How to Install Laminate Floors
Part 2

1. If your beginning wall is not square, make a pattern of the wall so you can trim the laminate floor appropriately. This will help the rest of the floor stay square. Dry fit the first three rows of laminate flooring planks. This will help you to determine if your beginning wall is uneven.
2. Stagger the joints of each row so they are about 8 inches away from the joints of the preceding row. When you get to the end of a run as you progress through the rows, you may be able use a piece of scrap trimmed from another row.
3. For any irregular shapes you have to cut, measure the short and long sides of your plank along with the point where the angle begins. Mark these measurements to the back of a plank and cut with your jigsaw. Note, because the dust associated with cutting laminate floors can scratch the surface of the floor, it is recommended cutting be done separate from the installation site if possible. If necessary to cut within the same room, try to cut over a plastic or thick cloth tarp as much as possible to reduce the amount of dust on the floor.
4. Once you’ve got the first three rows dry fitted and square, you can begin gluing. Check your manufacturer’s installation instructions to confirm and apply glue to all edges of each plank. Slide the plank into position and use a tapping block to get everything snug. Never strike the tongue of a plank with your hammer.
5. Once you are at the end of a run, you can use your prybar to tighten up that row of planks.
6. Once you have the first three rows glued together let everything dry for an hour before continuing with the rest of the floor. A strap clamp can be used if necessary to hold the planks together as the glue dries.
7. Once the first three rows have dried, finish installing the rest of the floor. Stay off the floor as much as possible until it has dried. Check your manufacturer’s instructions for the specific amount of time.
8. Install 1/4” shoe molding to hide the 1/4” gap between the flooring and baseboard. When nailing the quarter-round, make sure you do not nail the laminate floor. A pneumatic nail gun can make this part of the installation quicker and easier.
9. A reducer strip helps to make a nice visual transition between different types of floors. First cut the metal mounting strip to the correct length and attach it to the floor with screws. Trim the laminate reducer strip to the appropriate length and snap it into the metal mounting strip.

Now it’s time to enjoy your new laminate floors. Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. Move all furniture back into the room, making sure you install protective pads and/or area rugs under the feet of all furniture.