How to Install Laminate Flooring: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Laminate flooring is one of the best choices that you can make for your home. It’s clean, durable, and has the look of real wood without the cost. But let’s be honest, flooring isn’t just about the material. It’s about how well it’s installed. If the planks creak, shift, or start lifting at the edges, none of the surface beauty will matter.

 That’s where the difference lies between a rushed DIY job and a professional install. At Witte Home Improvement, we’ve been doing this for over 25 years, and we know what it takes to get the job done right. Whether you’re in Longmont or anywhere across the Front Range, you want a floor installer Longmont residents trust, and that’s us.

 If you're curious about what really goes into a proper laminate floor installation, here’s a step-by-step guide that covers the full process from prep to finish.

 Step 1: Evaluate and Prepare the Subfloor

 This step can not be ignored. A floor is only as solid as the surface it’s installed on. We start by inspecting the subfloor to make sure it’s clean, dry, and level. Uneven surfaces can lead to unstable floors, annoying creaks, and long-term damage.

 If we spot dips or rises, we’ll level the area before anything else happens. Skipping this part is the fastest way to waste good flooring. Whether you're installing in a small room or across your entire main level, this prep ensures the planks stay flat, quiet, and secure.

 Step 2: Acclimate the Flooring and Plan the Layout

 Laminate flooring needs to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity before installation. We leave the planks in the space for 48 to 72 hours so they don’t shift or expand after they’re installed.

 Once that’s done, we plan the layout. This isn’t just about lining up boards. It’s about flow and design. Depending on the space, we help you choose a layout that matches your home’s lines and enhances the look, whether it’s staggered planks, parallel with natural light, or something custom.

 Step 3: Choose the Right Installation Method

 There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to laminate flooring. Some floors are nailed, others float. We decide the best method based on the type of laminate, the subfloor condition, and the manufacturer’s specs.

 Floating floors (where planks click together without being attached to the subfloor) are popular because they’re clean and fast. But sometimes nailing gives you the stability you need, especially in older homes or uneven areas. Our team knows when to use which approach and why.

 Step 4: Start Laying the Planks

 Once the prep and planning are locked in, we get to work. We begin in a corner of the room and install one row at a time, clicking or securing each plank tightly into place.

 This is where experience matters. Poor alignment early on leads to gaps and uneven boards as you move across the room. We check each row as we go, trimming where needed and keeping everything snug.

 Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

 Once the floor is down, it’s not finished until it looks finished. That means installing trim, transition strips between rooms, and any baseboards or edge pieces that complete the look.

 We don’t leave jagged corners, loose transitions, or gaps along walls. Every project we finish looks clean, polished, and intentional.

 Why Choose Witte Home Improvement?

 We’re not just installers. We’re specialists. At Witte Home Improvement, we bring decades of experience to every project, whether it's laminate, tile, or engineered hardwood. Our process isn’t rushed, and we don’t leave until the job is done right.

 From subfloor leveling to final cleanup, we handle every step. You get expert recommendations, high-quality materials, and long-term results. Laminate floors are meant to last, and we make sure they do.

 We serve Boulder, Longmont, and the surrounding areas with professional-grade flooring solutions. If your floors are outdated, cracked, or just plain boring, we can help you replace them with something durable, functional, and visually sharp.

 Conclusion

 If you're ready to upgrade your space, skip the shortcuts. Get a team that knows flooring inside and out. Witte Home Improvement is the floor installer Boulder County homeowners rely on for precision, planning, and lasting quality.

 Looking for laminate floors installation, Boulder residents swear by? You’re in the right place. We’re here to help you transform your space, one solid, beautiful plank at a time.