How to Install Laminate Wood Flooring

A laminate floor is a great way to update any room in your house for cheap. With prices as low as 60 cents per square foot, you can buy the materials that you need at the best value for any type of flooring material. Installing it is quite easy too, and can be done very quickly.
In order to install your laminate flooring you will need:
10% more flooring than square footage of the room
Moisture barriers - check on your laminate flooring to see if it already has a moisture barrier first
Staple gun
Hammer
Scrap wood
A wood block
A "z" shaped pull bar
Chop saw
Table Saw
Kick Board
If you have old hardwood, laminate, carpeting, or tile flooring, you will need to remove it. Linoleum does not necessarily need to be removed, but it is recommended as it can peel and cause problem later.
Cut out 1/4" blocks with your scrap wood. Your will need enough to go around the perimeter of the room you are doing, with 2" spaces in between. The length does not matter.
Place the moisture barrier on the floor and staple it down. Staple should be placed about 12" away from each other on all sides.
Place the blocks around the perimeter of the room. You will need the spacing to make sure that there is room for expanding and contracting flooring.
Cut the long top lip off the first course of flooring. Your will also need to cut the lip of the flooring off the short side that you are placing against the wall.
Place your first course down, making sure to cut the last piece to fit.
For the next course, cut the first piece about 2/3 of the way down. Make sure to cut the lip off the short side the goes against the wall. Lay the larger piece down for the second row, and the smaller piece for the third row. Continue the full piece, 2/3 piece, 1/3 piece pattern until the floor is laid, snapping each row into place and tapping it together with your hammer and wood block.
For the last row, make sure you measure the gap, and cut the piece and tap it into place with the pull bar and hammer.
Remove the scrap wood against the wall and install your kick board.
Sweep and vacuum, lay down an area rug if desired, and enjoy your room!