Installing Laminate Flooring

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Rip & Renew : Episode HRIPR-204 -- More Projects »
Materials:

protective eyewear
measuring tape
pencil
level
rubber mallet
circular saw
tapping block
underlay pad
laminate click-lock flooring
quarter-round shoe molding

PHOTO

Figure A - Lay a protective barrier underneath the floor.
Steps:

1. Take measurements of the area you wish to install new flooring.

2. Put on protective eyewear.

3. Before laying down your new flooring, install the underlay pad (figure A). This will reduce the wear and tear of your new flooring and protect against mold and mildew growth.

PHOTO

Figure B - Start on the longest wall.
4. Place the laminate flooring along the most prominent wall (figure B). Lay the laminate flooring with a 1/4" clearance along all walls. This allows for expansion due to seasonal humidity and temperature changes. Use 1/4" spacers if needed.
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Figure C - Stagger the seams of each board.
5. Lay laminate flooring away from the wall, staggering the boards so the seams don't line up (figure C).
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Figure D - Use a mallet to tap each board into place.
6. Use a mallet and the tapping block to secure the boards together (figure D).

7. Once the entire flooring is in place, reinstall the baseboards.

8. To cover expansion gaps along the wall, quarter-round shoe molding may be installed. Using a nail gun, fasten the molding in place, making sure the nails do not go through the new laminate flooring.

Also in this Episode
Rip & Renew : Episode HRIPR-204
•Kicking Up the Kitchen
•Installing Wainscoting
•Installing Laminate Flooring