There’s nothing quite like the excitement of new flooring — and if you’ve just ordered your new laminate flooring, you’re probably already imagining how incredible it’s going to look. The next step is getting it fitted, whether that’s in your kitchen, hallway, living room, bedroom, or bathroom — and the good news is, with the right guidance, it’s more achievable than you might think.
At AQ Carpets, we always recommend using our experienced, professional flooring fitters to guarantee a flawless, long-lasting finish. That said, we understand that many homeowners prefer to take the DIY route — and fitting laminate flooring yourself is absolutely possible with the right preparation and approach. With careful planning and the correct technique, you can achieve a professional-quality result that you’ll be proud of for years to come.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive step-by-step laminate flooring installation guide — designed to walk you through the entire process from start to finish. From subfloor preparation and choosing the right underlay, to laying your boards correctly, cutting around doorframes, and achieving those all-important neat, professional edges — this guide covers everything you need to install laminate flooring with confidence.
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 AQ Carpets 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 AQ Carpets, 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 AQ Carpets, 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.
👉 AQ Carpets 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 AQ Carpets already have the right equipment and expertise, ensuring a faster, cleaner finish.
Can I lay laminate flooring over carpet?
❌ No — laminate flooring should never be laid directly over carpet.
Carpet is too soft and uneven to provide the firm, stable base that
laminate requires, and doing so can cause buckling, uneven
surfaces, and joint damage over time. Always remove your existing
carpet and gripper rods fully before beginning installation, and ensure
the subfloor beneath is clean, flat, and dry.
Can I lay laminate flooring on concrete?
✅ Yes — laminate flooring can be successfully installed on a
concrete subfloor, provided the surface is completely dry, smooth,
and level. Concrete subfloors are particularly prone to moisture, so we
strongly recommend fitting a damp-proof membrane underneath
your underlay before laying your boards. Any dips or raised areas should
be addressed with a floor levelling compound beforehand.
Can I lay laminate flooring on top of wooden flooring?
✅ Yes — laminate can be laid over an existing wooden or
timber subfloor, but preparation is key. Secure any loose or
squeaky boards, check for and fix any damaged sections, and lay a
plywood sheet on top to create a smooth, even surface
before installation. This helps prevent movement and ensures a
professional finish.
How long does screed take to dry before laying laminate?
Allow a minimum of 24–48 hours drying time as a baseline,
with a general rule of one day per 1mm of screed thickness.
For larger areas or thicker screeds, this can mean waiting several weeks
before it’s safe to lay laminate flooring. If you’re working to a tighter
timeline, using a self-levelling compound can significantly
speed up the drying process — always check moisture levels with a moisture
meter before proceeding.
If DIY sounds like too much hassle, let AQ Carpets 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.
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