Choosing Laminate Flooring for your Home Improvement project

What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a flooring choice that consists of several layers including a decorative surface, engineered backing board and an underlay. At the heart of the laminate floor are two core components - these are made from melamine resin or high-density fibreboard (HDF).
 
With the many choices in flooring, you can at your local home improvement store, laminate flooring is becoming very popular because of its durability and ease of cleaning. Laminate flooring has become a great way to update an existing room or to completely remodel the look of any area of your house.
 
How do I choose laminate flooring for my project?
If you are looking to purchase laminate flooring for your home, there are several different aspects that need to be taken into consideration before making a final decision. Understanding these factors will help you to choose the best type of flooring for your room or area of the house.
 
Here are some things to look for when choosing laminate flooring. First and foremost, you will need to decide on the type of door and floor trim your room or area will have. This is important because different types of trims require different types of laminate floors. Although most common floor trims can adapt to most laminate floors, it is best to check with the manufacturer before making a purchase.
 
What is the recommended thickness for laminate flooring?
The thickness of the laminate flooring should suit your taste and the room you want to install it in. Thicker floors can stand heavy traffic while thinner ones are fine for rooms that don't see too much traffic. The average thickness of a good quality laminate floor is around 3mm which can be used both indoors and outdoors.
 
Laminate flooring comes in different designs and styles. It is important to choose a design that enhances the look of your room. Most home improvement stores have an extensive collection of laminate floors that will surely fit your taste and budget.
 
Is thicker laminate flooring better?
This is a common misconception. Thicker laminate floors don't necessarily mean that they are of much better quality than thin ones. Thinner ones can be just as good for normal household use.
 
What happens if I install low or high-grade laminate flooring?
You will lose your money buying low-grade laminate flooring. It can easily discolour when exposed to water which makes it look dull and unattractive. There're also chances that the laminate flooring will break in case you put heavy objects on top of it. Over the longer term, low-grade laminate wood floors tend to chip and fray.
 
On the other hand, high-quality laminate flooring will last you a lifetime.
 
Does the level of thickness of laminate make a difference? How is thickness measured?
The actual thickness of the laminate flooring varies depending on what manufacturer you buy from. On average, 4mm-thick products are considered good enough for normal household use. Thicker ones can actually be just as good for normal household use. However, some consumers believe that thicker products are more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
 
Which is better 8mm or 12mm laminate?
8mm laminate has roughly the same thickness as 12mm hardwood. The difference is that 8mm will last twice as long.
 
How many-layer construction does laminate have?
Laminate flooring materials are generally constructed of three layers, including a wear layer, an HDF (high-density fibreboard) backing, and a decorative layer. The wear layer can be made from a wide variety of materials, usually the most durable and resistant type available at that time. Some examples are hardwood, softwood, cork or rubber composite.
 
Is laminate flooring waterproof?
Yes, laminate flooring is waterproof. It's a common misconception that laminates are not water-resistant and might warp if they get wet. Laminates are made from HDF materials that have great moisture resistance - they can take extreme temperatures for extended periods of time without warping or changing shape.
 
Should I use underlayment with laminate flooring?
Underlayment is integrated with the surface of the product and installation doesn't require additional underlayment.
 
Should floors be darker or lighter than walls?
Darker or lighter? It really depends on your preference. Dark floors can make a room appear larger and brighter while light floors add warmth to a room.
Choosing laminate flooring can be difficult, but by asking yourself questions like these you'll have a better understanding of what kind of look you want for your home improvement project.
 
Which laminate brand is the best in the UK?
Deciding which laminate brand is the best in the UK depends on what you're looking for, but one of the most popular brands is MFL. They have a wide range of designs and colours to choose from, providing you with options that meet your specific needs. You can find some gems in their Clearance section with huge savings on discontinued lines.
 
Does laminate flooring have to match from room to room?
No, you don't. If you want to be able to change your mind in the future then laminate is a good option for you. It's possible to buy different designs and materials for different areas of your home without worrying about damaging the floors if they're made out of another material or design. Many people choose to use laminate flooring for their bedrooms and lounge rooms as it can be cheap and easy to install, then use another type of flooring in the rest of the house.
 
What style of laminate flooring fits best with my home?
There are many different styles of laminate flooring available to help give your home that personalised touch. Whether you're looking for simple elegance or something more modern, there's a design that will fit in with the rest of your decor. If you're looking for timeless elegance, we recommend choosing a laser-cut design. These designs replicate the look of real wood and they never go out of fashion.
 
Alternatively, if you want to add a little pizazz to your room that won't date over time, opt for embossed patterns such as our Victorian retreat. These patterns are made up of thousands of tiny embossed hexagonal shapes that create an eye-catching design for your room.