Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a practical and affordable choice for busy homes. Endlessly stylish, quick to install, and easy to clean, there's a reason everyone loves this versatile flooring. Laminate flooring is made from a wood fibre core with a photographic layer that looks like real wood, stone or tile. A protective top coat resists scratches, and modern click-together planks make fitting simple as a DIY project.
You'll find rustic oak designs with a natural finish, water-resistant boards for busy kitchens and everything in between. There's a huge variety of colours, textures and price points, so you'll find something for every room and budget. It's ideal for families who want the look of wood without the cost and upkeep.
Why choose laminate flooring?
Smart click-together systems let you install laminate flooring as a simple DIY project. You can lay it straight over underlay as a floating floor, without glue, which saves time and mess. Learn more in our DIY guide to installing laminate flooring.
Laminate is hard-wearing and a great choice for high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms. For wetter zones like kitchens or bathrooms, browse our water resistant laminate flooring range.
We stock top brands like Quick-Step, Berry Alloc, Verdanti and New Forest. Each brand delivers consistently high quality and generous warranties that our customers love.
Our huge range of laminate flooring includes rustic oak planks, smooth contemporary finishes and herringbone patterns that suit traditional and modern interiors. Compare designs to find your perfect flooring.
Laminate handles scratches, stains and fading well. AC ratings tell you how tough the wear layer is, and board thickness can make a difference to how the flooring feels underfoot. Most laminate works well with underfloor heating - just make sure to check the specifications and choose the right underlay.
It's easy to clean laminate flooring, and regular sweeping and damp mopping are all you need to keep it looking new. Just make sure not to soak the surface. For suitable cleaning solutions, browse our floor cleaning products range.
"Laminate remains one of the most reliable ways to bring a natural wood effect into every room. It's practical to fit, long-lasting, and there's something for every budget."
Paul Humphries
Managing Director, Best4Flooring
Laminate Flooring FAQs
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a layered board made from compressed wood fibres with a printed layer that imitates natural wood or stone. A core layer gives stability, and a backing layer prevents moisture getting in. A protective resin coating sits on top for durability and scratch resistance. The laminate boards then fit together as floating panels over underlay to create a rigid surface.
Is laminate flooring waterproof?
No, standard laminate flooring isn't fully waterproof and may warp when exposed to moisture over time. However, modern waterproof laminate flooring is specially designed to resist spills and humidity. See our Berry Alloc Ocean range for beautiful flooring perfect for kitchens, utilities, and bathrooms.
Is laminate flooring good for pets?
Yes, many people are surprised to learn that laminate flooring is pet-friendly. Durable, easy to clean and resistant to scratches, laminate is a top pick for your furry friend.
How do you clean laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is very low-maintenance and easy to keep clean. Regular sweeping and damp mopping are all you need - simple! Just make sure to keep the beater bar off your vacuum cleaner and avoid abrasive chemicals, which may damage the surface. If you're using a robot vacuum/mop, make sure to select a low-water setting. For more advice, see our guide to cleaning your laminate flooring.
Which is better, vinyl or laminate?
Both vinyl and laminate are super popular, and each has its pros and cons. Laminate planks tend to be more affordable, and can sometimes have a more realistic wood flooring texture than some vinyl. Vinyl is fully waterproof, so it can work better in wet areas (unless you're choosing a waterproof laminate), and tends to feel softer underfoot. To help you decide, see our guide to laminate vs LVT flooring.
Is it cheaper to install laminate flooring yourself?
Yes, in general it is cheaper to lay laminate flooring yourself. Just make sure to measure carefully to reduce waste, and take your time when fitting to avoid damaging planks. Don't forget about underlay, and remember to acclimate your flooring first. See our full guide to DIY installing laminate flooring for all the info you need.
What's better, AC4 or AC5?
The abrasion class, AC, is the wear rating for laminate flooring. For standard residential homes, AC3 tends to be sufficient, but AC4 works well for rental properties or busy homes. For commercial spaces, AC 4 and AC5 are common. See our advice centre to see why laminate is ideal for high-traffic areas.
What styles of laminate are available?
Laminate gives you the timeless elegance of real wood flooring at a much cheaper price point. At Best4Flooring, you'll find an extensive range of colours and designs to match any space. From rustic oak, to sleek herringbone and even modern stone, we have laminate options to suit every home.
Check out our guide on how to match laminate to your existing decor for more inspiration.
Why does my laminate flooring feel bouncy?
Most problems with laminate can be traced back to subfloor or moisture issues, or common mistakes in installation. Read our full guide to understanding laminate flooring issues or get in touch with our friendly team for more advice.
How much does laminate flooring cost?
Laminate flooring offers amazing value for money, and can cost less than £14.99 per square metre. For more premium, long-wearing flooring with additional benefits like water-resistance, you can expect to pay £34.99+ per square metre.
How much laminate flooring do I need?
To calculate how much flooring you'll need, you'll firstly need to work out the size of your room. For complex areas, break it down into different sections. See each product page for pack coverage, and make sure to add 10-15% for wastage. To help work it all out, you'll find a handy room size calculator on all of our product pages. See our full guide to DIY installing laminate flooring for more advice.
How do you install laminate flooring?
Fitting laminate flooring uses a click-lock method over underlay. Laminate planks click together along the length, leaving a small expansion gap around walls. Remember to acclimate your laminate flooring first, keep joints staggered and avoid fitting too tightly so the planks can expand. See our full guide to DIY installing laminate flooring for all the info you need.
What underlay should I use for laminate flooring?
The right underlay can make all the difference to how your new laminate flooring feels and performs. Your choice will depend on your subfloor, type of flooring, and whether you're installing over underfloor heating. Shop laminate flooring underlay now or see our advice centre to learn about the best underlay for laminate flooring.
Is it cheaper to lay carpet or laminate?
Carpet tends to cost less per square metre but can be trickier to install as a DIY project. With its click installation system, you could probably install laminate flooring yourself over a weekend, depending on the size and complexity of your room. You can often find cheap laminate flooring in our clearance section.
What is better, 8mm or 12mm laminate?
8mm planks suit lower-traffic rooms and tend to be cheaper, whereas 12mm planks feel more solid, are quieter and last longer in high-traffic areas. See our advice centre to learn what thickness of laminate flooring you need.
Can you paint laminate flooring?
Yes, technically, but it is unlikely to last long. The wear layer resists adhesion, so you'll need to sand and prime each board before painting. You may find the effort and cost involved mean it's simpler to replace boards or cover sections with rugs. For more ideas, see our laminate flooring colour guide.
What is the downside to laminate flooring?
Standard laminate flooring doesn't tolerate moisture well, which is the main drawback. Water left on the surface can cause swelling or edge lifting. Use water-resistant or waterproof laminate in areas prone to spills like bathrooms and kitchens, or browse our waterproof vinyl flooring range for full protection in wet zones.