Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install laminate flooring:
1. Prepare the area: Before you begin, ensure your subfloor is ready for install. The base floor should be clean, level and smooth. Remove the existing flooring, baseboards and moulding.
2. Prepare the door jambs: It’s much easier to cut the trim around doorways than it is to cut the flooring to match the moulding’s irregular shape. Use a handsaw to undercut doorjambs and casing so the flooring can slide underneath.
3. Plan the first and last rows: To avoid narrow pieces at the end of your installation, you should plan ahead. Measure the width of the room and divide by the width of the planks you are using. This will tell you how many rows of planks you will need.
4. Cut the first and last rows: Cut the first row of planks to size and install with spacers between the wall and planks. Cut the last row of planks to size as well.
5. Install the underlayment: Roll out the underlayment perpendicular to the direction you plan to install your laminate flooring.
6. Install the first row: Start in a corner of the room and lay your first plank down with spacers between it and the wall.
7. Install remaining rows: Continue installing planks in rows until you reach the final row.
8. Install last row: Cut planks to size for your final row and install with spacers between it and the wall.
