Laminate Flooring

Laminate Flooring is a manufactured wood which is finished with a real wood or stone effect.

Laminate Flooring is manufactured in layers. The bottom layer is designed to resist moisture from the ground beneath that could cause the boards to warp or rise. Above this is a high-density fiberboard, which adds to the moisture barrier and increases the floorings durability.

The next layer has a high-resolution image is applied to it to give the appearance of real wood or stone. Some laminates also have a texture added to it to enhance the look and make it more natural. The top layer is the wear layer, this clear coat protects the design from fading, scratches and everyday wear and tear.

One of the key benefits of laminate is their click system, this makes them easier and quicker to install.

Laminate is durable and hard wearing and is less likely to dent and scratch than solid wood flooring. This alongside its easy to clean surface makes it an ideal choice for busy households. A lot of people choose laminate due to it being a cost-effective alternative to wood flooring as it is a lot cheaper to purchase and install.

As the manufacturing process of laminate has developed and due to the use of state-of-the-art machinery, laminate looks more and more like real wood and stone - it can be difficult to distinguish between it and a real wood floor.

The materials used to construct laminate do not absorb dirt which makes it very hygienic and good for dust allergy sufferers.

Laminate flooring can be a beginner friendly project and the installation can be done on a DIY basis. You don’t need any special technique or skills to fit it on your floor, just access to basic tools such as a handsaw, tape measure and a Stanley knife. A typical DIY laminate flooring install in a regular sized room can take a day or two.

The majority of laminate flooring installs use a click style locking system, so no glues are required. These are known as “floating floors” because the planks are not attached the surface beneath.