Installation

February 19, 2026

Thank you for choosing Homebauer laminate flooring.
With the right preparation and a little patience, installation is straightforward and rewarding. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Before You Start

Take a few minutes to prepare your space properly. Good preparation makes installation smooth and prevents future problems.

Tools You’ll Need

Tape measure
Spacers (8–12mm / 3/8"–1/2")
Utility knife or laminate cutter
Rubber mallet
Tapping block
Pull bar
Level
Moisture meter (recommended)

Step 1: Prepare the Room

1. Bring the Flooring Into the Room

Place unopened cartons flat in the room where they will be installed for at least 48 hours.

This allows the flooring to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity.

Ideal room conditions:

Temperature: 15°C – 30°C
Humidity: 35% – 65%

Stable room conditions help prevent expansion issues later.

2. Prepare the Subfloor

Your subfloor must be:

Clean
Dry
Structurally sound
Level (no more than 3mm variation over 2 meters)

If installing over concrete:

Make sure it is fully cured.
Install a vapor barrier (6 mil polyethylene recommended).

If installing over wood:

Ensure moisture levels are within normal range (below 12%).

A flat, dry base ensures your new floor looks and feels solid.

Step 2: Plan Your Layout

Before clicking any planks together, plan the direction.

Most installers run planks:

Parallel to the longest wall
Or in the same direction as natural light

This helps the floor look more seamless.

Important:
Leave an expansion gap of 8–12mm (3/8"–1/2") around all walls and fixed objects. Use spacers to maintain this gap.

Laminate flooring is installed as a floating floor.
It must be able to expand and contract naturally.

Step 3: Install the First Row

Start in a corner of the room.

Place spacers along the wall.
Lay the first plank with the tongue side facing the wall.
Connect the next plank end-to-end until the row is complete.

Make sure the first row is perfectly straight — this determines how the rest of the floor will look.

Step 4: Continue Row by Row

For the second row:

Start with a plank cut to at least 30cm (12") shorter than the first plank of the previous row.
This creates a staggered pattern for strength and visual appeal.

Angle the plank slightly, insert the tongue into the groove, and gently press down until it clicks into place.

If needed, use a tapping block — never strike the plank directly with a hammer.

Continue across the room row by row.