How to Install Floating Laminate Flooring—A Complete DIY Guide

Want a laminate floor but not sure how to install it? Here's everything you need to know to install a floating laminate floor properly.

What’s the difference between laminate flooring and floating hardwood flooring?

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Laminate flooring belongs to the family of floor coverings (e.g., hardwood, vinyl sheet, carpet, tile, etc.), but it’s not technically considered hardwood flooring.

To qualify as hardwood flooring, the top wear layer must be sandable and made of at least 2.5 mm (0.07 in) of real wood, typically oak.

This wear layer makes it possible to sand the floor twice over its lifetime, whereas laminate flooring consists of a core made of composite wood with a decorative layer called a laminate. This laminate is a type of hard plastic that serves as a protective surface.

A floating laminate floor is a floor covering installed using a floating method, with a laminated surface layer. It’s not a true wear layer like with hardwood, and it can’t be sanded or refinished. Once worn out, it must be replaced.

Laminate flooring typically lasts up to 10 years, or even as little as 5 years if your dog runs on it or has the occasional accident.

Hardwood flooring is considered “floating” when referring to its installation method. There are three main installation types for hardwood flooring:

• Glued-down installation

• Nailed-down installation

• Floating installation

Floating installation means the floor is placed over the subfloor (wood slab, concrete floors, or screed) without being fixed to it. There’s no glue or nails—it simply rests in place.

A Laminate Floor with Underlay to Reduce Noise

Some laminate planks come with built-in underlay to help reduce sound transmission. If they don’t, a polyethylene or plastic underlay needs to be added.

This underlay must be:

• Compressible

• Long-lasting (resistant up to 122°F)

It can also help:

• Reduce moisture transfer

• Distribute weight from furniture

• Improve acoustic performance

What’s the process for installing a floating laminate floor?

Source : RenoQuotes

Step 1: Check the subfloor

Ensure it's compatible in terms of levelness, structural integrity, and room conditions (humidity and temperature). Concrete floors must be clean, dry, and flat.

Step 2: Acclimate the flooring

Let the flooring rest in the room for at least 48 hours before installation. This helps the planks adjust to ambient temperature and moisture.

Step 3: Choose your starting wall and laying direction

Pick the longest wall to start from. This helps you maintain a straight layout, and it often looks best aesthetically. If unsure, here are a few tips: follow the light source, and align the planks along the room’s length to make it feel bigger.

Step 4: Begin installation

Cut the first row to fit the wall, leaving an inch expansion gap of 5 to 8 mm (0.19 to 0.31 in). Use spacers to maintain this gap during installation.

What surfaces can laminate be installed on?

Laminate flooring can be installed on:

• Screed (a lightweight mortar layer between the slab and flooring)

• Concrete floors

• Wood subfloors (joists with OSB or particle board panels)

The subfloor must be flat and stable. Any bumps or dips must not exceed 5 mm (0.19 in) over 2 m (6.6 ft) or 2 mm (0.07 in) over 20 cm (7.87 in).

If the surface is uneven, use a self-levelling compound to correct it. This cement-based solution levels the base for proper plank alignment.

How do you start laying a floating floor?

The layout pattern affects the process. Options include:

• Random staggered joints

• Staggered joints over joists

• Stone cut (uniform joint alignment)

• Herringbone

• Chevron

English-style patterns are horizontal, while herringbone and chevron are diagonal.

Placing a Floating Floor in an English Pattern

Choose a visual anchor in the room, such as the longest wall. Start laying planks along this wall.

Join three rows of planks together and place them against the wall. Trim boards as needed to follow any wall imperfections. Use a utility knife or circular saw to cut the planks.

Installing a Floating Floor in a Chevron Pattern

Chevron patterns include both herringbone and true chevron layouts. In herringbone, the short side of one plank clicks into the long edge of another. In chevron, board ends are cut at 45° to form a "V."

To install:

1. Choose the longest wall

2. Add underlay if planks don’t include one

3. Mark the wall centre and draw a guide line

4. Lay the first two planks in a V pattern

5. Continue along the wall with full rows

6. Align the rows with your guide line

7. Cut the last row to fit along the opposite wall

Floating Floor Installation: FAQ

Source : RenoQuotes

Which direction should you install a floating floor?

Traditionally, floors were laid perpendicular to windows to minimize visible gaps between edges. Today, thanks to manufacturing precision, planks can be installed parallel to windows without issue.

What’s the recommended room temperature for installation?

Follow the manufacturer's guidance. Ideally, install flooring at the same temperature it will be used in. Avoid extremes—temperature fluctuations and moisture can cause deformation.

How long should planks acclimate before installation?

At least 48 hours—70 is even better. Store the boxes in the room where they will be installed. This helps the planks adjust to the ambient humidity.

What tools are needed to lay laminate flooring?

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• Gloves

• Mask

• Safety glasses

• Utility knife

• Tape measure

• Spacers

• Quick-drying wood glue

• Handsaw

• Multi-tool

• Caulking gun

• Drill

• Bevel gauge

• Circular saw

• Jigsaw

• Knee pad

• Block for tapping planks into place

How do you install laminate flooring on a wall?

Apply construction adhesive to each plank. Secure planks to the wall with nails through the groove, angled in.

Start from the bottom corner and work up. Add extra glue every fourth row. Don’t forget to remove the baseboard molding before you begin.

How do you install laminate flooring in a basement?

Check the room for proper moisture and temperature levels: 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) with humidity between 40% and 60%.

In damp spaces, vinyl flooring is a better choice than laminate. Even water-resistant laminate can warp after water damage.

How to replace a laminate plank?

You must disassemble the floor up to the damaged plank, replace it, and reassemble. Laminate boards lock together using a click system—you can’t just lift one plank out.

How to install click-lock vinyl flooring?

The same process applies as with laminate. The difference lies in the top layer: vinyl flooring has a slightly softer plastic surface, making it more durable and water-resistant.

Planks range from 0.5 mm to 2 mm thick. This gives them flexibility and impact resistance. Installation is identical to laminate, using the same click-lock method.

What are common mistakes when laying laminate flooring?

Common mistakes when laying laminate flooring:

• Skipping acclimation: Not letting planks adjust to room temperature and humidity.

• No expansion gap: Forgetting to leave space around the edges for expansion.

• Uneven subfloor: Installing over a surface that's not flat or stable.

• Wrong direction: Laying planks without considering light or room shape.

• Forcing planks: Damaging the click-lock system by forcing joints together.

• Not using underlay: Skipping underlay, especially on concrete floors, can cause noise or moisture issues.