How to Install Click-Lock Wood Flooring From IKEA

Remove all floor molding from around the room with a pry bar. This will go back on after you finish laying down the planks to cover any small gaps between the planks and the walls.

Lay the vapor barrier across the floor and tape it together, forming a complete seal over the floor.

Lay the first plank down in a corner with the groove side of the plank against the wall. Gently force it up against both sides of the wall as far as it will go. Snug another plank to the end of it, and continue doing so in a row until you reach the end of the wall. It is most likely that you will have to cut the last plank to size to fit the wall.

Place the last plank upside down and to the side of the already installed planks with the end touching the wall, This shows how much you have to cut to fit the plank into the spot. Mark the cut on the backside of the plank with the pencil and carpenter square. You want the plank upside down so the pencil mark doesn't show on the final installation.

Cut the plank in the indicated location with a jig saw. Keep the plank upside down when cutting it to prevent chipping of the laminate side.

Slide the right-sized piece into the row of planks and use the cut-off portion to start your next row back up at the top of the row as long as the left over piece is at least 12 inches long. If it is not, then cut 12 inches off from a new plank and use that plank to start a new row.

Hold the groove side of the plank at a 45-degree angle to the tongue in the plank already laid down at the top of the wall. Be sure the plank you're holding is positioned as close to the wall as you can get. Snap the new plank downward until in connects into the groove. A certain amount of trial and error is required to learn the correct way to snap it into the groove, and some practice is necessary. After you learn the correct motion, it becomes much easier.

Place the plastic striker on the side of the new plank and gently tap it with the rubber mallet to ensure a firm fit against the other board. Use the striker and mallet in the same way at the bottom of the plank to force it against the top wall as much as possible.

Place a full-sized plank against the existing planks and snap it into place. There should be a snug, firm fit with no gaps showing between the planks. Use the striker and mallet to move the plank in the direction it should go to remove any gaps.

Fill in the row of planks, and when you reach the end, cut a piece to fit the same as with the first row. Again, use the cut piece to start the top of the next row. Fill in the room by creating new rows, always using the piece left over at the end of one row to start the next, as long as the leftover piece is at least 12 inches long.

Cut the bottom of the door jamb away from the door at the same height of the planks. Place a scrap piece of plank next to the jamb, put the saw flat onto the plank and make a horizontal cut into the jamb until it is cut through. Remove the wood and the plank should slide right under the jamb. Do the same for the other side of the door jamb.

Measure the leftover space for a row when you get to the last row in the room. If the room is odd-sized you may have to cut the planks for the row lengthwise to have them fit. Pencil the cutting line on the back of the planks and use the jig saw to cut as many as you need.