How to Change the Direction for a Laminated Floor

Vacuum the underflooring to remove accumulated dust, dirt and debris. Place rolls of foam underlayment on the floor and seal seams with tape. Use scissors to cut the underlayment to the appropriate size.

Lay the first course of flooring planks along the longest, straightest wall in the room, with their grooved edge against the wall. Tap the boards together and cut the last plank to the required length with a saw. Tap the second course into the tongue edge of the previous course. Stagger this course by 6 inches for an aesthetically pleasing design. Repeat this process of installing the planks until you cover the room with flooring planks in one direction.

Measure the width of the floor opening at the point of the direction change. Use a table saw to cut a length of 1/2-inch-by-1/4-inch wood spline so it fits the groove openings of the laminate planks. The spline acts as a replacement slip-tongue that makes the floor transition smooth and seamless.

Apply a thin bead of wood glue over the grooved edges of the planks where you will install the wood spline.

Set the spline over the glued surface and press it down to secure it in place. Tap the spline gently with a rubber mallet to ensure it fits snugly. For a wider opening, use more than one length of wood spline.

Wipe away excess glue with a wet rag. Allow the adhesive to dry according to the time on the label directions.

Lay lengths of laminate planks in the new direction the same way as you installed the previous planks. Slide the groove of the laminate plank over the splined tongue and repeat the process of installing the flooring over the floor.