How to Install Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is the most beginner-friendly flooring you can install yourself. The floating click-lock system requires no glue or nails, and most rooms can be completed in a single day.

How many boxes of laminate do you need?

Room area	Box coverage 20 sq ft	Box coverage 25 sq ft	With 10% waste
100 sq ft	5 boxes	4 boxes	5–6 boxes
150 sq ft	8 boxes	6 boxes	8–9 boxes
200 sq ft	10 boxes	8 boxes	11–12 boxes
300 sq ft	15 boxes	12 boxes	16–18 boxes

Use the Flooring Calculator with your exact room dimensions.

What you’ll need

Materials:

Laminate flooring (add 10% waste)
Foam underlayment (3mm, if not pre-attached to planks)
1/4-inch plastic spacers (expansion gap)
Transition moldings (T-molding, reducers, end caps)
Baseboards or quarter-round shoe molding

Tools:

Miter saw or circular saw (for length cuts)
Table saw or jigsaw (for width ripping)
Tapping block (wood block, not metal)
Pull bar (for last row)
Rubber mallet
Tape measure and chalk line
Knee pads

Time: 1–2 days for an average 200 sq ft room (plus 48–72 hours acclimation)

Expansion gap guide

Laminate flooring is a floating floor — it expands and contracts with temperature and humidity. The expansion gap prevents buckling:

Condition	Gap to maintain
Standard interior	1/4 inch (6mm)
Unusually dry or humid climate	3/8 inch (10mm)
Around any fixed object (posts, islands)	1/4 inch minimum
At doorways (covered by T-molding)	1/4 inch

Never nail, screw, or glue the flooring to the subfloor — the floor must be free to move. Always nail base shoe molding into the wall, not down through the floor.

Common installation mistakes to avoid

Skipping acclimation — results in gaps in winter and buckling in summer
Not checking subfloor flatness — hollow spots create a springy feel and clicking sounds
Leaving too small an expansion gap — will buckle; too big and trim won’t cover it
Random stagger — keep end joints at least 12 inches apart between rows
Nailing base shoe into the floor — prevents the floor from floating

Frequently Asked Questions

How many boxes of laminate flooring do I need?

Divide total square footage by the coverage per box (typically 20–25 sq ft), then add 10% for waste (15% for diagonal installation). A 200 sq ft room needs roughly 9–11 boxes depending on box size. Use the Flooring Calculator for exact counts.

Can I install laminate flooring myself?

Yes — laminate is one of the most DIY-friendly flooring options. The click-lock system requires no glue or nails. Basic tools (saw, tapping block, pull bar) and 1–2 days are enough to install laminate in an average room.

Do I need underlayment under laminate flooring?

Yes. Underlayment provides cushioning, vapor barrier, and sound reduction. Most laminate comes with pre-attached underlayment; if not, roll out 3mm foam underlayment before installing. Never skip underlayment — it's also required by most manufacturers' warranties.

What direction should I run laminate flooring?

Run boards parallel to the longest wall or the primary light source (windows). In long narrow rooms, running perpendicular to the longest wall makes the room appear wider. Avoid running diagonal unless specifically desired — it creates significantly more waste.

How long does laminate flooring need to acclimate?

Acclimate laminate flooring in the room where it will be installed for 48–72 hours before installation. Leave boxes in the room — boards absorb moisture from the ambient air and adjust to room temperature, preventing gaps or buckling after installation.