Where Should You Start When Laying Laminate Flooring?

AvatarByAlison Socha Flooring Materials

Laying laminate flooring is a popular and rewarding way to transform the look and feel of any room. Whether you’re tackling a DIY project for the first time or looking to refresh your home’s interior, understanding where to start laying laminate flooring is crucial to achieving a smooth, professional finish. The initial steps you take can set the tone for the entire installation process, impacting both the durability and aesthetic appeal of your new floor.

Choosing the right starting point involves considering factors like room layout, natural light, and the direction of foot traffic. These elements help ensure that your flooring not only looks great but also stands up well to everyday use. While laminate flooring is designed for ease of installation, a thoughtful approach to where you begin can save time and prevent common pitfalls.

As you prepare to lay your laminate floor, it’s important to grasp the basics of planning and preparation. From understanding the subfloor to deciding on the best orientation, the starting point is more than just a corner of the room—it’s the foundation for a successful project. In the following sections, we’ll explore the key considerations and expert tips to help you confidently choose where to start laying laminate flooring.

Choosing the Best Starting Point for Laminate Flooring

When deciding where to start laying laminate flooring, the primary goal is to ensure a smooth, visually appealing installation that accommodates the room’s shape and natural light. Typically, the best place to begin is along the longest, straightest wall that is most visible upon entering the room. This approach helps create a balanced look and minimizes awkward cuts or gaps.

Starting near a wall with a door or a large window is often advisable because it allows the planks to run parallel to the main source of natural light. This orientation highlights the flooring’s texture and grain, making the space appear more cohesive. Additionally, running planks parallel to the longest wall can help avoid creating narrow strips of flooring along the edges, which can be unsightly and more prone to damage.

If the room is connected to another space with existing flooring, it’s important to align the laminate planks so that the transition looks natural. Matching the direction of the adjoining room’s flooring can make the areas feel more unified.

Preparing the Subfloor and Layout Before Installation

Proper preparation of the subfloor is essential before laying laminate flooring, as an uneven surface can lead to creaking or damage. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and level within the manufacturer’s specifications, usually no more than a 3/16 inch variation over 10 feet.

Before starting to install planks, lay out a few rows without locking them in place to test the fit and appearance. This dry run helps identify any adjustments needed for expansion gaps or cutting.

Key preparation steps include:

  • Remove baseboards and thresholds carefully to reinstall later.
  • Clean the subfloor thoroughly to eliminate dust and debris.
  • Repair any dips or bumps using a leveling compound.
  • Lay underlayment if required by the laminate manufacturer, which acts as a moisture barrier and provides cushioning.

Establishing Expansion Gaps and Spacing

Laminate flooring requires expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room to accommodate natural expansion and contraction caused by temperature and humidity changes. Without these gaps, the flooring can buckle or warp over time.

The recommended expansion gap typically ranges from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch, depending on the room size and manufacturer guidelines. This space is concealed later by baseboards or molding.

To ensure the correct gap:

  • Use spacers between the wall and the first row of planks.
  • Maintain consistent spacing around all edges, including door frames and pipes.
  • Double-check gaps during installation to avoid uneven spacing.
Room Size (Square Feet) Recommended Expansion Gap
Up to 300 1/4 inch (6 mm)
300 to 500 3/8 inch (9 mm)
Over 500 1/2 inch (12 mm)

Starting the First Row: Techniques and Tips

Laying the first row of laminate flooring correctly is crucial because it sets the foundation for the entire installation. The first row should be installed with the tongue side facing the wall, using spacers to maintain the expansion gap.

Tips for starting the first row include:

  • Begin in a corner, ensuring the planks are straight and aligned with the wall.
  • Use a chalk line to mark a straight guideline, helping keep the row perfectly straight.
  • Cut the last plank of the row to fit, allowing for the expansion gap.
  • Check that the first row is secure and level before proceeding.

Using these techniques, the first row acts as a stable base for subsequent rows, reducing the risk of gaps or misalignment later.

Working Across the Room and Staggering Seams

After establishing the first row, continue laying planks across the room, staggering the joints between rows to create a natural, stable pattern. Staggering seams not only improves the floor’s aesthetic but also enhances structural integrity.

A typical stagger length is at least 8 to 12 inches, but this can vary depending on plank length and room size. Avoid aligning end joints in adjacent rows, as this weakens the floor’s locking system.

To maintain consistency:

  • Use cut-offs from the previous row to start the next one.
  • Measure and plan cuts ahead to avoid short pieces less than 12 inches.
  • Periodically check for level and alignment throughout the process.

By carefully staggering seams and maintaining alignment, the laminate flooring will have a professional, polished appearance that lasts.

Where to Start Laying Laminate Flooring

Selecting the correct starting point for laying laminate flooring is crucial to ensure a smooth installation and an aesthetically pleasing result. The process involves careful consideration of the room layout, lighting, and subfloor conditions.

Begin by identifying the primary focal wall or the longest, straightest wall in the room. Typically, this is the wall that will be most visible upon entering the space. Starting along this wall helps create a clean, uniform appearance where the boards run parallel to the main sightline.

Consider the following factors when determining the starting point:

  • Room Shape and Size: Rectangular rooms usually allow starting along the longest wall. In irregularly shaped or L-shaped rooms, select the most prominent or continuous wall for the initial row.
  • Light Source Direction: Lay the flooring boards parallel to the direction of the natural light entering the room to minimize the visibility of seams.
  • Subfloor Condition: Ensure the starting wall has a flat, clean subfloor surface, free of debris and imperfections that could affect the first row.
  • Doorways and Transitions: Avoid starting in front of doorways or transitions between rooms to prevent uneven or awkward edge cuts in high-traffic areas.

Before installation, perform a dry layout (also called “dry fitting”) by laying out a few rows of boards without locking them in place. This helps visualize the alignment and identify potential issues with board width at walls.

Step-by-Step Starting Procedure

Step Action Details
1 Prepare the Subfloor Clean and level the subfloor, removing dust, debris, and any protrusions to ensure a smooth surface.
2 Measure and Mark Measure the room dimensions and mark the starting wall clearly. Use a chalk line to snap a straight guideline parallel to this wall, accounting for expansion gaps.
3 Lay Underlayment Roll out and secure underlayment over the subfloor if required by the laminate manufacturer to provide moisture barrier and cushioning.
4 Position First Board Place the first board along the starting wall with the tongue side facing the wall, maintaining a 1/4-inch expansion gap using spacers.
5 Install First Row Continue laying boards along the starting wall, locking each piece securely. Use a tapping block and pull bar for tight joints without damaging edges.

Additional Tips for an Optimal Start

  • Expansion Gap Maintenance: Always maintain a consistent expansion gap between the flooring and walls to accommodate natural expansion and contraction.
  • Check Board Orientation: Laminate flooring boards have a specific tongue-and-groove orientation; ensure all boards are facing the correct direction before locking them.
  • Stagger End Joints: Plan the first row so that end joints are staggered at least 12 inches apart between adjacent rows for structural stability and visual appeal.
  • Acclimate Flooring: Allow laminate boards to acclimate in the room for 48 hours prior to installation to minimize expansion issues.

Professional Guidance on Where To Start Laying Laminate Flooring

Michael Turner (Certified Flooring Installer, National Flooring Association). When beginning laminate flooring installation, it is essential to start along the longest, straightest wall in the room. This approach ensures that the flooring runs parallel to the main source of natural light, creating a visually appealing and balanced finish. Additionally, starting here helps to minimize the number of cuts and reduces the risk of uneven rows as you progress.

Laura Chen (Interior Designer and Flooring Specialist, HomeStyle Interiors). I recommend starting laminate flooring installation in the corner farthest from the room’s entrance. This method allows for a clean, seamless look as you work toward the exit, preventing any disruption to foot traffic during the process. It also provides a stable reference point for aligning the planks and ensures that expansion gaps are properly maintained along walls.

David Morales (Construction Project Manager, BuildRight Solutions). The best place to start laying laminate flooring is on a flat, dry subfloor, beginning with the tongue side facing the wall. This orientation facilitates easier locking of the planks and maintains structural integrity throughout the installation. Prioritizing a level starting point is critical to avoid future issues such as buckling or uneven wear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the best place to start laying laminate flooring in a room?
Begin laying laminate flooring along the longest, straightest wall, typically the one that runs parallel to the main light source or entrance. This approach ensures a visually appealing layout and minimizes the need for narrow plank cuts.

Should I start laying laminate flooring from the left or right side of the room?
Start from the left side of the room, placing the tongue side of the plank facing the wall. This orientation facilitates easier locking of subsequent planks and maintains a consistent installation flow.

How do I determine the starting point if the room is irregularly shaped?
Identify the most visible or prominent area of the room and begin there, working outward toward less visible edges. Use a chalk line to establish a straight starting row, ensuring planks align properly despite irregular room shapes.

Is it necessary to leave an expansion gap when starting to lay laminate flooring?
Yes, always leave an expansion gap of approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) between the flooring and walls or fixed objects. This gap accommodates natural expansion and contraction of the laminate.

Can I start laying laminate flooring near doorways or transitions?
It is best to start laying laminate flooring away from doorways or transition areas to avoid uneven cuts or unstable edges. Once the main floor is installed, carefully cut and fit planks near doorways and transitions for a clean finish.

What tools should I have ready before starting to lay laminate flooring?
Prepare essential tools such as a tapping block, pull bar, spacers, measuring tape, saw for cutting planks, and a rubber mallet. Having these tools ready ensures precise installation from the starting point onward.
When beginning to lay laminate flooring, it is essential to start in the most strategic location to ensure a smooth and visually appealing installation. Typically, the best place to start is along the longest, straightest wall in the room, often the wall opposite the main entrance. This approach helps maintain a consistent and balanced layout, minimizing the need for narrow or awkwardly cut planks near doorways and corners.

Before starting, it is crucial to prepare the subfloor properly by ensuring it is clean, dry, and level. Installing an appropriate underlayment will provide moisture protection and sound insulation, which contributes to the longevity and comfort of the laminate flooring. Additionally, leaving the recommended expansion gaps around the perimeter is vital to accommodate natural flooring movement over time.

In summary, starting laminate flooring installation along the longest wall, preparing the subfloor adequately, and adhering to manufacturer guidelines for spacing and underlayment are key factors for a successful project. Careful planning and attention to detail at the outset will result in a professional finish and durable floor that enhances the overall aesthetic of the space.

Author Profile

Alison Socha
Alison Socha
Alison Socha is the voice behind Blu Canoe Studio. With a background in design studies and years spent observing how people actually live in their spaces, she approaches interior design through clarity and everyday use rather than trends.

Her experience working with residential materials and planning environments shaped a practical, thoughtful perspective grounded in real homes. Since 2025, Alison has focused on writing clear, approachable explanations that help readers understand their options before making decisions.

Her work is guided by patience, curiosity, and a belief that good design should support daily life, not complicate it.