Whether you need flooring for your home or for work, laminate is a versatile and cost-effective choice which ticks most boxes. Laminate is low maintenance and highly durable, with certain product ranges mimicking real wood so accurately, that most would be fooled. Laminate provides a quick and easy way to bring warmth and comfort to your surroundings and is suitable for most environments.

Every space has its unique needs and it's essential to choose a flooring option that aligns with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Here's why laminate flooring might be the perfect choice for you.

Guide content
  • Construction
  • Quality
  • Water Resistance
  • Installation
  • Maintenance & Underfloor Heating
  • Suitability for Different Spaces

Key Features:

Construction:

Laminate flooring consists of multiple layers fused together through a lamination process. The core, typically made of compressed wood, usually HDF (High Density Fibre), determines the strength of the plank. A photographic image of wood is applied on top of this core and protected by hyper-durable melamine layers which form the wear layer. Modern laminate floors authentically replicate various wood grains, styles and colours, even mimicking the texture of real wood.


Price & Quality:

Quality laminate floors boast a realistic appearance, making them a valuable investment for your home. While the price is a good indicator of quality, it's essential to check the frequency of 'panel repeat' in the photographic layer. Low-quality laminates often have limited design variety, resulting in an unrealistic look. A good quality laminate should resemble real wood both to the eye and to the touch.

Stength and Resistance:

  • Laminates are known to be extremely durable, and are resistant to stains, sunlight and scratches. This is all thanks to the wear layer that was mentioned above. It is the thickness of this layer that dictates whether a product is suitable for residential or commercial use. Quality brands will usually handle abuse better than others, so it is important to consider where the flooring will be used before pulling the trigger.
  • Traditional laminates can be damaged by water, causing the core to swell. However, some high end laminates use water-resistant core materials, resisting water for extended periods. New-generation water-resistant laminates, designed with joint sealing technology, can even be installed in bathrooms and laundries, offering robust protection against water damage.

Installation:

Laminate floors are installed as floating floors over a damp-resistant underlay. This underlay protects the planks from moisture and adds to the warm, quiet and soft feel of laminate flooring. For the best result, the subfloor should be flat, level and stable. In most cases, less prep work on the subfloor is needed with laminate than other products.

Maintenance:

Laminate floors are incredibly durable and easy to maintain, requiring minimal effort beyond regular vacuuming, sweeping, and light mopping. Never use a steam mop on non-water-resistant laminate. Unlike some other flooring options, laminate doesn't need sanding, oiling, lacquering, or resurfacing, making it a hassle-free choice for busy households.

Suitability for Different Spaces:

  • Kitchen: Laminate is easy to maintain, making it suitable for kitchens. Regular cleaning keeps it looking pristine.

  • Hallway: Its hardwearing properties make laminate perfect for high-traffic hallways, enduring constant movement.

  • Bedroom: Laminate is an excellent bedroom flooring choice. Add a sheepskin or area rug for extra warmth and comfort.

  • Bathroom and Laundry: Moisture-resistant laminates are suitable for these spaces, offering protection against humidity and spills.

  • Living Space: Laminate complements living areas well. Enhance warmth and texture with a stylish rug.

Laminate flooring is a practical, aesthetically pleasing, and low-maintenance solution for your home, adding both value and charm to your living spaces at an affordable price.