How to Install Laminate Flooring on Wood Floor: Step-by-Step Guide & Pro Designer Tips for Laying Laminate Over Wood Subfloors

Thinking about installing laminate flooring directly over your wood floor? You’re not alone – tons of homeowners look for ways to update their interiors without a major demo. Even as an interior designer, I’ve been amazed at how a beautiful new floor can totally refresh a room, especially when you use a room planner to visualize your end result. But, real-life installation is all about getting the details right, especially when it’s over existing hardwood.

Project Planning: What You Need to Know First

Before you start, it’s key to assess the condition of your wood floor. If you have warping, significant gaps, or squeaks, those need fixing first. Here’s my checklist before laying laminate:

1. Levelness: Use a long level to check for bumps or dips. Laminate needs a relatively flat subfloor (no more than 3/16-inch variation over 10 feet).
2. Cleanliness: Sweep and mop to remove dust and debris. Laminate planks need a clean base for a tight fit.
3. Moisture: Even above-grade wood subfloors can have moisture issues. You might want to use a moisture barrier, especially in older homes.
4. Underlayment: Most manufacturers recommend a foam underlayment for comfort and sound absorption, even over wood.
5. Acclimation: Lay out your laminate planks in the room 48 hours before installation to let them acclimate.

Choose the Right Tools

Installing laminate is a pretty DIY-friendly project, provided you have the right tools. For most jobs, you’ll need:

1. Tapping block and pull bar
2. Spacers for wall gaps
3. Utility knife or laminate cutter
4. Rubber mallet
5. Measuring tape and square

Some folks use a free floor plan creator to plan the furniture layout before starting – it’ll help you anticipate how the new floor affects the space.

Step-by-Step Installation: Laminate on Wood Subfloor

1. Remove Baseboards: Carefully pry these off so you can replace them after – this hides the expansion gap.
2. Inspect and Prep: Screw down any squeaky or loose boards on the wood subfloor. Patch cracks with wood filler if needed.
3. Underlayment: Roll out your underlayment perpendicular to the direction your planks will run. Tape seams as needed, and trim to fit.
4. First Row: Start in the left corner, tongue side facing the wall. Place spacers to maintain a ¼-inch gap for expansion.
5. Install Planks: Click or lock the planks at the ends and edges. Use the tapping block to ensure snug seams – you’ll thank yourself later.
6. Stagger Joints: Each row’s joints should be at least 12 inches offset from adjacent rows for a natural look.
7. Last Row: You’ll probably have to rip (cut lengthwise) the last row to fit. Use a pull bar to snap the planks into place.
8. Reinstall Baseboards: Nail or glue them back in, this hides the expansion gap and gives a finished look.

Lighting & Rendering Optimization (For Designers & DIY Planners)

Great lighting shows off your new laminate. If you’re working with rendering tools or want to see how your floors will look with different lighting setups, explore an AI home design platform for pre-visualization. It can save you from surprises and help your final floors look stunning in any light.

Real Example: Modern Living Room Refresh

Last summer, one of my clients wanted to upgrade their 1970s hardwood, which had some white paint stains and minor warping. Instead of a full tear-out, we laid a light oak laminate right on top (after tightening down problem boards). The transformation was instant. She even used a 3D floor planner to visualize the new set-up and test different rug placements. The total installation took a weekend and was easily done with two people. She’s still amazed at how new the room feels, and the floor’s held up beautifully after a year of use.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

1. Skipping underlayment: This can make the floor noisy and less comfortable.
2. No expansion gap: Laminate expands/contracts with humidity. Without proper gaps, you’ll get buckling.
3. Uneven subfloor: Don’t lay planks over major humps/dips – your seams won’t lock and the floor can flex.
4. Forgetting to acclimate: This can cause peaking or gapping after install. Always let planks sit in the room first.

FAQ

1. Can you lay laminate over any type of wood floor?
2. Laminate works best over solid, flat wood. Old plank flooring is usually fine as long as you fix squeaks and fill large gaps.
3. Does laminate need to be glued or nailed down?
4. No – it’s a floating floor, locking in place via tongue-and-groove joints.
5. Is an underlayment necessary on a wood subfloor?
6. Yes! Even over wood, underlayment cushions the floor, evens minor imperfections, and deadens sound.
7. How do I deal with height differences after installing laminate?
8. Transition strips are available to bridge the gap, especially at doorways or where the laminate meets thicker carpeting.
9. How long does it take to install laminate in a typical room?
10. A 200-square-foot room can usually be completed in a day, especially if you have help and a solid plan.
11. Can you install new laminate over old laminate?
12. It’s not recommended. Too much flex and risk of seam failure.
13. What’s the best way to cut laminate planks?
14. You can use a laminate cutter, miter saw, or even a circular saw. Always use a sharp blade!
15. Do I need to remove doors before installation?
16. If the new floor is taller than before, you may have to trim doors for clearance.
17. Is laminate waterproof?
18. Most basic laminates are not fully waterproof. Consider vinyl plank options for kitchens & baths, or seal edges during install.
19. Where can I plan my laminate project online?
20. Use a floor planning tool for easy layout and visualization before you buy materials.
21. How do I maintain laminate on wood floors?
22. Sweep regularly, use a damp mop, and avoid standing water. Use pads under furniture legs to avoid scratches.
23. Can professionals install laminate over wood floors?
24. Absolutely. Many contractors even prefer working over wood vs. concrete for laminate installations.