For the next plank join the short end of the plank first image 2.
Start layng laminate floor.
A simple underlayment of foam sheeting is usually sufficient as a base for laminate planks.
You will see a gap on the long side joints when the plank is rotated down.
Lay moisture barrier thoroughly clean the subfloor so that there is no debris on the floor and that it is flat and smooth.
Insert the tongue of the second row plank into the groove of the first row plank at a slight angle until the laminate edges meet.
If the floor surface has damage or unevenness though you may need to remove it and lay down a rigid underlayment of thin plywood before laying the foam sheets and installing the laminate flooring.
Directly onto the subfloor lay down a layer of plastic sheeting to create a moisture barrier.
The first thing to know when learning how to lay laminate flooring is that all laminate flooring will expand and contract due to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
Place unopened packages of laminate flooring in the room or rooms in which they are to be installed.
Step 1 let the boards acclimate.
To allow for this expansion place 3 8 inch spacers along the wall to leave a consistent gap around the edges of the floor.
In order to keep the floor straight and square start laying the laminate away from the wall because the wall may not be straight.
Test the flooring layout.
Next rotate down until the joints lock image 1.
Before starting one of the first things you need to know when installing laminate flooring is the width of the base board or 1 4 round your going to install to cover the expansion gap.
Measure away from the wall the width of one piece of flooring and add 1 4 inch for example if flooring is 5 inches wide measure out 5 1 4 inches and snap a chalk line across the room.
How to install laminate flooring.
This should be done at least 48 hours before the laminate boards are placed so they have time to adjust to the temperature and humidity.
This will minimize shrinkage or expansion when they react to room temperature and humidity step 2 check for moisture levels.