Install a Floating Floor in Eight Easy Steps

The appearance and graphics available in floating laminate flooring have improved greatly in the last few years. You'll find everything from blond modern looks to faux antique barn wood. Choose a style that complements the style of your home and furnishings and compare prices from several stores. Be sure to take accurate measurements of the room and allow an extra 20% to make up for cuts and waste. When installing floating flooring in a room that is already trimmed and finished, you will need a dovetail saw to trim around door casings.
Before you begin installation clear the room of furniture and vacuum thoroughly so that no pieces of debris get trapped under the new floor. Install the underlayment by rolling it out and trimming it with a utility knife. You may find it easier to hold individual pieces of underlayment together with duct tape.

Photo used under Creative Commons from nancyhugo.

1. Choose a wall as a starting point and lay down the spacers. Spacers allow for expansion and keep the floor from buckling. Lay the first plank against the spacer, making sure that the tongue is facing outward.

2. Lay the next plank in the same fashion continuing laying planks end to end until you reach the end of the room. Cut the last plank to fit, allowing room for another spacer at the end wall.

3. Start the next row. Another spacer should be used between the wall the and edge of each row. If the piece that you cut off the end of the previous row is at least eight inches long, use this piece to start the second row.

4. Continue staggering boards in this fashion, always starting and ending with a spacer between the plank and the wall.

5. If your floor requires glue, run a bead of glue along the groove of each board and slide the next row of planks against the previous row. Use a wood block to protect the plank and tap the planks together with a hammer or rubber mallet. Wipe of any excess glue.

6. Keep working in this fashion, notching around doorways if needed until you reach the other side of the room. Measure the length of the final board and fit it in place, using a pry bar if needed. A block and hammer can help knock it tightly into place.

7. If glue was used, let the floor dry at least 12 hours. Then replace floor moldings, vacuum, and move your furniture back into the room.

8. Now enjoy! Shop for iron wall art to musical wall art hangings online to personalize your space while showing off your beautiful new floor!

Photo used under Creative Commons from hendricksphotos.