The easiest explanation of how to install laminate or vinyl flooring, by Olivia Saad on YouTube. 1 min 21 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 21 s
- Time to do it
- 1 day for a small room
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Clear the room and remove the old flooring. Sweep and vacuum the subfloor so no grit or dust is left under the new planks.
Check the subfloor is flat and dry. Fill dips and sand high spots, since uneven floors make click joints creak and separate.
Roll out the underlay across the room, butt the edges and tape them. Leave a small gap at the walls.
Measure the room width and divide by the plank width. If the last row would be under 5 cm, trim the first row narrower so both edges look even.
Start in a corner with the tongue facing the wall. Slide spacers between the planks and the wall to keep an 8 to 10 mm expansion gap.
Click the next plank into the short end at an angle, then press it down. Work along the row until you reach the far wall.
Cut the last plank of the row to length with a saw, turn it around and click it in. Use the offcut to start the next row so the joints stagger.
For the final row, lay the plank on top of the previous one, mark the wall line and cut it. Use a pull bar to click it into place.
Cut around door frames and pipes with a jigsaw or utility knife. Keep the expansion gap at every edge and around pipes.
Remove all spacers, fit skirting or beading over the gaps, and clean the floor.
Tips and common mistakes
Acclimatise the planks in the room for 48 hours so they do not shrink or swell after fitting.
Never skip the expansion gap at walls, or the floor will buckle when it warms up.
Stagger the joints by at least 30 cm between rows for a stronger, neater floor.
Wear knee pads and keep fingers clear when tapping planks with the mallet and block.
Questions
Can I install laminate over old tiles?
Yes, if the tiles are firmly stuck, flat and not more than a few millimetres high. Otherwise remove them or level the floor first.
Do I need underlay with vinyl planks?
Check the plank instructions. Many click vinyl planks have a backing attached, but a thin underlay still helps with sound and small uneven spots.
How long before I can walk on the new floor?
You can walk on a floating floor straight after fitting. Wait 24 hours before moving heavy furniture back in.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
