Laminate flooring is a great pick for upgrading your floors. Installing it correctly helps it look good and last long.
We’ll explain each step, from getting ready to the final details. After reading, you might become a skilled installer.
Key Summary
- DIY laminate flooring installation typically costs $2 to $8 per sq ft (materials + tools).
- Professional installation usually adds $3 to $7 per sq ft in labor, bringing the total to $5 to $15 per sq ft.
- Key steps: Prep the subfloor, choose a pattern, use spacers for expansion gaps, and stagger joints.
- Click-lock (floating floor) is the easiest method for DIY installations.
- Leave a 48-hour acclimation period before and after installation.
- Tools you’ll need include a utility knife, spacers, tapping block, and laminate cutter or saw.
Everything You’ll Need
| Tool/Material | Laminate Flooring | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Knife | ✔ | Cut underlayment and trim laminate edges |
| Tape Measure | ✔ | Measure room and plank cuts |
| Straight Edge | ✔ | Make straight cuts and align |
| Pry Bar | ✔ | Remove baseboards or old flooring |
| Spacers | ✔ | Keep expansion gaps along walls |
| Tapping Block | ✔ | Tap planks together gently |
| Non-Marring Hammer | ✔ | Use with tapping block for tight fits |
| Laminate Cutter or Saw | ✔ | Cut planks to size |
| Knee Pads | ✔ | Protect knees during installation |
| Level | ✔ | Ensure subfloor and first row are even |
| Chalk Line | ✔ | Mark straight lines |
| Underlayment Roll | ✔ (if needed) | Add cushioning and soundproofing |
| Jigsaw or Oscillating Tool | ✔ | Cut around pipes, door jambs |
Step 1: Choose a Layout Pattern
Before you install your laminate flooring, think about how you want to arrange the planks. Even though laminate doesn’t have as many pattern choices as vinyl, your layout can change how the room looks and feels.
Here are some common patterns for laminate flooring:
Straight Lay Pattern (Most Common)
This is the easiest and most popular choice.
Planks are placed parallel to the longest wall or where the natural light comes in. This gives a clean, classic look and works well in most rooms.
Diagonal Pattern
Gives a more stylish, upscale look.
Planks are laid at a 45-degree angle to the walls, which can make small rooms seem bigger or add interest to square spaces. This might need more cutting and extra material.
Random/Variable Stagger
Planks are laid in a staggered way, with different lengths in each row.
This copies the natural look of hardwood and avoids repetitive patterns or lined-up seams.
Herringbone or Chevron (Advanced/Pro)
Some special laminate floors are made for herringbone or chevron patterns.
These look beautiful but need careful cuts and planning. Not all laminate types can do these patterns.
Step 2: Prepare the Space
Take Out Baseboards and Old Flooring
Begin by taking off any baseboards and your current flooring to have a clear surface.
- Use a pry bar to gently remove the baseboards. Go slowly to keep the walls safe so you can use the trim again.
- If changing carpet, cut it into smaller pieces with a utility knife and lift it off.
- For tile, vinyl, or wood, use the right way to take each one out.
Clean and Check the Subfloor
Sweep and vacuum well to get rid of dust and dirt.
- Look for cracks, dips, or high spots. Use a leveling compound to fill low areas and sand down high ones. A smooth subfloor is key for a lasting laminate floor.
Put Down Underlayment
Most laminate floors need an underlayment unless it comes pre-attached.
- Underlayment gives cushioning, cuts noise, and fixes small subfloor issues.
- Roll it out on the subfloor, making sure the edges touch without overlapping. Tape the seams well.
✅ Pro Tip: If laying over concrete, think about adding a moisture barrier under the underlayment.
Step 3: Choose an Installation Method
Laminate flooring is made for DIY people and mainly uses one simple installation method: Click-Lock (Floating Floor). Unlike other floors, laminate usually does not need glue or peel-and-stick ways.
Click-Lock (Floating Installation)
The Click-Lock system, also known as tongue-and-groove or interlocking, is the most common and DIY-friendly choice for laminate floors. Each plank’s edges are made to click together, creating a strong connection without nails or glue.
This method lets the floor “float” over the subfloor, allowing it to expand and shrink naturally with changes in temperature and humidity.
Key Advantages:
- No adhesives required — easier cleanup and fewer materials.
- DIY-friendly — great for beginners.
- Versatile — works well over different types of subfloors, including concrete and plywood.
Installation Tips:
- Always leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap around the room’s edge using spacers. This stops buckling when the floor expands and contracts.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for plank alignment and clicking methods.
- Use a tapping block and pull bar to make sure seams are tight without damaging plank edges.
Step 4: Lay the First Row
Trim the Short Tongue Edge of the First Plank
Start by cutting off the short tongue edge of the first plank. This helps the plank fit nicely against the wall for a neat look. Use a utility knife for thin laminates or a circular saw or miter saw for thicker planks.
Position the First Plank 1/4 Inch from the Wall
Place the first plank along the starting wall, leaving a 1/4-inch gap between the plank and the wall. This gap is important because laminate flooring changes size with temperature and humidity.
Insert Spacers to Maintain the Expansion Gap
Put spacers between the wall and the flooring to keep the expansion gap steady as you lay the floor. Keep using these spacers all around the room.
Stagger End Joints for Stability and Appearance
For the second row, cut the first plank to be at least 6 inches shorter than the first plank of the previous row. This staggers the end joints, making the floor stronger and giving it a more natural look.
Tip: Do not line up joints across rows — this can weaken the floor and make it look fake.
Step 5: Cutting Planks to Fit
Straight Cuts — Score and Snap
For straight cuts (like trimming the end of a plank):
- Use a utility knife to score along your marked cut line.
- Snap the plank along the score for a clean break (this method works best for thinner laminates).
For thicker or tougher laminate, use a laminate cutter, circular saw, or miter saw for precise, clean cuts.
Irregular Cuts — Around Corners and Obstacles
When cutting around door frames, corners, or awkward shapes:
- Use a jigsaw or oscillating multi-tool.
- These tools allow precise, curved, or angled cuts that a standard saw can’t achieve.
Cutting Around Pipes
- Measure the diameter of the pipe and add 1 inch to allow for expansion.
- Drill a hole in the plank to fit the pipe size.
- Make a straight cut from the hole to the plank’s edge.
- Once installed, seal around the pipe with a bead of silicone caulk to cover the gap and prevent moisture from seeping in.
Tight Spaces — Under Door Jambs
- Use a jamb saw (also called an undercut saw) to trim the bottom of the door frame.
- This allows you to slide the laminate plank neatly underneath for a clean, professional look.
Pro Tip: Always wear safety goggles and work slowly when using power tools to avoid splintering the laminate or damaging surrounding materials.
| Cutting Task | Recommended Tool(s) | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Straight cuts (length/width) |
Utility knife (thin laminate) Laminate cutter or miter saw (standard) |
Score and snap for thin laminate Use a saw for clean, straight cuts |
| Irregular cuts (corners, curves) | Jigsaw or oscillating multi-tool | Mark the shape, cut slowly following the line |
| Around pipes | Drill + Jigsaw or Hole saw | Drill a hole + cut a slit to the edge, leave ½” expansion gap |
| Tight spaces (door jambs) | Jamb saw (undercut saw) | Undercut the jamb to slide the plank underneath |
| Final fitting/trimming | Utility knife or laminate cutter | Trim small excess for a snug fit |
Step 6: Laying Subsequent Rows
Angle the Planks into Place
Begin each new row by angling the tongue of the plank into the groove of the previous row. Gently lower the plank until it clicks or fits snugly into position.
Use a Tapping Block and Non-Marring Hammer
For a tight, seamless fit, use a tapping block and a non-marring hammer (or mallet).
- Place the tapping block against the edge of the plank.
- Tap gently to close any gaps between the planks.
- Never use a standard hammer directly on the laminate—this can chip or damage the edges.
Maintain the Staggered Pattern
Continue staggering the end joints by at least 6 inches in each row for both stability and a natural appearance.
Check Expansion Gaps
Keep spacers along the walls to maintain the 1/4-inch expansion gap throughout the installation.
Step 7: Finishing the Installation
Install Transition Strips
Once all planks are in place, install transition strips at doorways and where the laminate meets other flooring types. These strips:
- Provide a smooth, safe transition.
- Protect the edges of your laminate flooring.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for type and installation.
Transitioning to Other Flooring
Use the right type of transition:
- T-molding for floors of equal height.
-
Reducer strips for transitioning to lower surfaces like tile or vinyl.
Attach transition strips to the subfloor—never directly to the laminate—leaving a 1/4-inch expansion gap to prevent buckling.
Reinstall Baseboards
Reattach baseboards, securing them to the wall, not the floor. This allows the laminate to expand and contract freely beneath.
Allow the Floor to Settle
Before moving furniture back or walking extensively on the floor:
- Allow at least 48 hours for the laminate to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Laminate Flooring
Installing in High-Moisture Areas
Laminate flooring isn’t recommended for areas with excessive moisture, like full bathrooms or laundry rooms. Water can seep into the seams, causing swelling or warping.
Using a Hammer Directly on Planks
Never use a hammer directly on the laminate. Always use a tapping block or pull bar to gently secure planks without damaging their edges.
Overlapping End Joints
Don’t align or overlap the end joints of planks in adjacent rows. This weakens the floor’s structure and can lead to gaps or uneven surfaces. Stagger the joints by at least 6 inches.
Skipping the Expansion Gap
Failing to leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap around the room’s perimeter can cause buckling as the floor expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes.
Walking on the Floor Too Soon
Allow the laminate floor to acclimate and settle for 48 hours after installation before subjecting it to foot traffic or placing heavy furniture.
Tips for a Successful Laminate Flooring Installation
-
Measure Accurately and Plan for Waste
Measure your room carefully and purchase 10% extra laminate flooring to account for cuts, mistakes, and future repairs. -
Inspect Planks Before Installation
Check each plank for defects or damage before laying it. Discard or set aside any damaged pieces to maintain a high-quality finish. -
Use Knee Pads for Comfort
Protect your knees by using knee pads, especially during long installation sessions. This can also help you work more efficiently. -
Work Methodically and Don’t Rush
Take your time with each step, from laying the first row to cutting planks. Rushing can lead to poor fits, uneven seams, and costly mistakes. -
Maintain the Recommended Expansion Gap
Always leave a 1/4-inch expansion gap around the perimeter to prevent buckling as the laminate expands and contracts.
DIY vs. Professional Laminate Flooring Installation
Many homeowners choose laminate flooring because it’s one of the most DIY-friendly flooring options available. But whether to install it yourself or hire a professional depends on your comfort level, tools, and project complexity.
DIY Installation
✅ Pros:
- Save on labor costs (typically $2 to $5 per sq ft).
- Flexibility to work at your own pace.
- Great for smaller, simple rooms.
❌ Cons:
- Requires basic tools (spacers, tapping block, saws).
- Mistakes like improper expansion gaps can lead to warping or separation.
- Time-consuming, especially for larger or irregularly shaped spaces.
Professional Installation
✅ Pros:
- Fast, precise installation.
- Experts handle subfloor prep, tricky cuts, and transitions.
- Often includes a warranty.
❌ Cons:
- Additional cost — typically adds $2 to $5 per sq ft for labor.
On average, laminate flooring installation (materials + labor) costs between $4 and $12 per square foot depending on the style and complexity. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our Laminate Flooring Cost Guide.
| Installation Method | Average Cost per Sq Ft | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Installation | $1.50 – $4 (materials only) |
Save on labor Flexible schedule Good for small areas |
Time-consuming Requires tools & skills Mistakes can be costly |
| Professional Installation | $4 – $12 (materials + labor) |
Fast & precise Warranty often included Handles complex cuts & transitions |
Higher upfront cost |
Do You Need Professional Help With Your Laminate Flooring Installation Project?
Now that you’ve learned how to install laminate flooring, you’re well on your way to creating a stylish, durable floor. But if you’d rather skip the heavy lifting and precise cuts, our expert team is ready to help.
We handle everything — from proper subfloor preparation to perfect plank alignment — so you can sit back and enjoy flawless, long-lasting results. We’ll also assist you in choosing the right laminate style and underlayment to match your space and budget.
Contact us today to schedule your free in-home consultation and see if we serve your area.
