Laminate install, step by step.
Floating click-lock install with foam or attached underlayment. Same prep discipline as LVP.
- 1
Acclimate 48 hours
Boxes flat in the install room at 60–80°F, 35–65% RH.
- 2
Subfloor flatness
Within 1/8" over 6 ft. Sand high spots, fill lows.
- 3
Vapor barrier
Required over concrete - 6-mil poly with seams taped.
- 4
Expansion gap
1/4–3/8" gap at every vertical surface; transition strips at 30+ ft runs.
- 5
Click and tap
Engage long edge first at 20° angle, then short end - tap home gently to avoid edge damage.
- 6
Quarter round
Nail trim to baseboard, never through the laminate floor itself.
Install issues - and how a pro crew prevents them.
Edges swelling and chipping
Water damage at seams - laminate's #1 failure mode. Replace affected planks; do not wet-mop again.
Hollow sound underfoot
Uneven subfloor or missing underlayment. Lift and re-prep that section.
Planks separating after months
Insufficient expansion gap. Pull baseboard, trim the laminate, reinstall with proper spacers.
Squeaks at seams
Subfloor flatness was out of spec. Talc or graphite at the joint silences light squeaks short-term.
Surface scratches
Light: use a laminate repair marker matching the décor. Deep: replace plank - laminate cannot be refinished.
Streaks after damp mopping
Too much water or wrong cleaner. Wring the mop nearly dry and use a laminate-specific spray cleaner.
What you're getting for the install.
10–20 years (15+ for AC4/AC5 rated)
10–30 year wear-layer warranty residential
Laminate is the budget pick - cheaper than LVP, easier to install, but more vulnerable to water and impossible to refinish. Choose LVP if any moisture risk exists.
Laminate install questions.
- Most isn't. Some newer 'waterproof' laminates use HDF cores treated for moisture but still rely on tight seams - true waterproof choice remains LVP.
- Not recommended. Even waterproof laminate fails around toilet and tub seams over time. LVP or tile is the right call for wet rooms.
- AC3 for residential, AC4 for high-traffic homes or light commercial, AC5 for commercial. Most quality residential laminate is AC4.
- Yes, with a max floor-surface temp of 82°F and a vapor barrier. Check manufacturer warranty before installing over hydronic systems.
- LVP wins. Laminate's HDF core swells from any pet accident left more than an hour; LVP shrugs it off.
Three steps. No surprises.
- 01
Pick a time
Choose a window that fits your week. Mornings, evenings, weekends - your call.
- 02
We bring real samples to you
A local specialist arrives with hand-picked samples so you can see them in your light.
- 03
Flawless install - often next day
One vetted crew. Furniture moved, dust contained, cleanup included.
The SimpliFloors flagship offer
We beat any written quote by 10%.
Bring us a licensed competitor's bid on the same material and install scope - we beat the bottom line by 10%. In writing. No haggling.
- Next-day installOrder by 2pm - installed tomorrow.
- All-inclusive pricingPad, removal, haul-away, base.
- Lifetime install warrantyWe replace, repair, or refund.
- Free in-home estimateExact sq ft confirmed in writing.
Four small steps. Zero pressure.
From "I'm just looking" to "It's installed" - here is exactly what happens, with the time it takes at each step.
About 2 minutesBook your home visit
Pick a time online or by phone. A real person, no robots.
Same weekSamples at your door
A local pro brings real planks, tile, and carpet that match your style.
- About 1 hour
Measure & real price
Laser-measured rooms with a written all-inclusive price on the spot.
As soon as next dayInstalled tomorrow
Vetted local installers. Lifetime install warranty in writing.
What you'll pay today
$0. No deposit until you say yes.
Five promises. In writing. On every job.
Price-Beat
Beat any quote by 10%
Next-Day Install
In-stock materials
Lifetime Install Warranty
On every job
No-Pressure Promise
Real prices first
Vetted Installers
Background-checked
No calendars. No callbacks you didn't ask for.
What style do you love?
Pick one to start. You can change your mind anytime.