Cutting Around Door Jambs and Obstructions

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Although installing a laminate floor is fairly easy, you may come up on a few tricky cuts, like around a door jamb. In cases like this, you’ll want to make a template using a piece of stiff cardboard.

Trace the outline of the template onto a plank. Finish by carefully wedging the cut piece in place.

In some instances, it’s almost impossible to lock pieces together perfectly under jambs or in corners. If that’s the case, use a sharp chisel or utility knife to shave away the bottom of the groove, and install the plank with white glue. Clamp or wedge the piece in place until the glue sets fully — about 30 minutes.

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Install the Last Row

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Now that you have covered most of the floor, worked around irregular cuts and left at least 1/4 inch around the floor edges, the last row can be set. If the last row of the flooring is narrower than the width of a plank, you’ll have to rip it lengthwise to fit.

With a sharp chisel or utility knife, cut off the tongue of the plank you're installing against.

Butt together the flat ends of the planks with white wood glue. Clamp or wedge the pieces in place until the glue sets fully, about 30 minutes.

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Install Baseboard and Shoe Molding

Finally, add molding to cover the gaps. That’s it! Now you have a finished floor that has tight seams, looks great and is a point of pride for the DIYer.