic areas).
• Underlay or subfloor layer to dampen footfall noise and correct minor irregularities in the floor.
• Polyethylene vapor barrier to protect the material from condensation moisture coming from the subfloor.
• Matching skirting boards and baseboards to cover the perimeter expansion gap.
• Transition and finishing profiles for passage areas between rooms or changes in flooring.
• Construction adhesive or specific filler for attaching the skirting boards directly to the wall.

Cutting, measuring, and basic installation kit

The cutting and assembly process requires precise tools to avoid damaging the finish of the pieces or breaking the tongues of the locking system:

• Jigsaw with blades for clean wood cuts, a mitre saw, or a manual guillotine for flooring.
• Kit Installation tools For laminate flooring, consisting of spacers, a tapping block, and a pull bar.
• Tape measure, carpenter’s pencil, and metal square for marking perfect right angles.
• Rubber mallet to seat the planks without damaging the edges.
• Painter’s tape to secure the underlayment strips during assembly.
• Preparing before installing laminate flooring

Preparing the space beforehand is the most critical step when installing laminate flooring, as it ensures the structural stability of the planks and prevents future deformation. Ignoring room conditioning or failing to check the subfloor can cause unwanted creaking, moisture-related lifting, and premature misalignment of the locking system.

Acclimatizing the planks in the room (48 hours are crucial)

Synthetic wood planks undergo changes in volume depending on the temperature and ambient humidity. Store the unopened packs horizontally in the room where they will be installed for at least 48 hours before starting the work.

 Keep the room at a constant temperature between 18 °C and 22 °C, with balanced relative humidity.

Checking, cleaning, and leveling the base surface

The floor supporting the laminate must be firm, completely dry, and free of debris or grease. Use a two-meter straightedge to check that there are no uneven areas greater than two millimeters; if you find larger bumps or irregularities, apply leveling compound before continuing. 

Vacuum thoroughly to prevent grains of sand from remaining under the structure.

Installing the vapor barrier and insulating underlayment

Unroll the polyethylene film that acts as a vapor barrier over the clean subfloor, overlapping the strips by about 20 centimeters and finishing the edges by turning them a couple of centimeters up the wall. On top of this plastic, lay the insulating underlayment mats perpendicular to the direction in which you will install the planks. 

Join the foam strips with adhesive tape to prevent them from shifting during installation.

How to install laminate flooring step by step

Learning how to install laminate flooring requires following a logical sequence, from the initial layout along the main wall to fitting the final row. 

• The key to success lies in working methodically, respecting expansion gaps, and constantly checking the alignment of the joints.

Planning plank orientation and placing expansion wedges

Orient the planks parallel to the room’s main source of natural light to visually disguise the joints between pieces. 

• If the room is long, place them along the length of the longest wall. 
• Place 8 to 10 mm spacing wedges around the entire perimeter of the wall to ensure the essential expansion gap.

Laying the first row and assembling with the click system

Begin installation in the left corner of the chosen wall, orienting the click-system tongue toward the wall (after cutting off the protruding edge with the saw). 

Attach the second piece by fitting the tongue into the groove at an angle of about 20 to 30 degrees, pressing gently downward until you hear the characteristic click indicating that the joint is sealed.

Cutting pieces, staggering joints, and advancing row by row

When you reach the end of the first row, measure the remaining space, subtracting the clearance provided by the perimeter spacer. 

• Mark the plank, cover it with tape to prevent splintering, and make the cut with the jigsaw. 
• Use the leftover piece to start the second row, provided it is more than 30 centimeters long: this staggered or interlocked joint pattern gives the entire floating floor structural strength.

Adjusting and finishing the last row of planks

The last row usually requires a lengthwise cut to adapt the pieces to the remaining width up to the wall. Measure the distance at several points, subtract the expansion gap, and insert the piece using the metal pull bar. Rest the pull bar against the final edge and tap it gently with the hammer to fully engage the click joint.

Laminate flooring installation in difficult areas and finishing details

Laminate flooring installation presents its greatest challenges where it meets door frames, heating pipes, and irregular corners. Resolving these specific areas with patience and the right tools prevents stress in the material and ensures flawless visual continuity.

Solutions for door frames, corners, and radiator pipes

Do not cut the plank around the door jamb, as the result will look unattractive. 

The correct method is to use a piece of plank on the subfloor as a template, brace the handsaw against it, and cut away the bottom of the wooden frame so the laminate can slide underneath.

To work around radiator pipes, follow these steps:

• Measure the exact position of the pipe on the plank and mark the center of the circle.
• Drill the hole with a hole saw that is 16 millimeters larger in diameter than the pipe to maintain the expansion joint.
• Make a trapezoidal cut from the hole to the rear edge of the plank.
• Place the plank in position, fit the cut piece behind the pipe using wood adhesive, and cover the gap with a radiator pipe cover.

Installing skirting boards, baseboards, and transition profiles between rooms

Once the planks have been installed, remove all wooden or plastic spacers around the perimeter. Install the skirting boards, securing them exclusively to the wall with construction adhesive or metal clips, without pressing them against the planks, so the floor can move freely underneath. 

Install transition profiles at doorways to conceal the mandatory expansion joint between separate rooms.

Common mistakes to avoid when installing laminate flooring

The most common mistakes when installing laminate flooring result from failing to respect the acclimatization time of the synthetic wood and blocking the perimeter expansion gaps. Knowing these mistakes helps avoid additional repair costs and irreparable deformations in the center of rooms.

Ignoring expansion joints around the perimeter and in passageways

The most serious mistake is gluing or fitting the planks too tightly against walls or frames. 

• If the laminate floor does not have a free gap of at least 8 millimeters around its entire perimeter, as the temperature or ambient humidity increases, the planks will press against the wall and rise into an inverted V shape in the center of the room.

Installing the material over damp or uneven floors

Proceeding with the installation without checking the subfloor’s moisture destroys the planks from the inside. 

Moisture trapped in recent concrete subfloors seeps into the laminate’s synthetic fiber core (HDF), swelling the joints and causing the protective top layer to crumble. 

Likewise, installing it over pronounced unevenness eventually breaks the tongue-and-groove joints with daily foot traffic.

Initial maintenance and care after installation

Initial maintenance of a newly installed laminate floor consists of removing the fine dust generated during cutting with gentle vacuuming and cleaning with very well-wrung mops. Protecting the surface against mechanical damage preserves the joint seal throughout its service life.

Recommended cleaning and products to avoid to protect the joints

To preserve its original appearance, follow these regular maintenance guidelines:

• Vacuum with a brush for parquet or a microfiber mop frequently.
• Use neutral cleaners specifically designed for laminate flooring, avoiding waxes, bleach, polishes, and abrasive detergents.
• Wring out the mop as much as possible to prevent stagnant water from seeping between the plank joints.
• Place protective felt pads on the legs of chairs, tables, and heavy furniture to avoid scratching the top melamine layer.

Frequently asked questions about how to install laminate flooring (FAQ)

Is it necessary to remove the old flooring to install laminate flooring?

It is not necessary to remove the existing flooring if it is firm, level, and dry. Laminate flooring can be installed as a floating floor over ceramic tiles, terrazzo, vinyl, or old parquet. However, you must remove carpeting or cushioned rugs, as they destabilize the click-lock system and retain moisture.

Can laminate flooring be installed in bathrooms and kitchens?

Yes, you can, provided you choose water-resistant laminate with a specific water-resistance rating and bevels sealed with paraffin. During installation in damp areas, it is essential to apply neutral silicone sealant to the perimeter expansion joint before fixing the skirting boards to prevent stagnant water from seeping into the subfloor.

In which direction should laminate flooring planks be laid?

The general rule for interior design and installation is that the planks should be laid parallel to the natural light coming in from the main window. In hallways or narrow rooms, installing them lengthwise is recommended to enhance the visual sense of spaciousness.

How long should you wait before placing furniture after installation?

There is no need to wait for any drying or curing time. Since this is a floating installation system with no glue at the joints, you can furnish the room and use it immediately after finishing fixing the skirting boards and profiles.

Conclusion

As you have seen, renovating your home by installing laminate flooring yourself is an accessible, very affordable project that will give you a spectacular transformation without involving complicated construction work. 

The real key is to work calmly and pay attention to the small details: acclimatize the planks properly, leave the surface clean and smooth, and always respect the expansion joints.

And to ensure a flawless installation, Brikum makes it incredibly easy for you. In our online store you will find absolutely everything you need to take on this challenge with complete peace of mind: from the underlay and skirting boards to the installation kit, tapes, and the best cutting tools.

Equip yourself with us, get to work, and get ready to enjoy a beautiful, warm, durable floor for many years to come.