A Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting Laminate Flooring Like a Pro

Laminate flooring is one of the most popular choices for homeowners in the UK.

Its affordability, durability, and ability to withstand daily wear and tear make it ideal for any room in the house. 

Laminate flooring is also relatively easy to install, meaning you can avoid the hefty costs that often come with hiring a tradesperson to fit it for you.

You don't need to be a DIY expert to lay laminate flooring, and in this guide, we'll show you the best way to install it yourself, along with tips and advice to ensure it stays in great condition over time.

Why Choose Laminate Flooring for Your Home?

Laminate flooring, with its many available styles, can immediately upgrade any space, and crucially, it’s:

• Durable 

• Water-resistant (selected ranges)

• Versatile

• A much cheaper option than engineered wood flooring

So, if you’re looking for a flooring solution that’s easy to install, quality underfoot and simple to maintain, laminate is the go-to. 

Here’s everything you need to know about fitting laminate flooring.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Fit Laminate Flooring

To successfully install laminate flooring, we suggest you have the following tools and materials:

• Laminate floor fitting kit (including spacers, tapping block, and pull bar)

• Underlay (if not already included)

• Tape measure

• Pencil

• Sharp knife

• Jigsaw or circular saw

• Spirit level

• Soft head mallet

• Moisture barrier 

Having these tools and products will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Preparing Your Floor for Laminate Installation

Before beginning your installation, thorough preparation is key to avoiding issues down the line, so here are a few steps we suggest you take first:

Inspect the Laminate Flooring

It's important to examine the flooring for defects and report them to your provider immediately. Installing damaged planks will not only lead to a poor finish but could also void any warranty that comes with the product.

Check Site Conditions

Make sure the floor is clean, dry and level before the installation. We also recommend that humidity levels range between 45% and 65%.

Acclimatise the Flooring

Allow the laminate planks to acclimatise in the room that you plan to install them in for at least 48 hours. Make sure you store them flat and maintain normal conditions in the room during this time.

Remove Existing Flooring 

You must remove any old carpet or vinyl flooring and thoroughly clear the area of any debris like dust, nails or anything else that could disturb the new flooring.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Laminate Flooring

Surprisingly, installing a laminate floor isn’t as difficult as you might think, and with the right planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and straightforward process.

Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor

When it comes to laying a laminate floor, preparation is the most important part, so begin by removing any remaining carpet or vinyl that may still be in place. 

Then, clean the area where the floor is to be laid thoroughly, ensuring it's free from debris and dust while inspecting for any damage or uneven areas on the subfloor itself.

The floor must be level and free from screws or nails to prevent any damage to the planks and prevent issues like buckling or gaps over time.

If installing on top of concrete, make sure that it is dry and apply a moisture barrier for added protection. 

Step 2: Install the Underlay 

Underlay provides moisture protection, makes it more soundproof, and improves comfort thanks to its added cushioning. 

When installing underlay, roll it out across the subfloor, ensuring it runs in the direction you plan to lay the laminate planks. 

Align each strip without overlapping to ensure the surface is level, and keep it in place with tape to prevent them from moving during the process. 

Cut off excess underlay around the edges, ensuring it fits neatly without gaps or bunching. 

You don’t need to worry about this stage if your laminate flooring includes pre-attached underlay. 

Read our guide on underlay for more information on its uses and benefits. If you’re looking for some underlay options, you can explore our full range of underlay options to find the best one for your flooring.

Step 3: Plan and Measure the Layout

Carefully measuring the room's dimensions to determine the number of planks needed is a key step in the installation process.

Taking accurate measurements won’t just save you time but will also ensure you aren’t left short or have excess planks left over. 

The best way to do this is to place the planks along the longest wall to create the look you want to achieve, remembering to go into alcoves and doorways.

Calculate the width of the last row. If it's less than half a plank, consider trimming the first row to ensure a more balanced appearance. 

Don’t forget to maintain a small expansion gap around the edge of the room to accommodate natural expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes.

Read our complete guide to measuring rooms for laminate flooring. 

Step 4: Install the Laminate Planks

Begin in a corner of the room with the tongue side of the plank facing the wall, and place spacers between the plank and the wall to maintain the expansion gap. We suggest this should be around 5mm.

Connect the next plank by aligning its tongue with the groove of the previous plank before gently pressing down to lock them together. 

Use a soft head mallet to ensure a snug fit without damaging the planks. Continue this process for the entire first row, cutting the last plank to fit.

For the remaining rows, start with a shorter plank to stagger the joints – this improves the strength of the floor and its visual appeal.

Insert the tongue of each plank into the groove of the previous row at an angle, then lower it to lock it in place. 

You may need to use a pull bar to secure the planks in tight spaces where a tapping block won't fit.

Download our guide to fitting laminate for more in-depth guidance. 

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

After fitting all the planks, remove any spacers you may have used and install skirting boards or mouldings to conceal any gaps. We recommend fixing them to the wall rather than the floor, as the boards might move slightly over time.

You can now install threshold strips in doorways or where the laminate meets to hide any joins and protect the edges, resulting in a neat and tidy finish. Depending on what is on the other side of the door and your preference, you may wish to choose a meta threshold (door bars) or instead go for a wooden threshold in the same colour as your laminate flooring. You can see our range of thresholds here.

You can also now install your laminate flooring’s beading (also known as scotia or edging) that goes around the perimeter of the room, finishing the look between the laminate and the wall or skirting.

If you’ve removed any doors during the installation, you may need to trim them to allow for the new floor height and to prevent any rubbing on the new flooring. 

Use a broom with soft bristles or a vacuum to remove any debris that may have accumulated during the installation. Try to avoid using a wet mop for at least 24 hours to allow the floor to settle. 

Place protective pads under your chair and table legs to prevent scratches, and regularly maintain the floor by cleaning any spills, ensuring the use of appropriate cleaning products when necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fitting Laminate Flooring

• Avoiding Acclimatisation: Failing to properly acclimatise the planks can lead to warping or gaps forming after the flooring has been laid.

• Ignoring Subfloor Preparation: Uneven or dirty subfloors can cause installation issues such as buckling or uneven floors.

• Forgetting Expansion Gaps: Without gaps, the flooring may buckle due to temperature changes over time.

• Incorrect Tool Usage: Using the correct tools is crucial to avoid damaging the planks during installation.

Explore some common mistakes DIYers make when fitting laminate flooring and how to avoid them. 

Tips for Maintaining Your Laminate Flooring

Maintaining your laminate floor will help to ensure it not only looks good but remains hard-wearing for years to come.

Here are a few simple things we suggest.

• Clean Regularly: Sweep or vacuum your flooring frequently to remove dirt and debris.

• Avoid Excess Moisture: Use a damp mop occasionally and avoid leaving standing water on the flooring.

• Use Protective Pads: Place felt pads under any furniture to prevent scratches from furniture legs.

• Address Spills Quickly: Clean up spills as soon as they occur to avoid lasting damage to your laminate flooring.

Discover Our Laminate Flooring Styles 

Now that you know how to install laminate flooring, it’s time to choose the style you want for your home. Discover our entire range of laminate floors and choose up to 6 Free Samples to see how it looks in your home before you commit to a design.