How to Install Laminate Flooring Step by Step

At Laminate Floor World, we install premium laminate flooring every day. This clear guide explains how to install laminate flooring from start to finish. You will assess the room, prepare the subfloor, choose the right underlay, and lay boards with neat joins. Since every home is different, you will also see when vinyl flooring is the safer pick for wet rooms. Use this to decide whether to DIY or to book our installation services.

Need a pro finish while you compare options? Start with our laminate flooring guide, then book installation services when you’re ready.

Tools and materials for a smooth install

To install laminate flooring with confidence, gather spacers, a tapping block, a pull bar, a fine saw or cutter, a square, a pencil, a tape measure, and safety gear. You also need the correct underlay. For concrete, select an underlay with a built-in moisture barrier. For apartments, pick an acoustic option to soften footfall. Because clean edges matter, plan for skirtings, scotias, and matching trims as well.

Room checks before you start

Measure the space and add a small allowance for cuts and waste. Next, test the subfloor. It must be dry, clean, and flat. High ridges telegraph through. Low dips create movement. Fix the surface before opening a single box. If the floor is concrete, confirm moisture with the ASTM F2170 in-slab RH method. If there is underfloor heating, review basics and ramp heat slowly. For local surface prep, compare Mapei primers and levellers or Sika floor levelling compounds before you start.

Acclimation and layout planning

Bring sealed boxes into the room for a short acclimation period, as per the brand’s instructions. Choose board direction. In most rooms, running planks along the length makes the space feel larger. Dry-lay a few rows to check where you will end and how wide the final plank will be. If the last row is narrow, trim the first row slightly so both sides look balanced. Keep an expansion gap around every wall and fixed object; skirtings or scotias will cover it later.

Underlay first, boards second

Roll out underlay in the same direction as the planned planks. Butt sheets edge to edge without overlap unless your product says otherwise. Tape joins neatly so the underlay does not bunch. For concrete, make sure the moisture barrier faces the correct way. Because sound and moisture control start here, do not rush this step.

How to install laminate flooring: row-by-row method

Begin in a straight corner and place spacers to hold the expansion gap. Click the tongue into the groove at a slight angle. Lower the board and tap it home with a light hand and a tapping block. For the end joint, cut the last plank to length and use a pull bar to close the joint gently. Stagger end joins at least one third of a plank for strength and style. As you progress, check each row for tight seams and straight lines. At door frames, undercut the frame so the plank slips beneath for a neat finish.

Cutting tips for clean edges

Mark cuts with a square and a sharp pencil. Use a fine-tooth blade to minimise chipping. Cut face down with a jigsaw, face up with a mitre saw (with the correct blade). Keep offcuts for small returns and doorways. Careful cutting saves time later, so measure twice and cut once.

Trims and profiles that complete the job

Remove spacers, fit skirtings or scotias to cover the gap, and add profiles at doorways and between rooms. Use reducers where floors meet tiles or vinyl. End caps finish sliding-door areas. Keep colour and height consistent for a seamless look. For moisture-prone spaces, consider vinyl flooring before you choose trims.

Grey laminate flooring ideas

Grey tones balance warmth and light, hide everyday marks, and pair well with black fixtures. They also work with both light and dark walls. Explore our grey laminate flooring guide to compare soft oaks with deeper concrete-inspired looks before you buy.

Underfloor heating: limits and setup

Many ranges allow radiant heat when you follow clear limits. Keep the surface temperature within the brand’s range. Increase heat in small steps at the start of winter. Maintain stable humidity so boards do not move. Always check your product’s data sheet.

Aftercare: simple maintenance that lasts

Sweep grit, use mats at doors, and fit felt pads under chairs. Mop with a slightly damp microfiber mop and avoid steam. Wipe spills soon. Move heavy furniture with sliders. The click-lock design even allows plank replacement if needed. For brand-specific notes, see Pergo laminate maintenance and your range manual.

When a waterproof surface is wiser

Frequent water calls for a rigid-core, waterproof vinyl floor. It handles wet shoes, pet bowls, and regular mopping with ease. Kitchens, laundries, and entrances often benefit from this choice.

Professional help for tricky spaces

Bay windows, stairs, angled walls, uneven slabs, and complex door sets can slow a DIY project. Rather than risk delays, request a site visit. We will measure, show samples, confirm subfloor needs, and give a neat plan. The first step is simple—book today and relax.

FAQs

Do I need an expansion gap
Yes. Leave a small perimeter gap and cover it with skirtings or scotias. For technical guidance on expansion and subfloors, see the EPLF installation page.

Which way should I lay the boards
Along the length of the room in most cases. That layout reduces end joins and makes the space feel larger. You can also review Quick-Step’s installation overview for extra tips.

Can I install laminate flooring in a kitchen
Yes, with a water-resistant line and quick wipe-ups. If water is frequent, choose a rigid-core vinyl floor. For local best practice, see SAWLFA resources.

What underlay should I use
Match the underlay to your subfloor and sound goals. Use a moisture barrier over concrete and an acoustic option in apartments. Before installation on concrete, confirm moisture with the ASTM F2170 RH method.

How do I handle door frames
Undercut frames so boards slide beneath for a neat finish and hidden expansion.

Is underfloor heating allowed
Yes, if the range is approved. Stay within temperature limits and ramp heat slowly.

For more ideas, visit the Laminate Floor World home page.