LAMINATE

Laminate flooring is easy to love due to its low maintenance and durability. It is the perfect choice for families who want a low-maintenance yet stylish and practical flooring option.

It is an excellent and affordable alternative to timber flooring, featuring ultra-realistic designs and textures that mimic expensive timber species.

It is highly versatile, with a wide range of finishes, looks, thicknesses, plank styles, and dimensions to choose from, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a variety of options.

At Carpet One, we offer a vast selection of laminate flooring, so we are confident you will find the perfect one you’ll love!

Laminate flooring is a versatile, durable, and cost-effective flooring option. It is made from several layers of materials.

Top Layer: This hard-wearing transparent protective coating (often aluminium oxide) resists scratches, stains, and UV damage.

Decorative Layer: This layer features a high-resolution image that creates the appearance of wood.

Core Layer: The core is made of high-density fiberboard (HDF), providing stability and strength.

Backing Layer: This layer provides additional strength, stability and moisture protection.

Benefits of Laminate Flooring

Here are the top reasons why laminate flooring is a popular choice among homeowners.

Easy to Clean, Easy to Love

Laminate flooring is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a flooring option that can keep up with your busy lifestyle. It requires minimal maintenance and is incredibly easy to clean. Just give it a regular sweep and an occasional damp mop.

Durable

Whether it’s the pitter-patter of little feet or the playful antics of pets, laminate flooring can handle it all.

With proper care and maintenance, high-quality laminate flooring can last up to 25 years. The wear layer makes it tough and scratch-resistant.

Carpet One’s range of laminate flooring from Quick Step has a Scratch Guard top layer, which makes it up to 10 times more scratch-resistant than other laminates.

Water Resistant

Spills and messes? Worry not. Most laminate flooring products are water-resistant, making them a perfect option for homes with kids and pets. Please check with your supplier before purchasing.

At your local Carpet One store, we are experts in laminate flooring installation. Our professional team has years of industry experience and can provide valuable insights and advice. Whether you choose to hire us for installation or decide to go the DIY route, we are always here to help you make the best decision for your home.

Realistic Look and Feel

Thanks to advancements in printing technology, laminate flooring can now mimic an array of wood species, patterns, textures, and finishes.

Versatile

Laminate flooring is available in diverse colours, patterns, textures, and finishes, ensuring you can find the right look to fit your personal taste and home decor.

Whether you’re aiming for a modern minimalist look, a rustic country feel, or a classic traditional aesthetic, laminate flooring has options to suit your taste.

Affordability

Laminate flooring is significantly less expensive than timber, making it accessible for budget-conscious renovators.

Easy to Install

The click-and-lock design of laminate flooring allows for straightforward installations.

How to Clean and Maintain Laminate Flooring

Here are some care tips for laminate flooring.

  • Sweep and vacuum regularly.
  • Place outside mats to prevent tracking dirt onto your floors.
  • Wipe up spills immediately.
  • Damp mop the floor occasionally. Do not use a steam mop when cleaning.
  • Use only manufacturer-approved cleaning products. Never use abrasive cleaners.
  • Consider area rugs in high-traffic zones to minimise wear. Do not use rugs with solid rubber or vinyl backings.
  • Attach felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching.
  • When moving heavy furniture, lift rather than drag to avoid scuffing the floor.

Tips for Choosing Laminate Flooring

  • Look for thicker laminate flooring with a durable wear layer. They can withstand foot traffic and resist scratches and dents better.
  • Choose water-resistant laminate flooring, especially for areas prone to spills.
  • Consider your home style when choosing the colour, texture, and finish of your laminate floor. For instance, sleek finishes complement the modern vibe, while textured finishes work well with a farmhouse/rustic look. Light-coloured flooring is best for coastal while darker ones bring a more traditional touch.
  • Balance price with quality. Laminate flooring prices vary depending on thickness, wear layer, water resistance and other features. It is best to choose higher-quality laminate flooring. It may cost more upfront, but you will save more in the long run.

Installation Tips

Here are some tips to ensure a smooth installation process:

  1. Acclimate your flooring by leaving it in the room where it will be installed for at least 48 hours before starting.
  2. Ensure your subfloor is clean, level, and dry to prevent problems in the long run.
  3. Use the recommended underlay to provide a sound barrier and moisture protection.
  4. Alternate the seams when laying out planks for a more natural look and to improve structural integrity.
  5. Use spacers around the room’s perimeter to allow for expansion due to temperature changes.
  6. Cut planks carefully to fit around corners or obstacles using the appropriate tools.
  7. Follow additional instructions when installing over floor heating systems.
  8. For finishing touches, use matching trim pieces like quarter rounds or baseboards to cover expansion gaps and enhance the overall look.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laminate Flooring

Can I use laminate in high-traffic areas?

Absolutely! Laminate flooring’s durability makes it perfect for busy spaces.

Is laminate flooring noisy?

When properly installed, laminate flooring should produce little impact sound. Squeaky laminate flooring is often a result of improper installation, such as uneven floors, wrong underlay, and insufficient expansion gaps around the perimeter.

Is laminate flooring waterproof?

Most laminate flooring is water-resistant, meaning it can repel water for a limited time. Some may have a waterproof surface, but the core itself is not fully waterproof.

Is it OK to install laminate flooring in kitchens?

Some types of laminate flooring can be used in kitchens. Look for ones with a waterproof surface, like the Quick Step Impressive Ultra range sold at your local Carpet One store. Install properly with proper membrane and seal the perimeter to ensure waterproof finishing.

How does laminate flooring differ from hybrid flooring?

Both laminate and hybrid flooring are rigid, mimic timber flooring, and are installed using a click-lock mechanism.

They are composed of four layers: a wear layer, a decorative layer, a core, and a backing. The main difference lies in the core material. The laminate’s core is made of high-density wood fibre board, while the hybrid’s core is composed of stone and plastic composite material.

Is thicker laminate flooring better?

Laminate flooring comes in a variety of thicknesses. Generally, thicker ones are more durable. They also allow for more intricate designs, including realistic grains and texture. They are also better for acoustics, reducing echo and noise.

Can laminate flooring be used in commercial settings?

Some types of laminate flooring, like the Quick Step Impressive Ultra range, are suitable for commercial use. Most laminate flooring is for residential and light commercial use.

Is laminate flooring DIY-friendly?

Thanks to its click-lock system, laminate flooring is relatively easy to install. However, you should diligently follow proper installation procedures to avoid potential issues. Carpet One recommends professional installation for best results.

Can laminate flooring be installed over existing flooring?

It is possible to install laminate flooring over clean, level, and dry existing hard flooring. However, checking with the manufacturer first is essential, as some brands may void your warranty.

If you’re considering using Quick-Step laminate flooring, you’ll be pleased to know that this brand allows you to install its products over existing hard flooring as long as you meet the specified conditions.

Is laminate flooring compatible with floor heating?

Yes, laminate flooring is generally compatible with floor heating systems. However, keep in mind the temperature limits allowed for the particular flooring.

Most can be used with underfloor heating up to a maximum temperature of 27 °C. When installing overfloor heating systems, follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

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