How to Connect the End Pieces on Laminate Flooring

Laminate is a practical substitute for wood floors because it resembles a wood finish while also being simple to clean and durable against damage. Laminate gets installed as panels that lock together as they get laid down. While the installation of laminate flooring is intended to be as simple as possible, the end pieces sometimes need extra manipulation to get them to fit properly.

Tape measure
Circular saw
Rubber mallet
Pull bar
Floor spacers

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the space between the last piece of laminate and the wall with a tape measure. This lets you know how much space you have to fit the end piece.
- 2
  Cut the laminate end piece a quarter inch shorter than what you measured with a circular saw. The extra space is needed for when the laminate expands in response to temperature changes. This prevents damage and warping. Keep the laminate face down when using a power saw to cut it to protect the finish. Keep the piece face up if cutting it with a handsaw.
- 3
  Slide the end piece in so it lines up with the locking mechanism of the piece it is connecting to. Gently hammer over the piece with a rubber mallet so it slides in and locks with the other laminate piece or connect a pull bar to the piece and tug it until it slides and locks.
- 4
  Place spacers along the wall to hide the expansion gap between the wall and the end piece.

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