Register Embossed 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.

The AC (Abrasion Class) rating measures how durable the wear layer of laminate flooring is and how well it resists scratches, scuffs, stains, impacts, and everyday wear. It's an industry-standard test that helps you choose the right flooring for your space.

The most common AC ratings are:

• AC1: Suitable for light residential use, such as bedrooms.
• AC2: Designed for general residential areas with moderate foot traffic.
• AC3: Ideal for busy homes and light commercial spaces, including living rooms, hallways, and small offices.
• AC4: Built for heavy residential use and moderate commercial environments, such as retail shops and offices.
• AC5: Engineered for high-traffic commercial settings, including busy stores, schools, and public buildings.

For most homes, AC3 or AC4 laminate flooring provides the best balance of durability, performance, and value. If you're installing flooring in a commercial environment or an exceptionally busy area, an AC5 rating may be the better choice.

Yes, in most cases laminate flooring should be installed over a suitable underlay. Underlay provides a smooth, stable base for the flooring while improving comfort, reducing noise, and helping to protect your floor from moisture.

The main benefits of laminate underlay include:

• Improved comfort underfoot by adding a cushioned layer.
• Reduced noise, helping to minimise sound when walking and reducing room-to-room noise.
• Moisture protection when using an underlay with a built-in damp-proof membrane (DPM), particularly on concrete subfloors.
• Better insulation, helping to retain warmth and improve energy efficiency.
• Support for the flooring, reducing minor subfloor imperfections and helping your laminate perform as intended.

The best underlay depends on your subfloor and the room where the flooring is being installed. Concrete subfloors typically require an underlay with an integrated damp-proof membrane, while timber subfloors generally do not. If you're installing laminate over underfloor heating, choose an underlay specifically designed for use with heated floors to ensure efficient heat transfer.

In many cases, yes, laminate can be laid over existing hard flooring such as tiles, vinyl, or a previously laid laminate, provided the surface is clean, flat, level, and structurally sound. Any significant height difference at doorways or transitions will need to be addressed with a door bar. It's not recommended to lay laminate over soft flooring like carpet or over existing flooring that has any bounce or flex in it, as this can affect how the click joints perform over time and may void the product warranty.

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.

Cutting laminate flooring accurately is key to a neat, professional finish. Start by measuring the space carefully and marking your cut line clearly with a pencil on the plank. For straight cuts, you can score along the line using a sharp utility knife and then snap the plank cleanly along the scored line.

For more precise cuts, especially around door frames, vents, or tricky corners, a jigsaw or circular saw can be handy. Use a fine-toothed blade to avoid chipping the laminate surface, and cut slowly and steadily for smooth edges. Always wear safety goggles and work on a stable surface.

Remember, it’s important to leave a small expansion gap (about 5mm) around edges to allow the floor to naturally expand and contract with temperature changes. Taking your time to measure twice and cut once will save you from costly mistakes and give your flooring a perfect fit.

For more tips, check out our measuring and fitting guide. 

If you’re thinking of installing your laminate floor DIY style, here are some common mistakes you should avoid.

1. Skip Floor Preparation: Always make sure the subfloor is clean, level, and dry before installing your laminate floor to prevent shifting, cracking, or warping later.
2. Fail to Acclimatise: Let laminate planks adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours to avoid gaps and buckling.
3. Use Wrong Tools or Techniques for Cutting: Use proper measuring tools, a suitable saw (mitre saw or jigsaw), and cut carefully to ensure clean, accurate cuts.
4. Forget Expansion Gaps: Leave around 10mm of space (but anywhere between 8mm and 12mm is also fine) around the room’s edges to allow for natural expansion and contraction, preventing buckling.
5. Choose Incorrect Underlay or Install It Poorly: Select the right underlay for your subfloor type and install it correctly to ensure insulation, moisture protection, and soundproofing.
6. Ignore Layout and Alignment: Plan plank direction and alignment carefully, measuring precisely to maintain visual balance and room flow.

Neglect Post-Installation Protection: Clean the floor properly after installation, use furniture pads to avoid scratches, wait 24 hours before heavy use, and maintain regularly.