Hard-wearing laminate flooring in wood and tile-effect designs, and the most affordable way to get the look of a timber floor. A printed decor layer over a high-density core, sealed with an overlay that resists scratching better than real wood.
Modern laminate is a long way from the flat, obviously artificial product of twenty years ago. Embossed textures follow the printed grain so the surface has depth you can feel, and bevelled edges define each board rather than leaving a continuous sheet.
Available in plank, herringbone and chevron layouts, from pale naturals through to greys and darker browns. Free A5 samples on every floor, delivered next-day.
Laminate is built in layers. A high-density fibreboard core provides the structure, a printed decor layer carries the wood or tile design, and a transparent overlay on top takes the wear. Because the design is printed rather than natural, colour is consistent from board to board and the surface is harder than timber.
That overlay is what makes laminate so resilient. It resists scratching, scuffing and fading better than a real wood floor, which is why laminate remains the practical choice for homes with children, pets, or simply a lot of traffic.
Where laminate works
Laminate suits living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and hallways, and most of the range is rated for underfloor heating. It is also a strong option in kitchens, where its scratch resistance earns its keep.
Not for bathrooms
The core is fibreboard, so standing water will damage it over time. For bathrooms, utility rooms and anywhere that gets genuinely wet, choose LVT or SPC vinyl instead, which is fully waterproof.
How laminate compares
Laminate
LVT / SPC
Engineered oak
Scratch resistance
Very high
High
Moderate
Waterproof
No
Yes
No
Real wood surface
No
No
Yes
Can be sanded
No
No
Yes
DIY friendly
Yes
Yes
Sometimes
Designs and patterns
Plank
The traditional layout and the bulk of the range. Wide planks suit larger rooms and show more of the printed grain; narrower boards work better in smaller spaces.
Herringbone and chevron
Patterned laminate gives you the look of herringbone or chevron parquet at a fraction of the cost of timber. Allow 15% for cuts rather than the usual 10%, as the angled cuts waste more.
Tile effect
Stone, marble and terrazzo designs for a hard-floor look in rooms where the real thing would be cold underfoot and considerably more expensive.
Fitting laminate
Laminate uses a click system, so boards lock together without adhesive and the floor floats over the subfloor. It is the most DIY-friendly floor we sell, and a competent home fitter can usually lay a room in a day.
The subfloor still needs to be clean, dry and level, and the packs need to acclimatise in the room before laying. Leave an expansion gap around the perimeter so the floor can move. Our fitting guides cover all of it.
How much will you need?
Laminate is sold by the pack, and each range covers a different area. The flooring calculator on every product page works out how many packs your room takes, including the right allowance for cuts.
You will also need underlay, unless it is already attached to the boards, plus beading for the perimeter and threshold profiles at doorways.
Laminate flooring: frequently asked questions
Is laminate flooring waterproof?
No. The core is fibreboard, so standing water will cause damage over time. Wipe spills promptly, and choose LVT or SPC vinyl for bathrooms and utility rooms.
Can laminate be used with underfloor heating?
Most of our range can. Suitability is stated in the specification on every product page. Follow the manufacturer's temperature limit and bring the heating up gradually after fitting.
Can laminate flooring be sanded or refinished?
No. The decor layer is printed, so sanding would remove it. Damaged boards can usually be replaced individually, which is why it is worth keeping any spares from your order.
How long does laminate flooring last?
With reasonable care, many years. It cannot be refinished like wood, but the surface resists damage far better day to day. Grit is what wears the overlay down, so a doormat at every external door makes a real difference.
Does laminate look cheap?
Not any more. Embossed textures and bevelled edges have changed the product considerably. Order a free sample and judge it in your own light before deciding.
Can I fit laminate myself?
Yes. Click systems are designed for it and laminate is the most forgiving floor we sell to lay. Subfloor preparation and acclimatisation matter more than the laying itself.
Do I need underlay with laminate?
Usually yes, unless it is pre-attached to the boards. Underlay evens out small imperfections, improves comfort and reduces sound. Check the product page before ordering.
