How To Install Laminate Wood Plank Flooring

Laminate wood plank flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because it is durable, easy to maintain, and affordable. It is also a relatively easy flooring to install, even for beginners. With a little planning and preparation, you can install laminate wood plank flooring in your home in a weekend. ### Tools and Materials Before you begin, you will need to gather the following tools and materials: * Laminate wood plank flooring * Underlayment * Moisture barrier * Tape measure * Pencil * Utility knife * Jigsaw * Hammer or mallet * Tapping block * Pull bar * Spacers * Moldings (optional) ### Preparation 1.

Remove the old flooring.

If you are replacing old flooring, you will need to remove it before you can install the laminate wood plank flooring. To do this, you can use a pry bar or a hammer and chisel. 2.

Clean the subfloor.

Once the old flooring is removed, you need to clean the subfloor. Sweep or vacuum the subfloor to remove any dirt or debris. If the subfloor is uneven, you may need to level it with a self-leveling compound. 3.

Install the moisture barrier.

A moisture barrier is a thin layer of plastic that helps to protect the laminate wood plank flooring from moisture. To install the moisture barrier, roll it out over the subfloor and tape the seams together. 4.

Install the underlayment.

The underlayment helps to cushion the laminate wood plank flooring and reduce noise. To install the underlayment, roll it out over the moisture barrier and tape the seams together. ### Installation 1.

Plan the layout.

Before you start installing the laminate wood plank flooring, you need to plan the layout. To do this, measure the room and determine the best starting point. You want to start in the center of the room and work your way out. 2.

Cut the planks.

Once you have planned the layout, you need to cut the planks to length. To do this, use a jigsaw or a utility knife. 3.

Install the first row.

The first row of laminate wood plank flooring is the most important row. To ensure that the rest of the rows are installed correctly, you need to make sure that the first row is level and straight. To install the first row, start in the center of the room and work your way out. Use spacers to keep the planks evenly spaced. 4.

Install the remaining rows.

Once the first row is installed, you can install the remaining rows. To do this, simply lock the planks together. Use a tapping block and a hammer or mallet to tap the planks into place. 5.

Trim the planks.

Once the flooring is installed, you may need to trim the planks around the edges of the room. To do this, use a jigsaw or a utility knife. 6.

Install the moldings.

Moldings are optional, but they can help to finish off the look of the flooring. To install the moldings, simply nail or glue them into place. ### Tips * Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing laminate wood plank flooring. * Use a tapping block and a hammer or mallet to tap the planks into place. This will help to ensure that the planks are locked together securely. * Use spacers to keep the planks evenly spaced. * Trim the planks around the edges of the room to ensure a neat and professional finish. * Install moldings to finish off the look of the flooring.