21st Nov 2022 -

Laminate flooring is still reasonably new to homes around the UK but gained almost instant popularity for several reasons. The good thing about laying laminate flooring is you do not necessarily need a professional fitter for the job. Although the task can be tricky, there is the possibility of laying it yourself. If you have some solid DIY skills, you should be able to follow this simple step-by-step guide, as we show you how to fit laminate flooring.

What are the benefits of laying laminate flooring?

To start, here are the key benefits of introducing laminate flooring in your home:

  • Convenient to buy: You can buy laminate flooring planks in bulk and they are typically available in packs up to four feet long. Be sure to accurately measure how many planks you need to purchase the right amount.
  • Range of options: Laminate flooring has quickly adjusted to meet the preference and tastes of many UK homeowners, replicating other favourites including stone, natural wood and ceramic. Of course, this is all available at a cheaper price.
  • Easy to clean: Laminate flooring is very easy to clean, with spillages simply being wiped off the surface. Sweeping or vacuuming the floor can also remove any dirt or dust build-up.
  • Quick to install: Most laminate flooring can be slotted together with a click-and-groove system. This means you can fit laminate yourself and will not necessarily need to hire a professional. We will explain how to lay laminate flooring later in this guide.
  • Perfect for almost any room: A laminate floor has the extra perk of being the perfect complement for most areas of your home. This includes the living room, dining room or even upstairs. However, we would advise against fitting laminate in the kitchen or bathroom, and opt for tile instead. 

How to lay the underlay

A chair and house plant sitting on light laminate flooring.

Before worrying about the fitting of your laminate flooring, you will first need to put down the underlay. Underlay is vital to laminate and ensures there is room for the wood to expand and contract with the temperature, without cracking against the hard surface of your floor. There are a few underlays to choose from and there could be a recommendation of which is best, dependent on the laminate flooring you purchase.

First up, we have wood fibre - the thickest kind of underlay on the market. If your floor is uneven, this is often the recommended option, while they have the bonus of providing warmth and sound insulation. You could also consider poly fibre underlay as the cheaper option, especially if your floor is dry, firm and level. Whichever you choose though, be sure to clean the existing floor thoroughly before fitting. Also, do not lay laminate flooring on the carpet underlay.

For a combined underlay and damp-proof membrane.

Step 1 - Cover the surface

Lay underlay across the floor, cutting to fit is required until the whole surface is covered.

Step 2 - Fill the first row

Once the first plank is correctly positioned, you are ready to complete the first row. Insert the short tongue of the new board into the long tongue of the positioned board at a 30-degree angle. When lowering the plank it will click into place. This same practice can be used to complete the line.

Step 3 - Start the second row

Unless you are fortunate, the very last plank in the line will need cutting to fit. Measure the space you have available at the end and cut a new plank to fit. Rather than wasting the off-cut, instead, use it to start your second line of laminate flooring (if it is greater in length than 300mm).

Step 4 - Lock in place

To complete the second row, you will need to angle the cut plank against the first row (30 degrees or so), pressing forward and down to lock it in place. You could also seek the help of an assistant to complete a whole row and lock them together, in the same way as described above.

Step 5 - Complete the room

Once you have this technique down to a tee, you should be able to breeze through the rest of the room. Your only difficulty now is setting the final row. Lay your laminate flooring over the top and measure the width you will need. Mark with a pencil on the laminate and cut to shape. You will then be able to fit the final row in the same way as described above.

How to lay laminate flooring 

Laminate flooring can expand and contract with the room’s temperature, so before fitting, it is often advised to leave it for 48 hours in the room. In terms of removing the skirting boards, this is entirely up to you. It is not necessary but some people feel there is a better fit by removing the skirting.

Just ensure to leave a 50mm gap between the membrane and the edge of the wall if you do. Another word of advice before going step-by-step: the best practice is to stagger the laminate boards for a better result. Try to keep at least a 300mm space between joints.

Also, consider adequate protection for personal safety. This could be knee pads (after all, you will be on the floor for a great deal of time), a dust mask, safety goggles and even ear defenders.

Step 1 - Begin at the left-hand corner

We recommend starting working from the furthest left-hand corner of the room you are laminating. Press the short tongue to the wall and use expansion spacers at each join.

Step 2 - Complete the first row

Once the first plank is correctly positioned, you are ready to complete the first row. Insert the short tongue of the new board into the long tongue of the positioned board at a 30-degree angle. When lowering the plank it will click into place. This same practice can be used to complete the line.

Step 3 - Start a second line

Unless you are fortunate, the very last plank in the line will need cutting to fit. Measure the space you have available at the end and cut a new plank to fit. Rather than wasting the off-cut, instead, use it to start your second line of laying laminate flooring (if it is greater in length than 300mm).

Step 4 - Lock together

To complete the second row, you will need to angle the cut plank against the first row (30 degrees or so), pressing forward and down to lock it in place. You could also seek the help of an assistant to complete a whole row and lock them together, in the same way as described above.

Step 5 - Finish the floor

Once you have this technique down to a tee, you should be able to breeze through the rest of the room. Your only difficulty now is setting the final row. Lay your laminate flooring over the top and measure the width you will need. Mark with a pencil on the laminate and cut to shape. You will then be able to fit the final row in the same way as described above.

Laying laminate flooring trim

Living room with dark laminate flooring and brown sofa and wicker seats.

After following the steps above, you should have your laminate flooring from wall to wall. You can probably sit back for 15 minutes with a cup of tea as you have done a terrific job and deserve the break. However, there is no rest for the wicked! There are still a few little jobs to complete before the laminate flooring is finished.

First off, you need to go around the room and remove all the expansion spacers you have inserted. Once these have been taken out, it is time to consider laying laminate flooring trim. Not every homeowner opts for this trim, but it does improve the final appeal and integrate laminate better in your room.

Step 1 - Measure and cut

Your laminate floor trim should be of an identical look to the wooden planks and ideally be purchased at the same time. It is easy enough to fit and to start with you should measure your wall lengths and cut trim accordingly to fit. Remember to cut the corners at a 45-degree angle so they will slide next to each other at the wall corners.

Step 2 - Use adhesive glue

Once the trim has been measured, take adhesive glue to the back of it. Now you will want to press it to the skirting board – not the floor. You will need to hold it in place for a couple of minutes so the trim begins to stick and after this, you could place heavy objects in front to prevent it from moving from the wall.

Flooring materials available for speedy UK delivery

We go above and beyond for all of our customers at Building Materials Nationwide and we are proud to be a one-stop-shop for all the building supplies you will need, at competitive trade prices. Perhaps you would like to install underfloor heating or thermal floor insulation? Browse our website and shop our extensive range of products. When you open a trade account with us, you will be assigned your own with a dedicated account manager.

Whatever issues you may be having, you can get in touch with your trade account manager either by phone or email. If you require any specialist products that are not available on our website, your account manager will be able to source these for you. Plus, you can take full advantage of our fast UK-wide delivery options.