Rectangular floor panels, a fastening system for joining the panels, and a method for laying and interlocking the panels are disclosed. The panels are provided complementary, form-fitting retaining profiles extending over the length of the sides. The complementary edges of the panels allow two adjacent panels to be positively joined such that displacement of the panels away from one another is prevented, while enabling articulation of the panels with respect to one another at the joint location. The method of installation provides for installing a new panel to a first row and a panel in a second row by first joining the new panel to the panel of the second row at its short side, followed by pivoting the new panel upwards out of the plane of the laid panels along its long side, along with at least the adjacent end of the first panel in the second row, into an inclined position, and sliding the new panel into the retaining profile of the panels in the first row. The new panel and the raised end of the panel in the second row are then pivoted down into the plane of the laid panels. Laying of panels continues according to this process until the complete floor assembly has been laid.