1. Prepare the Concrete Subfloor
- Clean thoroughly: Sweep and vacuum to remove dust, dirt, and debris.
- Check for moisture: Tape a piece of plastic (about 2×2 ft) on the floor edges sealed. Leave for 24–48 hours. If condensation forms, the slab is too damp. Fix with a moisture barrier or allow more curing/drying.
- Repair uneven spots: Use a leveling compound to fill cracks, dips, or bumps. Laminate requires a flat surface (max 3mm variation per 2m).
2. Install a Moisture Barrier
- Roll out 6 mil polyethylene plastic sheeting (or a manufacturer-recommended vapor barrier).
- Overlap seams by 8–12 inches and tape them securely.
- Extend the barrier up the wall by 2 inches, then trim after installation.
3. Add Underlayment (if required)
- Some laminate has attached underlayment, if so, skip this step.
- Otherwise, roll out underlayment foam or cork on top of the vapor barrier.
- Butt seams (don’t overlap) and tape them to prevent movement.
- The underlayment cushions the laminate and reduces noise.
4. Plan Your Layout
- Measure the room and mark the centerline or plan to start along the longest wall.
- Lay out a few planks without locking them to check alignment.
- Leave a 10–12 mm (about ½ inch) expansion gap around all walls, doorways, and fixed objects.
5. Lay the First Row
- Place spacers against the wall to maintain the expansion gap.
- Position the first row tongue-side toward the wall.
- Cut the last plank in the row to fit (use a jigsaw or circular saw).
6. Stagger the Seams
- Start the second row with the cut-off piece from the previous row (at least 12 inches long).
- Stagger seams at least 12 inches apart for stability and a natural look.
7. Click and Lock
- Insert the tongue of the plank into the groove of the previous row at an angle and press down.
- Use a tapping block and pull bar for tight joints (never hammer planks directly).
8. Trim and Fit
- Cut planks around door frames, pipes, or irregular shapes using a jigsaw.
- Undercut door jambs with a handsaw or oscillating tool so laminate can slide under neatly.
9. Finish the Edges
- Remove spacers.
- Install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the expansion gap (nail to the wall, not the floor).
10. Final Steps
- Clean the floor with a soft brush or vacuum (no wet mopping).
- Let the floor acclimate before heavy furniture placement (usually 24–48 hours).
✅ Pro Tips:
- Always acclimate laminate planks in the room for at least 48 hours before installation.
- Never glue laminate directly to concrete (unless it’s a special glue-down product).
- Work from multiple boxes at once to blend color variations.
