Laminate Flooring Installation Instructions

Install it yourself or have it installed? With these practical steps, you'll be well prepared for a flawless finish.

Laminate floors are popular for their beautiful appearance, ease of use, and affordable price. Whether you choose a classic, herringbone, or tiled look, proper installation ensures years of enjoyment.

What do you need?

  • Underlay (suitable for laminate & subfloor)

  • Vapor barrier (for concrete or underfloor heating)

  • Spacers (10 mm)

  • Strike block & hammer / rubber block

  • (Jigsaw) or laminate cutter

  • Pencil, ruler or tape measure

  • Skirting boards, profiles, mounting kit

Step 1 – Preparation

Allow laminate to acclimatize

Allow the planks to acclimatise to the space for 48 hours .
Ideal conditions: 18–25 °C and 45–65% humidity.

Check the surface

The subfloor must be flat, hard, dry and clean .
Maximum deviation: 2–3 mm per linear meter.

Installing a vapor barrier

On concrete surfaces or with underfloor heating, a 0.2 mm vapour-proof foil is required.
Overlap: 20–30 cm.
Pull it 5 cm up the wall.

Laying a subfloor

Roll out the underlay according to the instructions.
Please note suitability for:

  • Contact noise

  • Underfloor heating

  • Type of laminate

Step 2 – Laying laminate

Determine laying direction

Usually in the direction of daylight or in the length of the room.

Start in a corner

Start with the groove side facing the wall.
Place 10mm spacers along all edges.

Clicking planks together

First click the long side, then the end side.
If necessary, use a tapping block to tap gently.

Maintain connection

Allow for a minimum offset of 30–40 cm for stability and a nice pattern.

Maintain expansion joint

Always keep 10 mm free along walls, frames and pipes.
For rooms > 8 metres: use an expansion profile.

Step 3 – Finishing

Installing skirting boards

  • Skirting boards: on the floor

  • High skirting boards: against the wall (never on the laminate)

Transition profiles

Use for doorways, height differences or expansion joints.

Putting furniture back

Use felt pads under all furniture.

Important for underfloor heating

  • Choose laminate suitable for underfloor heating

  • Use the correct underlay

  • Max. surface temperature: 27 °C

  • Follow the heating protocol

Maintenance tips

  • Regular vacuuming (with brush nozzle)

  • Mop slightly damp, never wet

  • Do not use a steam cleaner

  • Installing doormats to protect against dirt and moisture

Need help?

You can install it yourself, but our installers will be happy to help you.
For advice or an appointment:
Contact Vloerhuis Nederland.