Remove any existing glued-down flooring or carpet. Take out any easily removed objects, such as seats or removable storage, to simplify the installation process. Sweep and mop the floor.
Install a layer of vapor barrier over the entire area. Vapor barrier is a plastic sheet that helps to repel any condensed moisture that may build up under your floor. Overlap the pieces slightly.
Cover the vapor barrier with a layer of foam underlayment. Cut the material to length with a utility knife. Do not overlap the pieces of underlayment.
Place the first row against the longest wall starting in the back corner, with the groove of the tongue-and-groove toward the wall. Space the boards off the wall 1/2 inch with spacers. Lay full length boards as far as they will go, measure the remaining distance to end of the flooring area, minus the width of the transition molding for the edge of the floor, typically 1 1/2 inches.
Use cardboard to cut templates for tricky work-a-rounds like cabinets and captain chairs. Cut a piece of cardboard to the size of a full plank. Take measurements of the obstacle and cut the cardboard to fit with a utility knife. Set the cardboard template in place and make any adjustments needed, then trace the outline of the template to your floor plank and cut with a jigsaw.
Lay the remaining cutoff piece from the plank you cut at the end of the first row to start the second row to stagger the joints between board ends. Tap the second row against the first row with a rubber mallet so that the groove of the second row fits snugly over the tongue of the first. Lay full pieces as far as possible and cut a piece to fit the end.
Continue laying full width rows as far as possible. Measure the remaining distance to the wall and rip, or cut, boards to width with a table saw to fit the space, minus 1/2 inch for the gap against the wall.
Caulk around the edges of the floor with 100 percent silicone caulk to seal the laminate to the floor.
Cut base shoe, or quarter round molding to fit each section of wall cabinet base or other vertical obstruction. Run a bead of construction adhesive along the back of each piece. Set the molding at the base of the wall, with the adhesive against the wall, on top of the flooring to hold the floor in place.
