Laminate Flooring

Laminate is a HDF core topped with a photo-realistic decor layer and a hard-wearing wear layer. It's the best value-per-square-metre flooring on the market: fitted correctly, an AC4/AC5 laminate looks smart, resists dents from stilettos and pet claws, and lasts 15–20 years in a domestic setting. Modern water-resistant ranges (labelled 'aqua' or 'hydro') now handle kitchens and downstairs WCs comfortably, closing the historic gap with LVT.

Pros

• +The best £/m² of any real-looking wood-effect floor
• +AC4/AC5 wear layers shrug off pets, chairs and heels
• +DIY-friendly click system — a competent DIYer can lay 20 m² in a day
• +Huge choice of decors, from rustic oak to concrete effect
• +Fully recyclable HDF core

Trade-offs

• −Standard laminate swells if water sits on a joint — mop up spills fast
• −Louder underfoot than LVT unless paired with acoustic underlay
• −Cannot be sanded or refinished; damaged planks are replaced not repaired
• −Cheap sub-AC3 ranges wear through in 3–5 years — avoid

FAQs

• Is laminate waterproof?

  Standard laminate is not. Water-resistant / 'aqua' ranges tolerate splashes and standing water for 24–72 hours; check the specific product's warranty. For genuinely wet rooms choose LVT or SPC.

• Can I lay laminate over underfloor heating?

  Yes, provided the underfloor heating stays below 27°C at the plank surface. Use a UFH-rated underlay and let the system come up to temperature gradually over 5–7 days after install.

• How long does laminate last?

  A quality AC4 range in a domestic setting lasts 15–20 years. Commercial AC5 in a busy retail setting lasts 5–10 years.

• Do I need underlay?

  Yes, unless the boards have a pre-attached foam backing. Underlay evens out minor subfloor variation, softens footfall sound, and adds a small thermal barrier.

• Can laminate be repaired?

  Small scratches disappear with a matching repair pen. Chipped or swollen planks must be replaced — which is why we recommend ordering an extra pack (10%) for spares.