It's a good alternative to wood.They are easier to install and look like wood.The easiest type of floor boards are lock in place.
Step 1: Let the boards get used to it.
The rooms in which the flooring is to be installed should have packages of it in them.This should be done at least 48 hours before the boards are placed so they have time to adjust to the temperature and humidity.This will make room temperature and humidity less of a problem.
Step 2: Check for the amount of water in the air.
It is important to make sure that your site is dry before you start.The sub-floor should have no higher than 12% on a Protimeter test scale.You should always refer to the manual for the correct reading of the meters.Use a hygrometer to check the room's humidity levels.The relative humidity should be between 45 and 70%.The floor must be level.Quality flooring installations fail when the sub-floor is not even.The floor should not have more than 3mm of dips or humps over a 1m length if you use a spirit level and ruler.
Step 3: The floor needs to be cleaned.
You will need to clean the surface where you are going to place the laminate.You can either sweep the floor or use a different method.Make sure the floor is dry.
Step 4: A barrier to keep water out.
There will be plastic lining on the floor of the room.Attach the plastic to the tape.If you do this, you may cause the floor to rise.If you have a concrete floor, run the plastic up the walls an inch or two.
Step 5: Put your padding down.
If you have a plastic lining, cover it with a foam floor padding.The purpose of this is to prevent small rocks and sand from leaving a mark on the floor and to give it a cushion.When people walk on the floor, it will prevent creaking and squeaking noises.Cut the foam lining to fit the floor.Don't allow the foam to overlap.
Step 6: Place the first board.
The ridge side of the board is facing the wall.The boards should be parallel to the wall in the room.
Step 7: Place the pieces of the puzzle together.
There is a board and a wall.You can either buy or make your own.If you want to make your own, they should be at least a foot long.For the first two rows, you will need several, six or more.
Step 8: Do it again for the second board.
The next board should be laid end to end, occupying the next spot along the wall.Make the entire first row parallel to the longest wall in the room.To make sure the row is even with the walls, check from the edges of the floor boards to the edge.
Step 9: The second row should be moved on.
The joints in this row will be offset if the first piece of flooring is shortened.To tap the next row of boards, use a wooden block.Hold the block with your left hand and hit it with a hammer.The gap between the first and second boards should be closing.Continue hammering until the gap disappears.
Step 10: Continue until the last row is done.
The gaps between the boards need to be closed.Make sure the boards stay parallel to the wall by checking them every third or fourth row.
Step 11: There are planks that don't fit in the remaining spaces.
You will probably have to trim the boards when you reach the opposite wall.Measure how much you need and then cut the plank with a table saw.If you want to shorten the boards, use a table saw to make them narrower.It might be easier to cut the boards upside down.
Step 12: Don't forget your friends!
When the whole floor is done, place the spacers along the edges of the room.
Step 13: It's time to finish the floor.
You can finish your floor with baseboards, thresholds, or other finishing touches.Special crayons are available at your local hardware store.