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Need help deciding what flooring to have installed? Discover why laminate flooring is a popular choice for homes and how to find a great local floor fitter to install it.
Contents
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is synthetic and made up of multiple layers.
The top layer is a wear layer that is a durable, thin, transparent plastic sheet. Underneath this is an image layer replicating wood or stone added to a wood-chip composite base.
The third layer is a high-density fibreboard (HDF) or a plywood core that provides strength and stability and finally, the final fourth layer at the bottom is a thin layer of underlayment.
What are the benefits of laminate flooring?
There are several benefits of having laminate flooring installed rather than other types of flooring, such as solid wood flooring:
- Good value
- Easy to maintain / clean
- Long-lasting / durable
- Available in an array of different colours and styles
- Scratch resistant
- Suitable for all rooms
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What process will a laminate floor fitter follow?
Choosing your laminate flooring
The type of laminate flooring you choose depends on the room where you want to install it. Your flooring specialist can help you with this, but here are some pointers to look out for:
- AC rating: The AC rating is the wear rating given to laminate flooring. It measures the resistance to abrasion and impact and the durability of the laminate. The higher the AC rating, the harder wearing it is.
- Waterproof or water-resistant: If you’re installing laminate flooring in a kitchen or bathroom, it’s advisable to choose waterproof or water-resistant laminate flooring.
- Thickness: Laminate flooring usually comes in a thickness of 5-12mm. A thicker board absorbs sound better and provides better impact resistance.
- Check the product: Check the laminate is made of high-density fibreboard (HDF) not medium- density fibreboard (MDF).
- Length of guarantee: The more extended the warranty the manufacturer gives, usually the better quality the product.
If you have a particular style in mind for your laminate flooring, you’re in luck! Nowadays, there are numerous styles and colours to choose from that can look like real wood or stone, such as:
- Oak effect
- Walnut
- Hickory and chestnut
- Exotic wood
- Ceramic tile
- Stone tile
- Marble and granite
- Slate effect
Measure the room
Laminate flooring installers will measure the room to ensure you, or they order enough laminate and to give you a quote for fitting.
The shape and size of the room will determine how long the job will take and how much it will cost.
For instance, if your room is L-shaped or has alcoves or a chimney breast, it will take longer than if you have just a standard-sized square room.
Prepare the subfloor
A smooth and level subfloor is crucial for proper laminate flooring installation. Uneven surfaces can lead to bending and hence significantly decrease the lifespan of your laminate floor.
In typical households with floorboards, it’s essential to verify that the boards are securely screwed down without any protruding nails. If the floorboards show signs of wear or damage, replacing them may be necessary.
On the other hand, concrete floors can present challenges with their cold, uneven, and rough nature. Achieving a seamless and even finish may require the installation of new concrete through a process known as screeding.
Removing skirting boards
The floor fitter may need or want to remove existing skirting boards depending on the subfloor and if you have a thicker underlay. Or they could cut under the skirting boards.
Fit the underlay
Before installing the laminate flooring, underlay goes on top of the subfloor. Underlay provides many benefits, such as:
- Improving insulation
- Underfoot comfort
- Sound absorption
- Protection of the laminate
Again, the type of underlay you have will depend on which room you have the laminate flooring.
A room that risks getting damp will need a damp-proof membrane layer, which is often built into some foil foam underlays.
Laying the laminate flooring
Before installing the laminate flooring, it is advisable to leave it in the room for 48 hours as it can expand and contract with the room’s temperature.
As laminate flooring has a click-and-lock or tongue-and-groove system, it is quick to install, especially by a professional laminate installer. A standard-size room with no complex designs can take 3-4 hours to install.
Discuss with the floor fitter which way you want the laminate floorboards installed. Following the natural light and laying the planks parallel to the room’s longest wall is recommended.
Replacing skirting boards
If the laminate floor fitter removed your skirting boards, they will need to be refitted or replaced.
Scotia or beading
The floor fitter might then need to install beading, also known as scotia. This decorative profile is installed over the gap between the flooring and the skirting board or wall to provide a neat and finished appearance.
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Laminate flooring FAQ
How long does it take to install laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring installation in a standard size room with no complex designs should take a professional around 3-4 hours.
How long before you can walk on it?
Most laminate flooring products are floated on top of the subfloor and are installed using a click lock system, so you can usually walk on laminate flooring straight after installation.
However it is advisable to check the manufacturer’s guidelines and also consult with your floor fitter to ensure that you adhere to the recommended waiting period.
Can you have laminate flooring on the stairs?
Yes it is possible for a floor fitter to install laminate flooring on stairs as long as the stairs aren’t rounded.
Installing laminate on stairs is a much more labour intensive job as the fitter will need to cut the laminate into three pieces per step – the tread piece (the top of the step), riser piece (the front piece) and stair nosing (the corner piece which will create an overhang).
Can you lay laminate over tiles?
As long as your tiles are in good condition, stable and level, then you can lay laminate over tiles. Just install a layer of underlay over the tiles for insulation and acoustics purposes.
How to clean laminate flooring?
Laminate is easy to clean; you can use a mop with floor cleaner but make sure that the mop isn’t sopping wet as you don’t want the water to soak into the layers, which can cause the laminate to warp.
I’m ready to find a floor fitter near me, what next?
We hope you found the above information helpful and now understand the process of laminate floor fitting better, as well as some of the options available to you.
If you’re now thinking ‘I need a laminate floor fitter near me’, then just post a job to compare quotes from local laminate floor fitters.
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