DIY Guide to Replacing Carpet with Laminate Flooring

Swapping out old carpet for laminate can change the look and feel of a room while making it easier to maintain. With a bit of preparation and the right tools, homeowners in the United States can complete this project themselves and achieve a finish that looks neat and long lasting.

Before you begin, check that the floor is structurally sound, gather safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection, and read the installation instructions that come with your specific laminate product. While brands differ slightly, the core steps of removing carpet, preparing the subfloor, laying underlayment, and clicking planks into place are similar.

Can you use laminate flooring on concrete?

Many people want to install laminate flooring on concrete floor surfaces, especially in basements or ground-level rooms. This is usually possible, but moisture control is critical. Concrete can release moisture over time, which may damage laminate if not managed correctly.

Start by testing for moisture with a simple plastic sheet test or a store-bought moisture test kit. If moisture is present, follow the laminate manufacturer’s recommendations, which may include using a vapor barrier underlayment or avoiding certain areas. The concrete must be flat, clean, and free of major cracks. Fill low spots with a leveling compound and grind down high points so the surface is even. Once level and dry, you can roll out a vapor barrier and underlayment before installing the laminate planks.

What to know about laminate wood flooring

Laminate wood flooring is made of several layers: a backing layer for stability, a core board (often high-density fiberboard), a decorative layer with a wood-look image, and a tough wear layer on top. This structure makes laminate resistant to scratches and everyday wear, which can be useful in busy households.

For a carpet replacement project, choose a laminate thickness and rating that match the room’s use. Thicker boards can feel more solid underfoot and may bridge minor subfloor imperfections better. Many products use a click-lock design that allows the boards to snap together without glue or nails. When planning the layout, measure the room, account for an expansion gap around the edges, and avoid ending up with very narrow strips along one wall by adjusting the first row width.

Choosing flooring for suspended floors

When thinking about the best flooring for suspended floors, you are dealing with a subfloor supported by joists, usually plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). These floors can have some flex or squeaks that should be addressed before laying laminate.

Walk the room and listen for creaks. Secure loose areas by driving screws into the joists through the subfloor. Check for dips or humps; sand down high spots and use floor-leveling compound in low spots so the surface is within the flatness tolerance recommended by the laminate manufacturer. Because suspended floors can move slightly, the expansion gap around the perimeter is especially important; this gap lets the laminate expand and contract without buckling.

Steps to replace carpet with laminate flooring DIY

If you want to replace carpet with laminate flooring DIY, break the work into manageable stages. Start by removing all furniture and then the baseboards or quarter-round trim carefully so you can reuse them. Cut the carpet into strips with a utility knife, roll it up, and remove the padding underneath. Pull out tack strips and staples using pliers and a pry bar, and vacuum thoroughly.

Next, inspect the subfloor for damage such as water stains, loose boards, or protruding nails. Repair or replace damaged sections and ensure nail or screw heads are flush. Once the surface is sound and clean, install underlayment according to product directions, taping seams as required. Plan your plank layout from the longest, straightest wall, and dry-fit a few rows to check how the boards will land at doorways and transitions.

How to install laminate wood flooring on a wood subfloor

Knowing how to install laminate wood flooring on wood subfloor structures helps you achieve a stable result. After preparation, lay the first row of planks with the tongue side facing the wall, using spacers to maintain the expansion gap recommended by the manufacturer around all walls, door frames, and fixed objects.

Stagger plank end joints from row to row, usually by at least 8–12 inches, to improve strength and appearance. Use a tapping block and pull bar to snug the joints together without damaging the edges. Cut planks with a circular saw, jigsaw, or laminate cutter, always measuring carefully and double-checking before cutting. Around doorways, undercut the casing so planks can slide underneath for a cleaner finish. When the field is complete, install transition pieces at thresholds and then reinstall or replace baseboards and trim to cover the expansion gap.

Safety, tools, and finishing touches

A successful DIY laminate project depends as much on preparation and safety as on the installation itself. Wear gloves when removing tack strips, eye protection when cutting boards, and a dust mask if you are sanding or cutting frequently. Common tools include a tape measure, square, utility knife, pry bar, hammer, drill or driver, saw, tapping block, pull bar, and spacers.

After the flooring is installed, vacuum with a soft-brush attachment to remove dust and offcuts. Many manufacturers recommend dry sweeping or using a slightly damp (not wet) mop for ongoing maintenance. Avoid dragging heavy furniture directly across the new surface; instead, lift items or use furniture sliders and apply felt pads to chair and table legs. These simple steps help keep the laminate looking clean and smooth for years.

In summary, replacing carpet with laminate flooring is a project many homeowners can handle with patience, planning, and attention to detail. Understanding how laminate behaves on concrete, wood subfloors, and suspended floors, as well as following a clear removal and installation sequence, leads to a durable, attractive finish that suits everyday living.