How to Install Laminate Flooring (for beginners)

#LaminateFlooring is easy for anyone to install!
I am done installing my new waterproof laminate floors in my kitchen and they turned out SO beautiful! Check out the complete process for installing completely waterproof laminate floors. Blog post: www.welcome-to...
GET THE FLOORING HERE
Mohawk RevWood Select Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Fawn Chestnut: bit.ly/3rh3kds

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Here's the exact floor I am installing in this video: bit.ly/3rh3kds It's the color Fawn Chestnut!

[@professor_kaosdrama3993]

cringely bad flooring

[@rhettabney2838]

Rhett

[@tlmanutetuanui]

👏👏👍

[@domnuldarie2478]

😊

[@billm4212]

I admire your patience in planning the initial layout. A friend of mine always says, “ A job well planned is half finished. “

[@Rayblondie]

I find that too after rushing things previously. Planning time is not wasted.

[@trulylesley3181]

Finally a video with a woman explaining I’ve watch a lot of videos with men explaining how to do this and it’s like they are speaking a different language. Your voice sounds so calming and nothing was over complicated. Thanks.

[@Cyhcg5uhgb]

​@@logerproI don't agree with the commenter, but to say that someone lives a sad single and lonely life is a little bit weird.

[@TheShmrsh]

​@@Cyhcg5uhgb😂

[@gregholmes3661]

Raising a family and do what you with this channel is so impressive. Your energy level has to be off the charts.

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Thanks! I do have a lot of energy lol

[@davep6977]

we remodeled our kitchen when we moved in. When we came to the floor we did the same striping. We called it remodeling archeology. You could tell the period by the colors and patterns. We even had a black and white checker board toward the bottom. And Melissa you are so right with the staples and tack. We swear when they put down the 1st layer of tar paper in the beginning he got paid by the staple. There'd been no other logical reason to use that many. Good job.

[@chrisj7663]

Superb tutorial. You nailed it. Not too long, not too short and it covered all the important points. Anyone would be forgiven for thinking you are a professional teacher for this type of work. I actually needed thoughts on planning the boards for a ceiling and got them from this video. Thanks !

[@aplliedweaponology]

Seriously? Yes, great teaching ability for sure, but absolutely bad information and incorrect installation.

[@Serenity-sg4jf]

Your video here on the flooring installation, as all of your videos are so comprehensible. I am in my late 50's with back issues... and I plan on tackling all of my home's remodel. Other than that, all I have is my 22-year-old daughter to help me with the remodel and the new flooring installation I plan on doing. You did an excellent job at explaining the process of laying the flooring, and you show more than 99.99 % of what both DIY'ers and professionals show in their youtube videos. You explain everything so well, and then some. I have never seen anyone speak of the backer rod until now and I find it absolutely beneficial in knowing that information. Your channel is awesome, and I am so glad that I found it. I will be utilizing all of your tips and advice during my entire remodel. Thank you so much for sharing your phenomenal knowledge and skills.

[@CorrectCaulking]

This tutorial on installing laminate flooring is a lifesaver for beginners like me! The step-by-step instructions were super clear and easy to follow. Plus, your tips on avoiding common mistakes were really insightful. Thanks for making a potentially daunting task seem so manageable! 🏡

[@acetopicviews4391]

Wow this takes a little more money & time than I thought. People who do this are so patient & artistic. Too much math, design skills, back pain, saws that I don't own or even know how to use. Props to this woman, it came out beautifully.

[@marymack4105]

It looks so good! I didn’t realize you had to pull up four old layers of flooring. That sounds like a nightmare. You never cease to amaze and inspire!

[@waterlooboy]

Melissa - The flooring is perfect color choice for matching the cabinets in the kitchen! It has the old country feel when I see it! Excellent kiddo!

[@rleedillon42]

I really enjoy your videos and I like that you aren't intimidated by doing things for the first time! It would help my heart to see your table saw on legs or a stand and also using a push stick with your table saw. ❤️ The floor looks fantastic!

[@tomcrotty1498]

You’re right. Never place permanent cabinets over a floating floor. Next time you check for nails and or staples use a wide taping knife. It cuts down in the amount of band aides. Better job than I’ve seen so called professionals do. Excellent.

[@ricklochner469]

My son and I watched any number of videos before installing around 1700' feet of Mohawk laminate and this video was one of the most helpful. The suggestion to measure carefully so as not to end up with a narrow patch was great, as was the advice to use the tapper regularly. Here are the tips that we picked up over a few days of installing: 1) In most of the videos, you will see that the wall surface meets the foundation. We were installing on a concrete foundation in Houston where we had to poor 66 bags (ugh) of leveler to get the floors close to level. Many of the rooms had 1/2' or larger gaps between the wallboard and the foundation even after the leveler. When tapping into the spacers, they would bend under the wallboard. We solved the problem by using 3/8" casing material in 10' lengths after first trying low-expanding form (that worked, too). 2) it took us 3 rows when starting any room to get the rows to have any stability. We would stand on row 3 and tap back in from the first row and then stand on the first row and tap on the 3rd or on the ends. Once we got all three rows together, the rest flowed pretty easily. 3) we used a Roberts laminate floor cutter to trim the boards to avoid running out to the saw. It can be hard to keep it at 90 degrees. Check it regularly. 4) we ended up with a couple of bigger than 3/8" gaps along the wall and resolved it by using 2 types of moulding, a 5.25 inch rectangular piece and a fancier 3.5" inch nailed into it. It looked great after we caulked it. CAULK cures all! 5) Make sure that everything is tight on a row before moving on (post row 3). You will get some boards that have the connections damaged. Cut them out and the boards will connect. Every so often, the end piece is not level. Those can't be saved except for an end or beginning piece. 6) We had about 11 different patterns in our boxes. We would take 5 boxes apart and sort them. There are often three pairs in a box of eight planks. 7) Don't hack it together. It can be a lot more frustrating than it looks on video, but the end result is great.

[@RandomDudeFromSomewhere]

Thanks for posting this comment. I’m about to install some flooring over a concrete slab and also have walls that don’t meet the foundation. Been watching videos (and buying lots of tools - laminate cutter arrived yesterday!), so I’m happy to read the guidance and advice in your comment. Thanks again!

[@TheSpatulaCity]

The tip about the backer rod and then silicone sealant is awesome. I don't think I saw anyone else doing that so thank you.

[@tamaraseigler842]

I agree never heard or seen anyone install that.

[@ellen9174]

Was installed by my husband without underlayment, over ceramic tile. Came out beautifully. Used Mohawk waterproof laminated. We used Woodmill Oak. It is a wide oak. Finished in 3 days.

[@dilipsinha9242]

Excellent! after watching several video's on floor installation found this one the best - no ego - no wasted talk - brilliant! you beet thew guys

[@jshepard152]

I'm glad you added the info about it being waterproof. A few years ago I put a very similar (conventional, non-waterproof) laminate in my kitchen, and that was a mistake. I spent years mopping up every drop that would fall from the sink. lol. VCT is another good option for kitchens that avoids this problem. Live and learn...

[@JamesDeese]

Good planing on leaving a place to "weave" the living room floor into the kitchen. Great job laying the floor. Very clear on what you were doing. Thank you!

[@grege8716]

Great content, I’m about to install 400sq.ft. of the same product first time. Good for you for NOT being afraid to fail; well done! Also, I never realized a caulking gun could both clip the tip and puncture the cylinder, thank you for my learning experience.

[@tmb9126]

Oh wow! Thank you so much for this! I had no idea that laminate flooring did not require any sealant or nails - just cut and lay. So cool!

[@softballizzy19]

Finally a video I understand! I watched multiple other people’s videos and this is the only one I understand. Thank you for showing all your steps.

[@Gogo-bu6rd]

I have not seen that trick with the backer rod and silicone to prevent water damage yet thanks for that I will be trying that when I lay laminate for the first time this weekend

[@garywilliams1759]

Loved this video - congratulations on a great flooring solution - you did such a great job. Your commentary, and tips and tricks are clear, concise and so easy to follow 👍

[@MrSmoothstrings]

Your kitchen floor is a great match. That's a real nice color blend. At first I thought about replacing my kitchen with vinyl flooring but after seeing your laminate flooring I may lay laminate. My whole house is carpeted except the bathrooms and kitchen floor. I think now I will mix it up a bit. I just finished redoing one bathroom. I may as well keep going! Thank you for your tips.

[@madeleinecoleman3876]

I love laminate and hate vinyl vinyl is too thin

[@dustchip8060]

Good job. Vice grips work great for removing staples, 15 and 18 gauge nails. Adjust the heads so when closed they are touching. Open them up and put them over what you are pulling out. Squeeze them closed and roll them on the radius of the vice grip head. No pulling!

[@ttbonett]

Girl girl you are AMAZING. So proud of you. You gave me courage.

[@rogerrico13]

Great video explained well ,well spoken, soft voice, and a lot of detail explaining. You are one of the best maybe the best video I ever seen.. God bless you

[@micdev42]

Lovely job and well explained. I think your pattern repeat idea is great since as you say it makes the floor look more natural. One small point: the underlayment should be laid at 90 degrees to the laminate direction.

[@cathy5800]

Thank you for explaining why the spacers are used. I appreciate your thoroughness. We are planning on installing flooring, and I feel less intimidated by the process after watching your video!

[@jmanuo87]

Choosing a floor color/type/pattern is so overwhelming for me. Thank you for being so detailed. I think I'm going to use the exact materials that you're using to help me with this anxiety that I have lol hard to explain, but I need all the extra details and tips that you give to feel confident in finally making a decision for our floors. thank you!!!

[@DanniMunro]

I get SO CRAZY trying to decide on a dining room table let alone something like flooring design choices, so I totally get you! Spending money stresses me out🤣

[@evezford]

That floor is *gorgeous* what a beautiful job installing and thanks for all the helpful hints!

[@gayllph5926]

Really well done video--no extra noise or useless commentary. I can tell you’re a fellow perfectionist! But I’ve learned this is not a DIY project for me. I wish u cd come to my house & deal with my floor😊

[@ram_thefirstjedi]

I like the way you say Jigsaw with an "a" ! 😄 Amazing video, as a structural engineer I admire the level of preciseness and detail in joinery\tiling\cladding etc and fit out works in general, you've earned a sub here!

[@erinbeltran1820]

This floor is awesome! This is the kind of floor I’d like to replace my laminate with one day…soon!

[@margaritamartasin2007]

Wow, kudos to you!! I’m unsure of things like big projects but you gave me confidence that I can accomplish this too. Thank you for sharing your experience ❤

[@josharnold3328]

Your dedication to perfection is off the charts!

[@stuartgranito4166]

Really nice to see a none professional doing a really nice accurate job , big thumbs up … Stuart SDG flooring Oxford .

[@whale2207]

Wow. I wonder if the "professionals," do it the way that you did it. I have to put flooring, now I am going to be asking a billion questions. I'll do it myself, but it is two story house. I am living vicorously through you, since I love DIYs. It look gorgeous💖

[@T_Jonesy]

Great video. That's the first time I heard a good argument for why you don't want to run flooring underneath your kitchen cabinets. Makes a lot of sense. Hope your back is feeling good. Laying flooring usually gets me on an ice pack for a day or two.

[@garydouglass9577]

What a brilliant well thought out job. I’ve laid a lot of wood floors but one main thing you should use is... knee pads. 😊 Great job 😊

[@rich8037]

Thanks, good video. I've tended to cut laminate flooring with a handsaw, which takes *slightly* longer than most kinds of power saw but makes less dust (because the saw blade in thin) and distributes it less widely (because the saw is moving more more slowly).

[@Raj-nh3fc]

I admire you for being able to work with inches and feet! Thank God we work with cm and meter here. Calculating in fractions of inch would send me crazy.

[@joannenardoni17]

You absolutely do inspire me, and I too have many layers of flooring to clean up first. Can hardly wait to start. Thanks

[@intruekim]

이 누나 뭐야... 일도 잘하고, 얼굴도 이쁘고, 몸매도 좋고, 목소리도 좋아... 마루 설치하는게 아니라 요가하는 느낌...

[@davidbirch5903]

A tip for your viewers that may be interested in installing that flooring but can’t find it under that name. It’s also marketed under the Pergo name as Rustic Amber Chestnut. I recently installed it in a kitchen remodel and also in my own house. I actually paused the video and picked out identical pieces in my floor because it looked so familiar. Good choice Melissa it’s a beautiful floor

[@DumpsterFien]

I have that same jigsaw! I love it!! It’s so quiet and light.

[@susanneh66]

What a great video you share, I learned alot. The floor with the cabinets looks just amazing. Love the colors.

[@c50ge]

I really like how you painted the kick boards to match the cabinets instead of them in black

[@souieappe]

I thank you for this video! I am putting in a snap together floor for the first time and there are many things I would have done wrong! There is a youtube for everything I do these days!

[@richardvanweyden5060]

What a fine job you did! Chapeau…Thank you… Have a good one 🍀

[@bondmaxworld1]

I bought this as a gift for my friend kzbin.infoUgkxcZqgZ8Ynkiz5n_LxIWRlAicuzmz5kCHG who is just starting out in the world of wood work. He loves it!! There is a great section on different wood and what to use for what kind of job and a similar section for tools as well. The projects in it are things you probably would have a go at with clear instructions, pictures, videos and diagrams throughout. Great for a beginner/amateur wood worker.

[@brianbutler9757]

Love the floor, it looks great! Good Job!!

[@Phuong-WoodworkingArt-ez9zz]

Very thorough, and you explained things very well. Looks great!

[@MarcoACasco]

Melissa....is there something you cannot do ????? That floor looks fantastic !!!! Thanks for the video !!!!

[@kellyharbaugh9391]

You definitely inspired me I’m putting down floors just like that

[@tommyammo6135]

You did a great job on the installation Great video. Very informative.

[@RandomDudeFromSomewhere]

Thanks for posting this! I’m in the prep stages of putting down flooring in a room and have never done it before, so I’ve been watching a lot of videos. You mentioned and explained some things that a lot of other videos didn’t. Thanks again!

[@whitecliffs]

Probably the most helpful video I've seen on how to lay flooring. Well done. And thank you.

[@williammusa9605]

Awesome video, Wish I watched it before doing my floor in my new apartment.

[@dawnhouck6165]

Absolutely love the flooring color with your cabinet color!!

[@robhill9336]

I was thinking about doing this myself but this looks like a pretty big job.

[@Pikachupainter]

You got that floor so water tight virtually a indoor swimming pool 👍 nice job

[@TC-hs5wy]

I enjoyed your video here and am Impressed with what you have done all by yourself. It looks amazing. As a guy who can fix and repair just about anything, flooring is the only thing on my bucket list to accomplish. Watching your video inspires me And again you did a pro job! Tttm.

[@chrisr6206]

I have a cement foundation. Pulled up carpet from a room and am considering your project. I have cement exposed, will paint room, then put down the product you used or something similar. I take it, THE MOLDING MUST BE REMOVED AND THEN REPLACED ON TOP OF INSTALLED FLOOR....yes? Clearly it will not fit UNDER the molding, so although the answer is self-evident, you did such a great job, I would like your opinion!! A wonderful video.....I was impressed from the beginning with you! Gracias!

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Yes, that’s the best way to account for the height of the floor changing due to the thickness of the underlayment + flooring. Some people who don’t remove trim just add quarter round to cover the gap but I don’t like that look

[@marcpaul4822]

I really enjoyed your video. Very thorough, and you explained things very well. Looks great!

[@monakayemartinez6770]

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Stunning work!! Very extremely proud of you! I just wish someone would show how the tongue and groove fit together, everyone just assumes that we know? Once I've cut my planks I can't get it to lock together? Im so frustrated

[@billydrybread7876]

Girl very informative video. I appreciate that. In stalled my floor from your video. Very cool thanks

[@samme5513]

Looks absolutely awesome great job

[@kastro067]

I finish this floor in 30 minutes without complicating some things that you do, you are a working girl anyway 👍

[@matthewtanner9823]

Hi from the UK nd thanks for sharing your video. I'm about to lay some flooring next week, so I've liked and subscribed.

[@judyshort38]

Well thought out and an incredible end product! Excited to see the rest!!!

[@giftsfromthegarden4641]

You Rock! Thanks for the inspo to install my own flooring!!

[@reyviewserrano7805]

Its amazing, thank you for making continue sharing a vedio fo r flooring installation

[@Netryon]

Just one thing you wished to do to your floor. Truly wish to live at some NY apartment, so such flooring brings you closer to your dream. As an education minister you are really good at measuring 4:31.

[@airbender9593]

Very instructive. This reminds me of putting together Legos pieces.

[@fredparsons5134]

I like the toe kick add on piece, nice touch!

[@akgoldbear7669]

Great video. That's what I need. I'm about to sign a contract to buy a house. The house is not new and the floors in the kitchen and both bathrooms need to be changed. Thank you. It doesn't seem to be difficult, it just takes a little time 🙂

[@maximinosanchez3377]

Muy lindo trabajo eres muy especial explicando y por ser mujer te felicito yo no e visto mujeres instaladores de pisos ❤

[@Mr47wereim]

Melisa, you are an incredible woman, I am delighted with your videos, hello from Kyiv💛💙!

[@jayl9527]

That’s a good looking floor. Thank ya for taking us along and showing the tips for install. You always do great work!

[@garaba1158]

Nagyon jó hogy így neki álltál ennek a padlónak, de ahogy elnézem, segítség nélkül nem tudtad volna megcsinálni. Ha lehetne pár tippem. A faltól való távolság 1 cm minimum. Az éket fordítva tedd be, könnyebb kivenni. A lerakásnál hol jobbról, hol balról kezded. A laminátnak van egy rakásiránya, tehát mindig egy oldalról kezdjük és a leesö darabbal folytatjuk, így kevesebb a hulladék. A kezdö darab minimum 30 cm legyen. Nem ismerem azokat az anyagokat amit ott használtok, de nálunk nem kell a laminátot a végéröl kalapáni, rengeteg idöt vesz el és megsérülhet. Ha le van téve 3-4 sor akkor tegyél rá súlyt a maradék laminátból hogy ne mozogjon amikor a következö sort rakod le. Látszik a videón hogy mozog amikor kalapálod. Igazából nem értem miért kell annyit kalapálni, mert a mai anyagokat már elég kézzel lerakni, csak ritkán kell kalapács. Amit a végén beraksz a (BACKER ROD) azt fuga kitöltésre használják. Ha oda benyomkodod a laminát ás a fal közé, akkor elveszed a mozgás lehetöségét a laminátnak. A szilikont csak úgy újjal nem lehet normálisan elhúzni, csak szétkenni. Ide egy kenöanyagot szoktunk használi, amivel szépen ellehet simitani.

[@javiermunoz3652]

Me encanta lo que trabajas me gusta como lo explicas. Pero no entiendo tu idioma, aún así me encanta 😍

[@chesshooligan1282]

Sí.

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Easy to follow video! We may be doing this to the kitchen soon. Just a tip: might help your viewers to list your other accounts in the video description.

[@alrey889]

Love this beautiful and talented young lady. Great job.

[@johnderinger]

Backer-rod to support silicone, great tip

[@cherylware783]

You are doing a outstanding job it's looking beautiful ❤️ good luck with your finish project and more to come

[@randymarko486]

WoW, GREAT JOB ..... Well done video and great info. Your floor looks AMAZING.......

[@erickrisler3555]

Great video. Explanation was excellent

[@SDMacMan]

If your table saw if chipping on the top side, your fence, its probably not aligned perfectly. What I do every time I use my portable Dewalt table saw is, unclamp the fence from the rails, Snug up the fence up against a totally raised blade and then clamp it down. If its not that, then you may need a new blade or you don't have your blade raised enough. 1 to 1 1/2 inch above your material is optimal. Good work. Cheers!

[@WelcometotheWoodsBlog]

Really? I've always thought it's best to have your blade raised just barely above the depth of the material you're cutting. Maybe that's my problem.. it didn't chip easily on the top side, my jigsaw did though. It makes sense if you think about which way the teeth are actually cutting.

[@SDMacMan]

@@WelcometotheWoodsBlog Keeping your blade low helps with tear out at the bottom. Especially when you're cutting brittle material like 2 sided melamine. But your minimum should still be 1 inch. Anything less increases the chances of kickback. 3 Rules for best results: 1. Make sure fence is aligned properly. Only the front of the blade should be making contact with the material. 2. Raise your blade to a minimum of 1 inch above your material to reduce chipping. 1 1/2 is ideal most of the time. 3. Most importantly, don't skimp on blades. Buy a good one and toss it when its starts to become dull. Easy to tell. They smoke. they make noise and the push back on your material. You know your blade is sharp when it requires virtually no effort on your part. 3 1/2. Sometimes, especially with gummy woods your carbide teeth will get a buildup that will make your blade feel like its duller than it is in reality. Give it a good cleaning with a bronze brush and some mineral spirits. That will sometimes prolong the life of a good blade. Hope that helps. Look forward to your next project. :) Oh FYI I've been a finish carpenter since I was like 15, helping out my older brother. I'm 50 now, so I have a little bit of experience. ;)

[@fredsmith6725]

Agreed, kickback is always a concern. At least with laminate flooring your cut edges always end up under a kickboard or baseboard, so I think you win here Melissa even with a few scars, any chipout is covered up. Alternatively you can cut on jigsaw with laminate blade which cuts on the Down stroke (but that is always a wavey cut) or a bandsaw.

[@diverdave4056]

@@WelcometotheWoodsBlog they do sell upside down cutting jig saw blades ... or just cut the flooring boards upside down ! Hook your shop vac up to your table saw to help keep the dust down - just duct tape the vac hose on to the saws outlet hole

[@Nick-NY]

Great video. Very informative.

[@MichaelStanton]

I think I need more info on planning the planks on the floor. This video helped my wife and I feel confident enough to buy everything lol, but we have yet to start laying down the floors planks. Floor is prepped though haha.

[@RadioFixer]

Excellent video. The best on KZbin. 👍👏👏

[@Malc4dead]

Awesome video. It would make me feel so good to see you use a push stick (and not one of those chicken's foot push sticks) when cutting the board. It could just be that I'm overly afraid of spinning saws. Love your work.

[@djamelk8348]

Beautiful work, I am admiring it!

[@andrewworthen3583]

Hi Melissa! Your floor looks great! Funny enough I am about to purchase some Mohawk laminate flooring from costco (There's a $10 discount at the moment) and so I was wondering how your floor is fairing now that its been a couple years? I'll be using it for a rental in non-kitchen areas but I'm curious how durable the Mohawk brand has been for you. Love your videos! You are thoroughly detailed in all the steps and professional, can't wait to see more projects!

[@ShinyShoes007]

Terrific video. My only advice is that if you enjoy doing this kind of thing, and want to enjoy a long and active life too, definitely get a good pair of knee pads. Trust me, I didn't and now my knees are a mess. I wouldn't wish them on anyone!

[@cryptocred5754]

Her husband better ought never mess up. She’s a talented dream!

[@maceydesl]

I learned so much in this video thank you!

[@h.collier3544]

Great video. That floor is gorgeous! You did a great job on the installation.