Step 4: Plan the layout.
To determine the direction to lay the planks, consider the location of the room’s focal point, which wall provides the longest starting point, and how sunlight will strike the floor. Planning the layout helps to avoid ending up with narrow rows of flooring against the far wall. Planks in the last row should be at least 2 inches wide. Before you begin, measure across the room (allowing a ¼-inch gap at each wall; if you have a remainder less than 2 inches wide, add that value to the width of a full plank and divide by 2. This will be the width of the planks in the first and last rows. To allow for mishaps and replacements, plan on purchasing 20 percent extra flooring.

Step 5: Allow an expansion gap.
Because laminate floors are considered floating floors, it is important to leave a ¼-inch gap between the planks and the wall. Even acclimated floors expand and contract due to temperature and humidity. Most installation kits include spacer chips that can be wedged between the wall and planks to create the proper gap.