Laminate & Vinyl Plank Flooring Guide

Step-by-Step Process

1. 1.Create guide spacer: Stack flooring plank + underlayment piece together
2. 2.Position guide: Place stacked spacer flat against door jamb/casing
3. 3.Make cut: Rest saw on top of guide, cut horizontally through jamb
4. 4.Cut all jambs: Repeat for both sides of doorway and front casing
5. 5.Remove cutoff: Use chisel or utility knife to remove cut piece
6. 6.Test fit: Slide flooring piece under jamb to verify clearance
7. 7.Vacuum clean: Remove all sawdust before proceeding

• •Acclimate flooring: 48 hours minimum in room of installation (some manufacturers require 72 hours)
• •Maintain room temperature 65-85°F and 35-65% relative humidity
• •Clean subfloor: sweep, vacuum, remove all debris and nails
• •Check flatness: 3/16" in 10 feet (fill low spots, sand/grind high spots)
• •Concrete: ensure moisture levels are acceptable, install vapor barrier if needed
• •Repair any damaged, loose, or squeaky subfloor sections

• •Roll out underlayment perpendicular to flooring direction
• •For concrete: install 6-mil poly vapor barrier first (overlap 8", tape seams)
• •Butt foam underlayment seams (do not overlap)
• •Tape all seams with manufacturer-recommended tape (usually included)
• •Run underlayment up walls 2-3", trim after flooring installation
• •For pre-attached pad, skip this step but still use vapor barrier over concrete

• •Undercut all door jambs and casings (see undercutting section above)
• •Determine flooring direction (usually parallel to longest wall or perpendicular to joists)
• •Measure room width, calculate last row width (must be minimum 2" wide)
• •If last row will be too narrow, rip first row to balance appearance
• •Plan transition locations and doorway thresholds
• •Check walls for square (rarely are), plan to start against straightest wall

• •Place spacers along starting wall (maintain 1/4"-3/8" expansion gap)
• •Install first plank in corner, groove side toward wall
• •Connect second plank at end (angle and snap locking mechanism)
• •Continue first row to opposite wall, cut last piece leaving expansion gap
• •Start second row with cutoff from first row (if 12"+ long) for stagger
• •Minimum 6" stagger between end joints in adjacent rows
• •Use tapping block and pull bar to ensure tight connections

• •Rack out 3-4 rows ahead to check color variation and plan cuts
• •Maintain consistent stagger pattern (avoid H-joints and stair-stepping)
• •For angled locking systems: insert at 20-30° angle, lay flat to lock
• •For straight locking systems: slide horizontally into previous row
• •Use tapping block on groove side only (never hit tongue directly)
• •Check for gaps every few rows, use pull bar to close gaps at ends

• •Measure and mark pipe, vent, and obstacle locations carefully
• •Create templates for complex shapes using cardboard
• •Drill holes 1/2" larger than pipes for expansion clearance
• •Cut from hole to edge, install main piece, glue wedge back
• •For toilets: remove toilet, create flange template, cut carefully
• •Always account for expansion gap around all fixed obstacles

• •Measure and rip last row to width (including expansion gap)
• •For click-lock: may need to remove locking tab on last row
• •Use pull bar to pull last row tight against previous row
• •In tight spots, apply small amount of wood glue to joint
• •Use heavy objects or floor jacks to hold in place while setting
• •Ensure expansion gap is maintained along final wall

• •Remove all spacers from perimeter
• •Install T-molding at doorways (use track system if available)
• •Install reducer strips at transitions to carpet or lower flooring
• •Install threshold/baby threshold at exterior doors
• •Install quarter round or shoe molding to cover expansion gap
• •Nail molding to baseboard/wall only, never to floor (allows movement)
• •Use color-matched putty or caulk for nail holes if needed

• •Walk entire floor checking for loose planks or raised edges
• •Look for visible gaps in seams (tap tight with block if found)
• •Ensure all transitions are secure and level
• •Vacuum thoroughly including gaps under moldings
• •Damp mop with manufacturer-recommended cleaner (never saturate)
• •Trim excess underlayment and vapor barrier at walls
• •Install vent covers, toilet, and other fixtures removed earlier

• •Wait 24 hours before moving furniture back (48 hours for glue-down)
• •Use furniture pads under all legs to prevent scratching
• •Place rugs at entrances to reduce dirt and moisture tracking
• •Maintain 35-65% humidity to prevent gapping or buckling
• •Clean regularly with damp (not wet) mop and recommended cleaner
• •Inspect periodically for any gaps, damage, or lifting edges
• •Keep manufacturer warranty and care instructions for reference