Preparation before installing laminate flooring

Before installing laminate or vinyl laminate, the flooring needs time to acclimatize to the room. This important step helps prevent warping or buckling later on.

• Leave unopened packages flat in the room for at least 48 hours
• Keep the packages at least 50 cm away from the wall
• Store them horizontally and never upright against a wall
• Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level

Essential materials and laminate installation tools

Measure the total floor area carefully and always order around 10% extra material for cutting waste and mistakes.

Materials

• Laminate flooring boards or vinyl laminate
• High-quality underlay
• Matching skirting boards or baseboards

Required laminate tools

• Laminate spacers: for consistent expansion gaps
• Tapping block and pull bar: to connect planks without damaging them
• Measuring tape and profile gauge: for precise measurements and difficult shapes
• Jigsaw: ideal for cutting laminate corners, pipes, and detailed shapes

For precise and clean cuts, especially around obstacles and edges, a quality jigsaw makes the installation process much easier.

• Batavia Jig Saws – ideal for accurate laminate flooring cuts and detailed finishing work

Step-by-step: How to install laminate flooring

Step 1 – Lay the underlay

Roll out the underlay across the entire subfloor. This layer helps reduce sound and protects against moisture.

Step 2 – Start in the corner

Begin laying the first row along the longest wall of the room. Use laminate spacers between the wall and planks to create expansion gaps.

Step 3 – Cut planks to size

At the end of a row, measure carefully and cut the plank to fit. A jigsaw is especially useful for cutting around pipes, door frames, and laminate corners.

Step 4 – Click the planks together

Most modern laminate floors use a click system. Angle the plank into place and push down until it locks.

• Use a tapping block and rubber mallet for tight joints
• Stagger plank joints by at least 30 cm
• This creates a stronger and more natural-looking floor pattern

Step 5 – Install the final row and finish

The final row often requires precise measurements. Subtract the expansion gap before cutting the boards and use a pull bar to secure the final pieces.

After installation:

• Remove the spacers
• Install skirting boards or baseboards
• Attach baseboards to the wall, never directly to the floor

Laminate floor maintenance tips

Laminate flooring is durable, but proper maintenance helps it stay looking new for years.

• Use furniture pads to prevent scratches
• Avoid excessive moisture or soaking the floor
• Clean regularly with pH-neutral products
• Use a slightly damp cloth instead of a wet mop

Ready to install your own laminate floor?

With the right preparation, proper expansion gaps, and accurate cutting tools, installing laminate flooring yourself becomes a manageable DIY project with professional results.