Patterns

• The pattern on a laminate flooring tile is actually a photograph of wood, stone or ceramic. Thousands of choices are available to match any décor. The photo is sandwiched between the underlying layer and an extremely hard, transparent top layer. The design--knots, rings, and other features--is repeated throughout the tiles. Don't fit identical tiles adjacent to each other. A random layout flows more easily and is not distracting.
  
  

Subflooring

• Because laminate flooring is not glued down, the floor beneath it must be absolutely level. Sand high spots and fill low spots. The underlayment rests on top of the subfloor and provides cushion, insulation and sound deadening. Some planks come with underlayment padding attached but most do not. Fit underlayment sheeting in the same direction that the flooring panels will be laid. Butt them together so there are no void areas. Cut away underlayment from vents and thresholds.
  
  

Finding the Center

• Find the center point of each wall and snap a chalk line between both pairs of opposite walls. The point where the two lines cross is the center of the room and the line running in the direction the planks will be laid is the base line. Measure down the center of the room from the base line to the starting wall and subtract ¼-inch. Use that measurement to mark a point on the floor on each side of the starting wall and snap another chalk line. This is the guideline that the first line of planks will be laid on to keep the flooring square with the room.
  
  

Fitting the First Row

• Place ¼-inch spacers between the first plank and the wall to provide the floor room for heat expansion. Cut the tongue off tiles against walls for a flat surface. If the wall is not square, scribe the outline onto the plank and cut along the scribe line. Lay the plank along the guideline. Tap the short side next wall plank tightly into the first and continue to the end of the wall. Cut the final plank if necessary and use a pry bar to angle it into place. Maintain the ¼-inch spacing distance from all walls.
  
  

Fitting the Next Rows

• Start the next row with a shorter length of laminate flooring so that the seams are staggered. Fit the tongue of the next row of planks into the groove of the first and tap them into place. Keep the joints tight. Cut planks to conform to thresholds and vents. Continue adding rows until you reach the opposite wall. Cut the last row to conform to the wall, place the spacers and angle the final planks into place with a pry bar. Remove the spacers and install floor molding to cover the gap.