When installing laminate flooring, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps to get the job done properly. The first step is to measure the length of your room. Next, you’ll need to divide this number by the width of the laminate planks. You’ll need to leave a 3/8-inch gap between the wall and the first row of laminate.

You’ll also need to lay down the underlayment. This is a material that absorbs moisture from the floor and helps add insulation to the area. It is available in a variety of forms and can help make your floor more comfortable to walk on. Some underlayments come with peel and stick adhesive edges, so they don’t need to be nailed through the concrete.

Once you have laid out the underlayment, you’ll need to place the first row of laminate flooring on top of it. Be sure to space the pieces evenly. If the room is uneven, use a floor leveler to ensure the pieces are plumb.

Next, you’ll need to connect the planks using the click system. For this, you’ll need to hold the long side of the second-row plank at an angle, and feed the tongue of the installed row into the groove. To ensure the joints aren’t stuck together, try to wiggle the piece.

If you’re installing laminate flooring over a concrete surface, you’ll need to install spacers to create a gap between the floor and the wall. These are generally easy to remove once the floor is up. But be careful not to chip the new floor edge if you attempt to pry it off.

Next, you’ll need to install the baseboards. Baseboards can be attached to the floor with a nail gun or with finishing nails. After the baseboards are installed, you can add some shine to them by caulking the edges.

Finally, you’ll need to install the base moulding. You’ll need a hammer and finishing nails to complete the task. While you’re at it, you’ll need to clean your concrete floor to ensure that any debris isn’t left behind.

You can also install transition strips between the laminate and other surfaces. These aren’t nailed through the floor, but they do need to be nailed in the right places. Before you start, be sure to clean the surface with a ShopVac to remove debris.

Whether you’re putting in a brand new laminate floor or upgrading an existing one, you can’t go wrong with this streamlined and easy-to-install material. The key is to follow the instructions, and take the time to do the job correctly. Follow the guide, and your laminate flooring will be ready to enjoy in no time.

Now that you have all of the basics under control, you’re all set to put in your new flooring! There are many different varieties of laminate to choose from, including hardwood, laminate, stone, and tile. Regardless of the type you decide to install, it’s important to make sure you’ve accounted for all of the details, from the proper spacing between the tiles to the appropriate width of the planks.