More about Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a very popular choice throughout the home as replicates the look of real wood, while being a fraction of the cost. It is made up of a photographic applique layer which imitates solid wood. This is placed under a clear protective layer which allows durability.
This wood effect laminate allows your floor to be more water resistant than solid wood, so you needn’t worry about the occasional spill. If the worst should happen and your flooring does undergo extensive damage, this quality laminate floor is affordable and easy to replace. It comes in a variety of shades too from light oak laminate flooring to darker tones.
Where Should I Lay Laminate Flooring?
From 6mm laminate flooring to 12mm laminate flooring, this type of floor is suitable for every room of the house, from the dining room to the bathroom. It’s even a popular option for commercial buildings such as offices or shops, which see a lot of footfall.
Because it’s more water resistant than solid wood, kitchen laminate flooring is a good option for a room which usually sees a lot of mess. The same applies for bathroom laminate flooring, which is both quick to clean and easy to replace should the worst happen. However, if you aren’t after a wooden look, the best laminate flooring could be tile as it is often preferred for bathrooms as they replicate the look of tiles.
Do I Need Underlay for Laminate?
Underlay is an extra layer which goes between your laminate and the subfloor of the house. This is recommended when installing these floors as it will prevent vapour from reaching the laminate wood. It will also help soundproof the room and add a little extra warmth.
Read our Underlay Flooring Guide for more information.
How to Lay Laminate Floor
Installing this type of flooring is very easy to do yourself. All you will need is your pack of laminate floor, your chosen underlay, scissors, tape, a hammer, nails and beading to go around the edges of the room.
Once your subfloor is clean and dry, start by laying the underlay. Simply place the sheets side by side and tape together. Trim any excess underlay down and then tape at the seams until you have covered the floor.
After this, start laying your laminate floor from the left-hand corner of the room. Leave an 8-10mm gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for expansion and your beading. Due to the simple clicking system of the flooring, no glue is required, all you have to do is click each plank into place. Once finished, install your beading over the expansion gaps and fix in position with a hammer and nails.
Read more about installing your flooring here: How to Install Laminate Floors. Alternatively, the video tutorial below will give you a look at a typical installation process for flooring of this type:
How to Clean Laminate Floors
Laminated wood is one of the easiest floors to clean. However, it’s best to steer clear of mopping, as the laminated flooring is not completely waterproof. The best solution is a damp microfiber mop. This will pick up dust and give the floor a shine without risking any damage. If you want a deeper clean, it’s recommended to spray a laminate flooring solution to your mop. Alternatively, you can use white vinegar which will have the same effect.
FAQs about Laminate Flooring
It is highly recommended you use a specialist cleaner designed for your specific laminate flooring range. No matter which type of cleaner you use, you should never use a lot of water as this could cause damage to the floor.
All of our laminate flooring comes with a guarantee, though the length of time they are covered depends upon each individual product. The guarantees we offer range from 5-30 years.
Laminate flooring is suitable for use alongside underfloor heating, though you should always look through the installation instructions and ensure you are using the right type of underlay.
Almost all of laminate floors these days feature a simple click installation system. This means even DIY amateurs can install them without any issues. The only thing you may find difficult during installation is cutting the floor so it fits around doorways. You can overcome this problem by undercutting the frame of the door, there are installation instructions and videos on all of our products to help.
You will need to ensure that the floor is acclimatised before it is installed. Always keep the floor in the room it will be fitted for at least 24 hours before fitting. You will also need to ensure that the floor is flat, level and dry. For further advice please read our installation instructions on the product page.
It is recommended you leave at least an 8mm expansion gap around the laminate floor during installation. You can cover this gap with high-quality scotia beading or skirting boards.
No. Laminate flooring is never recommended in the bathroom as high levels of moisture can cause significant damage over time. We do have Aquastep that is a perfect choice for bathrooms.
Yes. We offer a range of laminate flooring samples which can be directly ordered on our website. They are typically posted the same working day depending upon what time you order. We also use Royal Mail next day service to ensure next day delivery.
Whilst most laminate floors are water resistant this does not mean waterproof, it isn’t designed to withstand high levels of moisture. Water may seep down into the spaces between the boards and over time can cause it to warp and swell. We do stock the waterproof Aquastep range of flooring that can be fitted in bathrooms and other high moisture areas.
It is a common misconception that laminate floors will be cold underfoot. They actually tend to soak up the ambient heat of the room, making them warm to touch. This makes laminate a much warmer choice than natural stone or ceramic floors.
At Factory Direct Flooring we have a wide range of laminate floors available. However, before you buy we encourage you to read through the most commonly asked questions below. Can you install this type of floor in a bathroom? Will it be suitable for use with underfloor heating? These are just two key questions you need to know the answer to before deciding whether this is the best choice for your home.
Please browse out range of high quality, yet cheap laminate floor. If you are unsure which is the best laminate flooring for you, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 03301000015. Or please order a free sample of wood laminate flooring to test in your home. We also have a Laminate Floor Advice Centre should you need any more help.
