How to Lay or Install Laminate Flooring
- 1). Remove the furniture from the room and set it outside. Measure the area of the room with a measuring tape to determine how much flooring you need. Laminate flooring is sold in boards.
- 2). Inspect the floor over which the laminate boards are to be installed to ensure it is flat in order to prevent creaking later. Add liquid floor-leveling compound to level out any depressions in the base floor so it is in line with its surroundings. Allow the compound to dry thoroughly before you proceed.
- 3). Lay the underlayment material over the base so it acts as a cushion for the laminate floor. Remove any wrinkles on this foam-like material so it rests evenly over the base. If you're using several pieces of underlayment to cover the entire floor, place them flush against one another to cover the area completely, and tape the pieces together so they remain in place.
- 4). Lay the first board of laminate flooring against the longest or most prominent wall in the room. Space it ¼ inch away from the wall and adjust its grooved end to face the wall. Place the tongue of another board flush against the groove of this board until they lock in place, or use a rubber mallet to snap the ends together. Continue this procedure until you reach the end of the first row. Cut the last laminate board with a miter saw if necessary, and use the remaining length to start the adjacent row.
- 5). Stagger the adjacent row for an attractive look. Cut the first board of the second row in half before setting it in place and securing the tongue of another length to its groove. Repeat this procedure until you reach the other end of the room and cover your entire floor.
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