How to Install Laminate Floors (Part 3)

Ease of installation is one of the key advantages of laminate flooring. One of the two 'do-it-yourself' installment options is the floating or glueless method. In this method, the flooring is not secured to the subfloor. Instead, it allows each board to be connected by means of a tongue-and-groove design. Around eight inches by four feet long, these planks click together to form a firmly fastened surface.

Not only easier, the glueless flooring planks are installed approximately 50% faster on an average than the traditional methods of installation.

• Straight edge

• Measuring tape

• Pencil

• Marker

• Speed square (to test angles)

• Scissors

• Hammer

• Coping saw

• Circular saw with fine-tooth blade

• Safety goggles

• Clamps

• Wall spacer wedges

• Tapping block

• Last row puller (prybar)

• Laminate flooring

• Underlay (foam, vinyl or cork are popular choices)

• Flooring planks should be preferably installed with their length parallel to the incoming sunlight.

• Start the installation from the left corner of the room. Cut off the tongue of the planks, and run them parallel to the wall with the help of expansion spacers.

• Install each plank by inserting one end into the other at an angle and pressing down.

• On reaching the end of the row, measure and trim the last plank to fit.

• Cut a new plank similar to the pattern of the first row and start the next row with this plank.

• Lift the previous row slightly to fit the next planks into position. Now give a sharp rap to the next line of boards with your hand to fully engage and press them down firmly.

• Continue with this procedure with the rest of the flooring.

• The last row should be the same width as the first row. Trace the wall outline and remember to leave space for expansion.

• Trim and remove excess plastic sheeting and spacers. Reinstall baseboards without nailing to the floor.

• Flooring should extend under the doorframe. Use a piece of scrap flooring to mark the depth that the doorframe should be trimmed.