How to Install a Wood Laminate Floor

Wood laminate floors are easy to install and require little care. They can be installed on almost any existing flooring. You want to purchase the type that inter-locks and just floats on the underlayment. The floor can usually be installed in one day. Having someone to help you will make the installation go smother.

Tools and material:

Pry Bar
Hammer
Rags
Circular saw
¼" spacers
Laminate Flooring (Swift Lock)
Underlayment
Molding

Step1:
Remove all molding and trim around the perimeter of the floor. If you have any doorways, remove the door saddle.

Step2:
Sweep the floor and make sure it's clean and even.

Step3:
Roll out the underlayment starting at one end of the room until the entire floor is covered. Do not overlap the underlayment.

Step4:
If any doors do not clear the underlayment and thickness of the flooring, mark a line on the bottom of the door so that it can be cut latter. Remove door from hinges and set aside.

Step5:
Line up ¼" spacers against the wall you are going to start from.

Step6:
Inspect each piece of flooring before installing it. Start laying down the first row of flooring with the tongue side facing the wall. Maintain the ¼" spacing using your spacers along the wall. Lightly tap the ends of each piece with a hammer to lock them together. Cover the ends with a rag, before taping with hammer, so the hammer does not damage the edges.

Step7:
When you reach the other end of the wall, cut the last piece, maintaining the ¼' space to the wall. When cutting with the circular saw, cut with finish side face down. If the piece left over is at least 12" then use it to start the next row, otherwise cut a full length piece in half and use to start the new row.

Step8:
Start the next row where you finished the first wall and work your way back. Repeat these steps until you are on your last row and installing the last piece. Insert the last piece with a pry bar while maintaining the ¼' space.

Step9:
Install new molding and trim. Do not hammer trim into laminate floor. Trim must be hammered into the subflooring in that ¼' space.

Step10:
Re-install door saddle and cut bottom of door if necessary to clear new flooring. Re-hang door on hinges.

Always refer to manufacture's instructions for any special installation procedures.