Who Can I Hire to Install Laminate Flooring?

Say hello to stylish floors without the hassle

Cat sleeping on kitchen floor
Photo: Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Moment / Getty Images
Cat sleeping on kitchen floor
Photo: Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Moment / Getty Images
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Whether you’re building a new house or simply tired of your old floors, laminate flooring is worth installing because of its durability and ease of maintenance. But who should you contact when you want laminate flooring professionally installed? We’ll break down everything you need to know, from who installs laminate flooring to how the process is done.

Benefits of Hiring a Laminate Flooring Contractor to Install Laminate Floors

The best pro to contact for this project is a laminate flooring contractor. Their expertise provides multiple benefits, including the assurance that the job will be done correctly, no matter what type of laminate you want. You won’t have to worry about incorrect measurements, uneven lines, or gaps between laminate planks. Every cut will be precise and every plank perfectly aligned for a beautiful laminate floor. This also saves time and energy since laminate floor installation is a tedious process that takes several days. It also requires using a chop or circular saw, which some homeowners may prefer to avoid.

Another benefit of professional installation is that it increases laminate floor longevity. An incorrectly installed floor might face issues down the line, including warping, buckling, squeaking, and an overall shorter life span. Even though repairing laminate flooring is relatively cheap and easy (at least compared to other types of floors), it’s an ordeal you want to avoid, and professional installation makes those issues far less likely to occur.

Can I DIY Laminate Floor Installation?

Yes, it’s certainly possible to install laminate flooring yourself. In fact, it’s one of the easiest kinds of floors to install since the planks click together without glue or mortar. One advantage of the DIY route is that it saves hundreds of dollars compared to hiring a pro. You’ll just have to pay for materials; laminate is cheaper than other flooring types, costing around $1 to $5 per square foot

However, you’ll incur additional costs if the laminate is installed incorrectly, so we recommend that many homeowners hire a pro. While costs vary based on the material and size of the room, professionally installing laminate floors costs $1,470 to $4,640

Can You Hire a General Contractor to Install Laminate Flooring?

Installation of laminate flooring in the living roo
Photo: Annadokaz / iStock / Getty Images

Yes, most general contractors can install laminate flooring. Even if it isn’t their specialty, general contractors are comfortable working on floors, and laminate is one of the most straightforward types of flooring to install. We recommend hiring a laminate flooring contractor because they specialize in the task, but a general contractor will get the job done, too. However, you may pay more for a general contractor as their broad experience comes at a higher hourly cost.

How Do Floor Contractors Install Laminate Flooring?

3 laminate flooring types compared visually, including hardwood, tile, and stone
Photo credit: Israel Sebastian / Moment / Getty Images, Senez Studio / Moment / Getty Images, kelllll / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

The installation process is the same whether you DIY or hire a pro. Here are the primary steps:

  1. Prepare the subfloor: Remove paint, adhesive, and staples so the laminate planks can lay smoothly.

  2. Undercut the door jambs: Use a handsaw, chop saw, or circular saw and cut the planks to fit underneath any door jambs.

  3. Cut laminate flooring: Plan the layout and cut the laminate planks accordingly.

  4. Install the underlayment: Underlayment is a protective layer of foam that prevents moisture from seeping under the laminate and helps with insulation and soundproofing.

  5. Install spacers along the wall: Spacers accommodate for the expansion that occurs when laminate is exposed to moisture and humidity.

  6. Install the first row: Place the first planks down with the tongue side facing the wall.

  7. Install planks row by row: Stagger the remaining planks and insert the tongue edge into the groove of the adjoining planks.

  8. Install transition strips: Remove the spacers and place transition strips to fill the gaps between rooms and doorways.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to flooring services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A worker in knee pads aligns a tile on the floor during installation, with his reflection visible on the polished surface.
•
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
Laminate is a solid choice for many homes because it's durable and budget-friendly. Check out this guide to learn more about laminate flooring installation costs.
Worker pouring gray epoxy coating onto a concrete floor, preparing the surface for a smooth, durable finish.
•
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
Pouring a new concrete floor can create new usable space for your home and raise its value. This guide breaks down what affects project costs.
Worker using a red-edged floor scraper to smooth and level concrete surface with a textured, pebble-finish coating
•
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
Terrazzo may cost more than many other flooring options, but its longevity and high return on investment make it worthwhile.
A worker in knee pads carefully aligns a tile during floor installation, with a polished floor reflecting his focused posture.
•
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
When you begin a flooring project, you can figure cost estimates beforehand by calculating the square feet in your home and deciding on a floor material. Prepare with these flooring estimate tips.
A worker applies tile adhesive to the floor with a trowel, preparing the surface for tile installation in a home renovation project.
•
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
Read on to learn whether you should install tile flooring underneath your kitchen cabinets or not, plus tips for tiling around cabinets and appliances.
Worker applying gray epoxy coating to concrete floor, with patches of wet epoxy and visible roller tool in use
•
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
Concrete floors aren’t just for warehouses and trendy stores. Find out how these nine concrete floor finishes can transform the look of your space.