How to Use Laminate Floor Spacers

Laminate floor spacers are essential tools for installing laminate flooring. They help you maintain a consistent gap between the flooring and the wall, which is necessary for the flooring to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. In this article, we will show you how to use laminate floor spacers to install your new flooring.

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You will need:

Laminate flooring
Laminate floor spacers
Tape measure
Pry bar
Hammer
Saw
Utility knife
Underlayment
Baseboards or quarter-round molding

Step 1: Prepare the Room

The first step in installing laminate flooring is to prepare the room. Remove any existing flooring and baseboards or quarter-round molding. Clean the subfloor and make sure it is level. If it is not level, use a self-leveling compound to even it out.

Step 2: Install the Underlayment

Next, install the underlayment. This will help reduce noise and provide a moisture barrier. Roll out the underlayment and cut it to size. Overlap the seams by about 8 inches and tape them together. Trim any excess underlayment around the edges of the room.

Step 3: Lay the First Row of Flooring

Now it’s time to lay the first row of flooring. Start in the corner of the room and lay the planks with the tongue facing the wall. Use laminate floor spacers to maintain a consistent gap between the flooring and the wall. Cut the last plank in the row to fit if necessary.

Once you have the first row in place, use a pry bar and hammer to lock the planks together. Be careful not to damage the planks.

Step 4: Continue Installing the Flooring

Continue installing the flooring row by row. Use the laminate floor spacers to maintain a consistent gap between the planks. Cut the last plank in each row to fit if necessary. Stagger the seams of the planks in each row to create a more natural look.

Step 5: Install the Baseboards or Quarter-Round Molding

Finally, install the baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover the gap between the flooring and the wall. Nail the molding to the wall, not the flooring. This will allow the flooring to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.

Conclusion

Installing laminate flooring is a great way to update the look of your home. With the right tools and materials, you can do it yourself. Follow these steps to use laminate floor spacers to install your new flooring.