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Laminate flooring is a stylish and budget-friendly way to transform any room in your home. Whether you're updating an old floor or giving your space a modern makeover, laminate flooring installation is a manageable project you can tackle yourself. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process step by step, so you can achieve a professional finish in no time.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
For a professional finish, consider removing the skirting boards. This will allow your laminate flooring to fit snugly against the wall and eliminate the need for additional trims like quad or scotia. Once the skirting boards are removed, give the floor a good sweep and vacuum to remove any dirt or debris. Even small particles can cause bumps under your new floor, so take your time with this step.
The flooring underlay serves as a moisture barrier, adds cushioning, and helps reduce noise. Roll it out in the same direction as your laminate boards, cutting it to length as you go. Use vapour barrier tape or the self-adhesive strip included with some underlay products to join the pieces together.
To ensure your first row of boards is perfectly straight, measure the width of a laminate board and add 10mm to allow for an expansion gap between the flooring and the wall. Hammer a nail at this measurement at either end of the wall, and tie a string line tightly between them. Use packers along the wall to maintain a consistent 10mm gap throughout the installation.
Start by measuring the length of the wall to ensure you don’t end the row with a small offcut. If needed, trim the first board to avoid this. Place a packer between the wall and your first laminate floorboard to maintain the 10mm expansion gap. Click the next board into place and continue along the row.
If you need to fit the last board into a smaller space, mark where it needs to be trimmed, and cut it with a jigsaw. To make a more intricate cut, such as a check-out for a cupboard, mark the area carefully and cut along your lines with a jigsaw.
To ensure your first row of boards stays perfectly aligned, apply masking tape across the joins of the first row. This temporary hold will keep everything secure while you continue working. Carefully remove the string line you used as your straight guide, making sure not to disturb the alignment of the boards. Double-check the straightness of your first row as you do this. If any boards shift slightly, adjust them back into position before moving on.
For the second row, you’ll need to stagger the boards. This means cutting the first board of the row in half using a drop saw. Staggering the joins ensures the flooring is stable and looks balanced. Start the second row with the cut board and work your way along.
With your first board in the second row securely in place, you can now focus on laying the rest of your laminate flooring. Begin by taking the next board and angling the tongue side of the board into the groove of the previous row. Once it clicks into place, press it down gently but firmly. Use a mallet if necessary to ensure a snug fit, but be careful not to damage the boards.
Continue laying laminate floorboards row by row, making sure to stagger the joins for a more stable and visually appealing finish. Use packers to maintain the 10mm gap along the walls, ensuring the flooring has room to expand and contract with temperature changes. By taking your time and checking your work as you go, you’ll achieve a seamless and professional-looking floor.
When you reach a corner or obstruction, such as door frames or built-ins, measure the space where the board needs to fit. Add 10mm to your measurements to allow for the expansion gap. Use a pencil to mark the measurements clearly on the board.
Once marked, use a drop or circular saw to carefully cut along the marked lines. For intricate shapes, take your time and double-check your marks before cutting. Once cut, test the fit by placing the board into position. Make any adjustments if needed.
If you need to rip a board (cut it lengthwise), measure the distance between the last board and the wall, deduct 10mm for the expansion gap, and cut it using a circular saw. Secure the board to a saw horse to make cutting easier and safer.
When measuring the distance from the edge of the last board to the wall, remember to subtract 10mm to allow for the expansion gap. Use a tape measure to mark the length on the board, and draw a clear cutting line with a pencil. Don’t worry if the gap seems noticeable at this stage – the skirting board will cover it once installed, ensuring a clean and professional finish.
Secure the board on a saw horse and cut along the marked line using a circular saw or hand saw. Double-check the fit before installing, ensuring the gap is consistent along the wall. Once satisfied, click the board into place.
Once all the boards are laid, reattach the skirting boards to cover the expansion gaps and complete the look. Use a nail gun or adhesive to secure them in place, taking care not to damage your new floor.
