If you’ve just ordered some beautiful new laminate flooring, you’re probably feeling excited about how perfect it will look in your home. The next step, of course, is fitting laminate flooring in your kitchen, hallway, living room, or any space you’ve chosen.
At Gulcarpet, we always recommend using our professional flooring fitters to achieve a flawless finish. However, many homeowners prefer the DIY route. Luckily, learning how to lay laminate flooring yourself is fairly straightforward – if you prepare properly and follow the right steps.
This step-by-step laminate flooring installation guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from preparing your subfloor and choosing the right underlay, to laying your boards neatly and finishing around doorframes.
Tools you will need for laminate flooring installation
How to prepare a surface before laying laminate flooring
How to install laminate flooring: a step-by-step guide
How much laminate flooring do I need?
FAQs on laying laminate flooring
Not sure if you want to DIY? Let Gulcarpet experts help
To install laminate flooring properly without gaps, you’ll need the following tools:
Mitre saw
Pulling bar (optional)
Square
Drill with a flat wood bit (for cutting around radiator pipes)
Spacers
Stanley knife
Tape measure & pencil
Masking tape
Safety goggles, dust mask, and kneepads
Vacuum cleaner
Always wear safety goggles and a face mask while cutting wood.
Use kneepads to protect your knees.
Having an extra pair of hands makes laminate flooring installation much easier.
At Gulcarpet, we always say: “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” Preparation is key if you want your laminate flooring to last for years.
Remove old flooring – Never lay laminate over carpet or uneven flooring.
Check the subfloor – It must be dry, clean, smooth, and level.
Acclimatise the boards – Leave your laminate flooring in the room for at least 48 hours before installation.
Ensure it’s level, dry, and debris-free.
The right underlay improves insulation, reduces noise, and protects your laminate. Choose the best underlay for your subfloor type.
Generally, laminate looks best when boards run parallel to the longest wall. Always leave a 6–10mm expansion gap with spacers around the edges.
Mark and cut boards to fit. Use offcuts (at least 30cm long) to start the next row.
Make sure joints in each row are offset for strength and appearance.
Measure carefully, cut boards to size, and click them into place. Remember – laminate is a floating floor, so it shouldn’t be fixed to walls or pipes.
Cover expansion gaps neatly with skirting boards or scotia beading.
At Gulcarpet, we always say: “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” Preparation is key if you want your laminate flooring to last for years.
Remove old flooring – Never lay laminate over carpet or uneven flooring.
Check the subfloor – It must be dry, clean, smooth, and level.
Acclimatise the boards – Leave your laminate flooring in the room for at least 48 hours before installation.
Doors: Either undercut the frame and slide the boards underneath or cut boards neatly around the frame.
Radiator pipes: Drill a 30mm hole, cut a keyhole shape, then reattach the cut piece with silicone. Cover with a pipe collar for a professional finish.
👉 Gulcarpet Top Tip: Always measure carefully before cutting – neat finishes make a huge difference.
Measure the length and width of your room.
Multiply them for total m².
Add 10% for waste.
Example: A 15m² room ÷ 2.3m² per pack = 6.5 packs → order 7 packs of laminate flooring.
While DIY laminate flooring installation can save money, consider tool costs. Professional fitters from Gulcarpet already have the right equipment and expertise, ensuring a faster, cleaner finish.
Can I lay laminate over carpet?
❌ No, always remove the carpet first.
Can I lay laminate on concrete?
✅ Yes, but make sure it’s completely dry and smooth.
Can I lay laminate on wooden flooring?
✅ Yes, but add a ply sheet on top for smoothness and fix any loose boards.
How long does screed take to dry?
Allow 24–48 hours minimum (1 day per 1mm of thickness). For faster results, use a self-levelling compound.
If DIY sounds like too much hassle, let Gulcarpet’s local flooring experts install your laminate quickly and professionally. We have a wide range of cheap laminate flooring, luxury laminate flooring, and water-resistant laminate options to suit every home.
👉 Book a free home consultation today and get expert advice on flooring installation, underlay, and care tips.
Explore our Gul Carpet for the latest interior trends, carpet styling tips, and expert guides to make your flooring project effortless and enjoyable.
Find your perfect carpet with Gul Carpet—where quality meets style. Whether you’re decorating one room or an entire home, our expert team is here to help you every step of the way.
© All Rights Reserved
