Step by step

  1. Prepare the room

    Remove trim as needed, clean the subfloor and check it is dry and level. Resolve damp before fitting.

  2. Acclimatise the boards

    Store them in the room for the period stated by the manufacturer.

  3. Lay the underlay

    Use an underlay suitable for the subfloor and floor product; follow its joint and moisture-barrier instructions.

  4. Start straight

    Lay the first row from a straight reference line, leaving the specified expansion gap at walls and fixed obstacles.

  5. Stagger and finish

    Stagger end joints as instructed, cut carefully around edges and fit skirting or trim without pinning the floating floor.

Know when to stop

When to stop and call a professional

Stop if the floor is damp, substantially uneven, structurally unsound, or you are unsure about pipework or electrical cables beneath it. Correct the base before covering it.

General information for a UK home; always follow your product instructions and current local rules. Images are illustrative, not technical diagrams.