If you are in need of hard-wearing flooring that is easy to maintain, then a laminate floor is the ideal flooring solution for you. A long-lasting option that is great for family homes, here at Flooring Direct we have a huge selection to choose from. We offer both wood and tile effect laminate flooring in a range of stylish designs and colours ranging from light and dark and a mixture of Greys and Whites. Here's a selection of content you need to know about the laminate floor.
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 flooring 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, quality laminate flooring is affordable and easy to replace.
Where Should I Lay Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring 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 to 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, laminate tile flooring might be 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 flooring and the sub-floor of the house. This is recommended when installing laminate 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 Flooring
Installing laminate flooring is very easy to do yourself. All you will need is your pack of laminate flooring, 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 side of the sheet 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 flooring 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 laminate 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 laminate flooring here: How to Install Laminate Floors
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 floor 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.
