You’ve got a blank wall. Maybe it’s in the bedroom or in a hallway that needs that certain something. Regardless, it’s clean, flat, and ready for a change. But paint or wallpaper just doesn’t cut it. You want texture, warmth, and a finish that truly stands out.
Then it comes to you: laminate flooring.
If you’ve been wondering how to install laminate flooring on accent walls, you’re in the right place. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how professionals typically approach the job, from layout and prep to clean, lasting results.
Gathering Tools and Materials
Professional installers typically begin by gathering the tools and prepping the workspace. The standard toolkit includes a stud finder to locate framing members for secure anchoring, a 4-foot level to maintain straight rows, and a tape measure and pencil for marking cuts and layout lines. A miter saw or circular saw with a fine-tooth blade will cut planks cleanly and accurately.
For fastening, most installers use a 16-gauge finish nailer and construction adhesive rated for use with wood or laminate. Spacers maintain expansion gaps between the wall and each plank, particularly at the ceiling and edges.
To protect the surrounding area, pros will lay down drop cloths or heavy-duty builder’s paper to protect any hardwood or finished flooring. Earmuffs, safety goggles, and dust masks are also standard, especially when cutting laminate indoors. They may also unpack a tapping block or pull bar if using floating laminate that clicks together instead of laminate that glues down.
Letting the Laminate Acclimate
Installers always allow laminate to acclimate before installation, usually for 48 to 72 hours. This helps to avoid expansion, buckling, or shifting later. Oregon’s climate makes this step even more important with its damp winters and dry summers. Changes in humidity can cause planks to react if they’re mounted straight out of the box.
If you’re preparing the space ahead of time, open the boxes and store the planks flat in the room where they’ll be installed. Stack them loosely, allowing airflow between boxes, and maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level similar to typical living conditions. The HVAC should be on and windows closed.
Do not store your laminate in the garage or basement, even temporarily. Those environments will throw off the moisture content of the material. Skipping acclimation will lead to visible gaps, raised edges, or other issues that may appear days or weeks after installation. It’s a step that every installer prioritizes, regardless of how stable the home environment seems to be.
Planning the Layout
As the laminate acclimates to the space, it’s time to develop the layout plan. Most professionals take time upfront to decide on a direction—horizontal for wider visual lines, vertical to draw the eye upward, or sometimes herringbone for added visual complexity. That decision usually depends on the size and shape of the wall, the scale of the planks, and the overall design of the room.
From there, installers either start at the center of the wall and work outward for balance or begin at the bottom for a grounded, stacked effect. Either way, they measure and snap level reference lines to avoid gradual drift as the rows progress. These early layout decisions play a major role in the final look, so you or your flooring professionals should take the time to make them before adhesive or nails come into play.
Preparing the Wall Surface
Before installation begins, installers carefully assess the wall for dryness, flatness, and cleanliness. Professionals often use moisture meters to verify that the wall is dry enough, while a level or straightedge helps identify any uneven spots that exceed 1/8 inch over a distance of 4 feet. They will clean any dust, grease, or loose paint to ensure strong adhesion and a smooth finish.
Next, they will patch bumps or holes in the wall with joint compound and sand it flush. Additionally, if the wall’s surface is uneven, warped, or made from a material that doesn’t hold nails or adhesive well, such as old plaster or textured drywall, installers will add a layer of 1/4-inch plywood or furring strips. This creates a level, sturdy base for the laminate.
The plywood is then securely attached to the studs, providing a reliable substrate that prevents shifting or bowing over time.
Marking the Studs
After they have prepped the wall, installers will then locate the studs using a stud finder. They mark each stud’s position clearly along the wall, which is essential for securing the laminate.
For homeowners tackling this project themselves, take extra care to scan the wall and mark studs every 16 inches. If your stud finder isn’t perfectly precise, confirming locations with a small nail or drill bit can prevent mistakes before installation begins.
Installing the Laminate Planks
Once they have marked the studs, professionals begin by drawing a level line to guide the installation of the first row. Many pros use a combination of construction adhesive and finish nails to ensure the planks stay firmly in place.
As the installation progresses, they will click planks together, with joints staggered by 8 to 12 inches to create a balanced, natural look and added structural stability. Then, they will make careful board cuts with a fine-tooth saw for clean edges.
Unlike luxury vinyl tile flooring, laminate planks for wall installs click together and don’t require grout or underlayment. This design simplifies installation and maintains tight seams.
If you are installing the laminate yourself, avoid pressing your planks too tightly or forcing them against the wall edges. Allow about 1/4 inch for expansion to prevent buckling caused by seasonal humidity changes.
Handling Edges and Outlets
Cutting precise openings for outlets, light switches, and vents is a crucial step in achieving a professional finish. Installers measure these openings carefully and use jigsaws or rotary tools to create clean cutouts that allow the laminate to fit snugly around the fixtures.
For finishing edges, trim pieces such as quarter-round molding or simple baseboards to cover expansion gaps. In tight spaces where trim isn’t practical, a flexible paintable caulk seals edges neatly while allowing slight movement, preventing cracks or gaps from appearing over time.
Accent Wall, Done Right
When you’re installing laminate flooring on accent walls, remember: the key is patience during the layout and preparation phases. Rushing through marking, leveling, or acclimating the materials can lead to misaligned planks or uneven surfaces that are difficult to fix later.
For homeowners in Portland, OR, seeking professional help, Portland Floor offers expert flooring installation services backed by years of experience in handling complex wall and flooring projects. Our showroom features a wide variety of luxury vinyl plank flooring samples, as well as laminate and hardwood, organized by color to help you better visualize your options.
When you’re ready to transform that blank wall into a statement piece, visit Portland Floor, and talk with our flooring experts to find the perfect materials and installation plan for your space. We’re here to help every step of the way.