🛠️ How to Install Laminate Flooring – A Step-by-Step Guide from Rug Love

Installing laminate flooring is one of the most satisfying home upgrades you can do yourself. It’s durable, budget-friendly, and gives your space a fresh, modern look – especially when finished with a beautiful rug from Rug Love. Whether you’re transforming your living room, bedroom, or hallway, this guide will walk you through each step for a flawless finish.

🧰 What You'll Need

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools and materials on hand:

• Laminate flooring planks

• Underlay (if not already attached to planks)

• Tape measure & pencil

• Spacers (for expansion gaps)

• Rubber mallet & tapping block

• Pull bar

• Fine-tooth saw (mitre, hand, or jigsaw)

• Utility knife

• Spirit level

• Moisture barrier (if installing over concrete)

• Scotia/beading trim

• Grab adhesive or panel pins

• Knee pads (optional for comfort)

🧱 Step 1: Prepare Your Subfloor

Preparation is key to a smooth installation.

1. Clear the Room – Remove all furniture, existing flooring, and skirting boards.

2. Check for Level – Use a spirit level to identify any uneven areas and level them out if necessary.

3. Clean the Surface – Vacuum and wipe down the subfloor to ensure it’s dust-free.

4. Add a Moisture Barrier – If you’re installing over a concrete subfloor, lay a damp-proof membrane to protect your flooring.

🌡️ Step 2: Let the Laminate Acclimatise

Laminate flooring needs time to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity.

• Lay the unopened packs flat in the room for at least 48 hours before installation.

• This prevents expansion or contraction after fitting.

🧵 Step 3: Roll Out the Underlay

The underlay provides cushioning and helps reduce noise.

1. Roll out the underlay from one side of the room to the other.

2. Trim it neatly along the edges.

3. Tape any seams together to prevent shifting.

📐 Step 4: Plan Your Layout

A little planning avoids a lot of problems.

• Measure the width of the room and divide by the plank width to see how many rows you’ll need.

• If your final row is less than 5cm, trim your first row accordingly for a balanced layout.

• Stagger the end joints by at least 30cm for a natural, professional look.

🧩 Step 5: Laying the Laminate Flooring

Now for the fun part!

1. Start in a Corner – Begin at the left-hand corner of the longest wall.

2. Use Spacers – Leave a 10mm gap between the floor and wall to allow for expansion.

3. Click and Lock – Connect the planks by clicking them together at an angle and pressing down.

4. Tap Gently – Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to secure a snug fit without damaging the boards.

5. Trim as Needed – Cut planks to size using a fine-tooth saw. Don’t forget to stagger your seams!

🚪 Step 6: Finishing Touches

🧩 Remove the Spacers

Once all your planks are laid, remove the spacers from around the room’s edge.

🪵 Fit Skirting Boards or Beading (Scotia)

If you removed your original skirting boards, you can now re-fit them to cover the expansion gap. However, if you’re leaving the skirting in place, you’ll need to finish the edge with scotia or beading:

1. Measure and Cut – Measure each wall length and cut the scotia/beading at 45° angles for corners using a mitre box or saw.

2. Apply Adhesive or Pin – Use grab adhesive or small panel pins to attach the beading to the skirting board, not the flooring. This allows the floor to move freely.

3. Neaten the Joints – Fill any small gaps at the joins with decorator’s caulk or wood filler for a clean finish.

4. Wipe Clean – Once secured, wipe down the trims and tidy any adhesive spills.

🎨 A Beautiful Finishing Touch from Rug Love

Once your laminate flooring is fitted and the trims are in place, it’s time to add warmth and personality with a rug that brings everything together. At Rug Love, we’ve hand-picked rugs for every room style – from soft, cosy textures to bold, contemporary statements.

Whether you want to soften the acoustics, create a cosy focal point, or simply protect your new flooring, a rug from Rug Love will finish the job beautifully.

✅ Final Tips for Success

• Take your time – precise cuts and careful measuring make all the difference.

• Always install planks with the natural light source for the best visual flow.

• Clean as you go to prevent debris getting into the joins.

What does 'Scarlet Weaver' Say:

With a bit of patience and this easy-to-follow guide, your new laminate flooring will look like it was professionally installed – and paired with the perfect rug, it’ll be a space you’ll love for years to come.