INstall laminate floor in a room conversion, room not heated (yet)

Hi all,

I am installing laminate flooring for the first time. I converted a raised slab porch into a room, have a vapor barrier right on the concrete and a 2x4 frame and plywood on top of that for the floor. I am running heat to the room (most pipes are run already, need to create a zone on furnace). I know I need to acclimate the flooring to the area first but I am concerned that if I install with no heat in there (would guess the temp is in the low 50's) that I might get buckling if the room heats up to normal temp.

I am REAL close to getting heat in that room. Should I wait until I have heat or can I install it? I have done all the research and know about the gaps needed. Maybe put in a bigger gap? I am using Lowes flooring with underlayment already attached. I have a handyman doing finish work in the room and he needs to do the molding after the floor is in (part of price). So this is my conundrum.

 

Until you actually get the heat in the room for at least 72 hours, you aren't close enough. Putting the molding in is part of his bid, and he should know it comes after the floor is in. No heat/cool, no floor yet. Wait and do it right.

 

Chandler's right - heat first, then the floor.