Laminate Wood Flooring FAQ's
What Is Laminte Wood Flooring?
Laminate wood flooring a composite flooring made up of a sub layer (usually high density fibreboard; HDF), with a photo layer (providing the overall finish effect) and a protective, clear top layer. Thanks to it's construction, it's highly durable, long lasting and aesthetic, whilst also being incredibly good value for money.
Our customers choose laminate when they're looking for a low maintenance floor that mimics real wood, without breaking the bank.
Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof?
Whilst not all laminte flooring is waterproof, some brands and types are. We recommend checking the individual product and manufacturer spec before purchasing. Alternatively, feel free to call our team on 0333 022 0175 for impartial help and advice.
Is Laminate Wood Flooring Suitable For Kitchens?
Yes! Laminate wood flooring, if properly looked after is incredibly hard wearing and will withstand the pressures of any kitchen, not to mention looking great!
If you're laying laminate flooring in a kitchen, we recommend clearing up any spillages as soon as possible, as well as cleaning your floor weekly to prevent the risk of any long term damage. If well maintained, your kitchen floor will look and feel great for years to come!
Is Laminate Wood Flooring Suitable For Bathrooms?
Unless specfically purchasing a water resistant product we don't recmmend using laminate flooring in bathrooms. Whilst it can withstand normal spillages, laminate isn't entirely waterproof, meaning it could be susceptible to long term damage in high water areas such as bathrooms.
If you're unsure of the suitability of a particular floor, feel free to contact our team for more help and advice.
How Do I Keep My Laminate Wood Flooring In Top Condition?
Laminate wood flooring is highly durable and will withstand the pressures of any busy household. That said, there are a few things you can do to keep your flooring in peak condition and looking as good as when it’s first laid:
- A daily sweep or clean with a damp mop
- Mopping up spillages as soon as possible to avoid staining
Does Lamiante Wood Flooring Need Underlay?
Laminate flooring is laid using a 'floating floor' method, meaning it sits on top of a subfloor without adhesive which means it's generally easier to fit, when compared to solid wood flooring, for example (which needs gluing down).
That said, the quality of finish of your laminate floor will depend heavily upon the quality of your subfloor, which is why we recommend using underlay.
Underlay can help level your floor, evening out any lumps or bumps, whilst also improving insulation and reducing noise.
Is Laminate Wood Flooring Suitable For Underfloor Heating?
Although laminate flooring can generally withstand temperatures up to 27 degrees before undergoing any sort of changes, which means it could (tecnically) be used with underfloor heating, we don't recommend it.
Changes in temperature long term could create issues and major damage to your floor, which is why we recommend checkng with individual manufacturers before using laminate wood flooring with underfloor heating.
Can Laminate Wood Flooring Be Installed Over Ceramic Tile?
Yes, it can be installed over ceramic tile and other flat floors using a ‘floating floor’ installation method. However, you need to ensure that the tile is level and in good condition before installing your new floor. If the tile is damaged or uneven it could cause problems such as creaking, hollowness and uneven planks.
Does Laminate Wood Flooring Scratch Easily?
Whilst laminate wood flooring can be susceptible to scratches, it will withstand the usual pressures of daily use, even in busy family households. Thanks to the clear protective layer, laminate flooring is generally considered one of the more hard wearing flooring types on the market.
Can Laminate Wood Floors Be Sanded And Refinished?
No. Unlike engineered wood flooring and solid wood, which both have a real wood top layer (at least), laminte flooring has an ultra-realistic photo layer. Whilst this gives the appearance of wood flooring, it's a thin layer of paper which can't be sanded, as it would show the sub layer of HDF.
If you scratch or damage your laminate flooring, there are fillers and wood-specific treatments you can use that will help.
Is Laminate Wood Flooring Hard Wearing?
Laminate wood flooring is generally considered one of the more hard wearing wood floors on the market, making it ideal for most heavy traffic rooms, including living rooms and hallways.
With flooring to suit all budgets, it's a good choice for busy family homes.
How Long Does Laminate Wood Flooring Last?
If laid and maintained correctly your laminate wood flooring will last for many years, no matter how busy your household.
Generally, thicker flooring will last longer if your budget can stretch.
Does Laminate Wood Need To Acclimate?
Whilst solid wood and engineered wood flooring needs acclimating before they can be laid, as they're susceptible to changes in climate and temperature, laminate flooring is ready to be laid right out of the box.
Thanks to its construction, the High Density Fibreboard (HDF) can withstand general changes in climate, which means it's ok to be laid immediately after purchase.
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