How To Plan Laminate Flooring Cuts
Quick answer
Lay the planks along the room’s length or towards the main light, leave the expansion gap the manufacturer asks for (often 8–10 mm) at every wall, stagger end joints by at least 30 cm, and work out the last row before you start: if it would be thinner than about a third of a plank, trim the first row so both edge rows are a similar width.
Definition
Planning laminate cuts means setting out the rows before you start so the first and last rows are a sensible width, the end joints are staggered and the offcuts can start the next rows.
Explanation
Most laminate problems come from not setting out first: a sliver of a last row against a wall, end joints lined up in a ladder pattern, or no expansion gap so the floor lifts. A few minutes with a tape and the plank width avoids all of them, and also tells you how much waste to allow.
Laminate setting-out rules of thumb
| Rule | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Expansion gap | 8–10 mm (check the manufacturer) |
| End joint stagger | At least 30 cm |
| Narrowest row | About a third of a plank |
| Waste allowance | 7–10%, more for diagonal |
Examples
- Room 3.65 m wide, 19 cm planks: 3.63 m after two 10 mm gaps = 19.1 rows, leaving a 2 cm last row. Trim the first row to 10.5 cm so the first and last rows are both 10.5 cm.
Summary
Set out the rows before the first cut. The free laminate calculator works out the packs, and PlanCutFit adds the packs, underlay and door bars to the quote for every room.
In depth
Setting out a laminate floor
1. Pick the direction
Along the longest wall or towards the main light, and the same direction through doorways into connected rooms.
2. Work out the rows
Room width minus both expansion gaps, divided by the plank’s covering width. The remainder is your last row.
- If the last row is under about a third of a plank, share the difference between the first and last rows
- Remember skirting or scotia must cover the gap
3. Stagger the end joints
Start each row with the offcut from the last one where it is long enough, keeping joints at least 30 cm apart.
4. Order the packs
Floor area plus 7–10%, divided by the pack coverage, rounded up.
- 1Measure
- 2Set out rows
- 3Area + waste
- 4Whole packs
Frequently asked questions
- Which way should laminate be laid?
- Usually along the longest wall or towards the main window, so the joints are less visible. In hallways, run it down the length.
- How much extra laminate should I buy?
- 7–10% for a straight lay in simple rooms, more for lots of doorways or a diagonal lay. Round up to whole packs.
Related resources
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