Install Laminate Flooring
![Fabulous Floors Brown laminate flooring in a living room.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2009/3/20/0/fabulous-floors_header-image_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1400945162809.jpeg)
Materials and Tools:
protective eyewear
measuring tape
level
rubber mallet
circular saw
tapping block
underlay pad
laminate flooring
quarter-round shoe molding
Steps:
![Step 1: Lay Protective Barrier Woman laying laminate boards over barrier](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2008/4/10/0/HRIPR204-Under-Layer.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.387.85.suffix/1400942709366.jpeg)
1. Remove any baseboards in the room and take measurements of the area where you wish to install new flooring.
Tip: When buying flooring, make sure to get approximately 10 percent extra, better to have it on-hand should you need it rather than have to run out mid-job.
2. Put on protective eyewear.
3. Install the underlayment. This will level the floor, give a cushiony step and protect against mold and mildew growth.
![Step 4: Laying the Floor Boards Three People Laying Floor Boards](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2008/4/10/0/HRIPR204-Laying-Floor.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1400942688223.jpeg)
4. Begin laying the laminate flooring along the room's longest wall. Leave a 1/4-inch gap between the laminate boards and the walls on all sides, this allows for expansion and contraction due to seasonal humidity and temperature changes. If necessary, use 1/4-inch spacers.
5. Lay laminate flooring away from the wall, staggering the boards so the seams don't match up.
![Step 6: Tap With Mallet Man Using Mallet on Flooring](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2008/4/10/0/HRIPR204-Tap-With-Mallet.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.415.85.suffix/1400942688206.jpeg)
6. For a tight fit, use a mallet and tapping block to secure the boards together. Once the entire floor is in place, reinstall baseboards.
7. To cover expansion gaps along the walls, install quarter-round shoe molding. Attach the molding to the baseboard using a nail gun, do not nail the shoe molding into the new laminate flooring.