Up To £11m² Budget Laminate Flooring

Surprisingly, installing a laminate floor isn’t as difficult as you might think, and with the right planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and straightforward process.

1. Prepare the subfloor – remove any existing flooring and thoroughly clean the subfloor, making sure there isn’t any leftover debris like nails. 
2. Install the underlay – lay down underlay to improve comfort underfoot, moisture protection, and sound reduction. Read our guide on underlay for a better understanding. 
3. Plan and measure the layout – carefully measure the dimensions of the room to determine the number of planks you’ll need. Use our measuring guide to help you out. 
4. Install the laminate planks – click the laminate boards together row by row, staggering joints for a natural finish. 
5. Add finishing touches – remove spacers and install skirting, laminate flooring, door bars, and beading to finish edges. Trim doors if needed, clean debris gently, avoid wet mopping for 24 hours, and protect your floor with furniture pads and regular care.

Read our full guide on installing laminate for a step-by-step walkthrough.

To keep laminate flooring looking its best, use soft cleaning tools like microfibre mops, dry dusting cloths, or vacuums with hard floor settings to avoid scratches. Clean spills immediately with a dry cloth and use a damp mop for routine cleaning; never soak the floor or use steam mops, as excess moisture can cause damage. For tough stains, gently rub with a small amount of acetone-based nail polish remover on a cloth, then wipe clean. Regularly dry the floor after cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals to maintain your laminate’s finish and durability.

We have more in-depth guides on cleaning dirty laminate floors and tips for caring for your floor on a regular basis.

One of the reasons homeowners love laminate so much is for its durability. Not only do they look fantastic, available in styles that mimic real materials like wood and stone, but they’re sturdy, too. How long they’ll last will ultimately depend on how often the floor is used, how intense the footfall is, and how well you take care of it. In general, laminate flooring can last you anywhere between 15 and 25 years and beyond.

To extend the life of your flooring as much as possible, we recommend: 

• Using the right cleaning tools to avoid damaging the surface. For example, opt for soft microfiber mops and vacuums with hard floor settings so you don’t scratch the surface while cleaning. 
• Avoid excess moisture, or your planks could warp, swell, or even delaminate. 
• Use furniture pads and rugs so your furniture doesn’t leave dents, scratches, or scuffs. 
• Protect from harsh sunlight to avoid fading over time. 
• Address spills immediately by soaking or blotting with a dry cloth. Gently clean the area with a damp cloth or laminate-safe cleaner. Dry the surface to prevent moisture damage. 
• Have a cleaning plan. Deep clean your laminate floors every couple of months with a specialised laminate cleaner. Check for signs of damage, like cracks, on a regular basis and address them as soon as possible. 

Read more about how to extend the life of your laminate flooring.

Most laminate flooring in our range is compatible with both electric and water-based underfloor heating systems. That said, we always recommend checking the individual product specification before purchasing, and following the manufacturer's guidelines on maximum surface temperature (typically 27°C). It's also important to use a low-tog underlay when laying laminate over underfloor heating, as a high-tog underlay will insulate against the heat rather than allowing it to pass through to the surface effectively.