Acclimate the flooring: Bring the laminate flooring into the room where it will be installed and allow it to acclimate for at least 48 hours. This will allow the flooring to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room.
- Lay down underlayment: Lay down a foam underlayment over the subfloor to create a moisture barrier and cushion for the laminate flooring. The underlayment should be butted up against the walls and trimmed to fit around any obstructions.
- Begin installation: Starting in the corner of the room, lay down the first row of laminate planks with the tongue facing out. Use spacers between the planks and the wall to maintain an even expansion gap.
- Continue laying planks: Continue laying the planks in rows, snapping them together with the tongue and groove joints. Stagger the joints of the planks so that no two joints are next to each other.
- Cut planks: Use a saw to cut the last plank in each row to fit against the wall. Use the leftover piece from the previous row to start the next row, as long as it is at least 8 inches long.
- Install the last row: Measure and cut the last row of planks to fit, leaving an expansion gap against the wall. Use a pry bar to snap the last row into place.
- Install trim: Install baseboard or quarter-round trim around the perimeter of the room to cover the expansion gap.
- Clean up: Remove any spacers and sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any debris.