Installation Guide Laminate Flooring

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Table of contents

About Floating Installation

Floating installation is quick, affordable, and DIY-friendly. The planks lock together to form a single surface and are not fixed to the subfloor.

Laminate floors expand and contract with seasonal humidity. Leave a 10 mm expansion gap around all walls, fixed objects, and vertical surfaces. If the run exceeds 9.5 m, add about 1.5 mm extra gap for every additional 3 m.

Use expansion shims every 30 cm along walls to prevent movement during installation.

Install T-mouldings in doorways, hallways, and openings so rooms can expand independently.

Do not place cabinets or permanent fixtures on top of the flooring, as this blocks expansion and may cause buckling or locking damage.

Preparation before installation

Check the pack

Inspect all planks for defects or colour variations. Leave unopened boxes in the installation room for 24–48 hours at 18–27°C to acclimatise.

Prepare tools

  1. Tape measure
  2. Pencil
  3. Spirit level
  4. Workbench or sawhorse
  5. Handsaw or electric saw
  6. Chisel
  7. Rubber mallet
  8. Tapping block
  9. Pull bar
  10. Spacers, underlay and tape
  11. Drill, combination square
  12. Moisture meter
  13. Safety gear (knee pads, goggles, dust mask, ear protection)
  14. Beading or skirting boards

Prepare the Subfloor

Must be clean, dry, and level. Concrete or wooden subfloors work best. Use a moisture meter to ensure dryness. Repair high or low spots and remove nails, screws, or old adhesive.

Underlay

Roll out underlay in the direction of the flooring. Tape seams and ensure any damp-proof membrane is installed if on concrete.

Planning the Layout

Planning the Layout

Choose the direction of the planks before installation begins. In most cases, planks are laid parallel to the longest wall to create a balanced and visually appealing result. Alternatively, you may align the flooring with the main source of natural light so the seams are less visible. In square rooms, consider the entrance direction or the flow of movement through the space.

Joint Staggering

To ensure structural strength and a natural appearance, stagger the end joints of adjacent rows by at least 30 cm. Avoid aligning joints in consecutive rows, as this weakens the floor and reduces visual quality

Expansion Gaps

Laminate flooring expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. Leave a minimum 10 mm expansion gap around all walls, fixed objects, pipes, and vertical surfaces. For larger areas or installations exceeding recommended lengths, increase the gap accordingly. Use expansion shims or spacers approximately every 30 cm along the perimeter to maintain consistent spacing during installation.

Doorways and Transitions

Install T-mouldings or transition profiles in doorways, archways, and openings between rooms. This allows each section of flooring to expand and contract independently and prevents buckling or locking system damage over time.

Installation Steps

First Row

Place spacers to maintain expansion gap.
Lay planks tongue facing the wall.
Cut final plank to ensure at least 60 mm width in the last row.

Subsequent Rows

* Begin each row with the cut-off piece from the previous row (≥ 30 cm).
* Angle the tongue into the groove, press down to lock.
* At row ends, cut plank for expansion gap.
* Use tapping block and mallet carefully; avoid damaging the click-lock system.

Around Pipes & Door Frames

Drill holes and cut wedges to fit pipes; glue wedge behind pipe.
* Remove doors if needed; trim architrave or door bottoms to fit planks underneath.

Finishing Touches

* Install skirting boards, stair nosing, door thresholds, and pipe covers to conceal expansion gaps.
* Keep spare planks for future repairs.

Care & Maintenance

Clean spills immediately; laminate is water-resistant but not waterproof.
* Use soft-bristle brushes, suitable vacuum attachments, and slightly damp microfiber mops.
* Avoid harsh cleaners, vinegar, soap-based products, and steam cleaners.
* Protect floors from furniture scratches using felt pads; trim pets’ nails.
* Minimise direct sunlight exposure; swap shoes for slippers if possible.

Tips & Warnings

* Never fix cabinets or permanent fixtures on top of laminate; expansion space is critical.
* Floating floors may sound hollow or move slightly underfoot.
* Damaged planks are harder to replace than nailed or glued floors.
* Always follow subfloor and moisture requirements to maintain warranty.
If you have any questions during the laminate installation, please feel free to call us at this number -

woodpanelco