New laminate flooring

Laminatte flooring is pretty simple after you get started. Here are some instruction tips

1. Make sure underplaying floor is clean and free of “bumps” and dips.
2. Make sure vapor barrier/pad is foam side up and edges under, lapped (you will see a four inch clear tab running along one edge. You can tape with duct tape if you like, to hold it together.
3. Do a trial run of about ten boards, but don’t snap them together. This is to get an idea of where your “seams” will go (most manufacturers suggest a 16″ offset from one line of board to the next). Also helps you determine direction and how to avoid cutting way too much off some boards and having wastage.
4. Use a 1/4″ spacer(s) along outside edges. This is why they call them “floating” floors–they can if you need, be moved a fraction of an inch one way or another, even large sections if you are careful how you lever the entire floor.
5. Very important, either buy or make a tapping block to avoid ruining the Masonite tongues or mashing up the groove edges. After getting a few lengths together, start your offset (cut) boards. Lay one now next to another lengthwise, leaving only an eighth inch between connecting ends. Hold the new one up at about a 30-35 degree angle and slide the edge of it under the existing board. Get the groove line to match up and push down. You will hear a snap as it seats.
6. Then take your tapping block and set on the open end. Tap gently to make it seat to the laid board at the end. Do not tap too hard or you will crimp up the two edges on the 7″ ends, creating a “pucker”. Just make them flush to each other. If you have problems getting the boards to snap, pull back and try again at a different angle, then push the outside back down.
7. Do about ten square feet at a time, staggering the boards, instead of running a long one board line then coming back and running another along it.
8. Use a table saw for long cuts on the final edges, a chop saw for cross cuts for ends, and a jig saw for matching up to any corner wraps or to match up to cabinets jutting out into the room.

Congratulations, you layed laminatte flooring by yourself!