Laminate flooring is an attractive, cost-effective, and easy-to-maintain solution that can elevate the look of any room. Installing it yourself is possible with a little preparation and the right tools. This guide will walk you through how to lay laminate flooring, from the first step of preparation to the final piece of trim, helping you achieve professional results in no time. Laminate flooring offers a sleek, stylish, and durable solution for any room in your home. With various styles and colours available, laminate can mimic the look of hardwood, stone, and tile without the hefty price tag. At Wall2Wall Carpets & Flooring, we offer a wide range of laminate flooring options to suit your aesthetic and functional needs.

In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of laying laminate flooring, from preparation to finishing touches, and we'll also showcase our fantastic laminate options, including the Forma Chalet 10mm and others.


Why Choose Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many reasons:

  • Durability: Laminate is built to last, resisting scratches, stains, and fading, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.
  • Affordable: It offers the look of high-end materials like wood and stone at a more affordable price point.
  • Low Maintenance: Cleaning laminate floors is easy, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
  • Simple Installation: Many laminate planks feature a click-lock installation system, allowing for a seamless DIY installation.


Our Top Laminate Flooring Options

Before we dive into the installation process, here are some of the fantastic laminate flooring options you can choose from at Wall2Wall Carpets & Flooring:

  • Forma Chalet 10mm
    A stunning range of colours, including Arizona Oak Grey, Chestnut, and Girona Oak, starting at £19.99 m².
    Ideal for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home, this 10mm thick laminate offers both style and durability.

  • Forma Stepclick Classic Plus 8mm
    Available in colours like Campus, Lussac, and Bozyazi, at £15.99 m².
    This 8mm laminate is perfect for those who want a classic, timeless look with easy installation.

  • Forma Stepclick Wing 8mm
    Featuring colours such as Falcon, Eagle, and Lark, for £15.99 m².
    A versatile laminate range that offers a modern and sleek finish to any room.

  • Forma Stepclick XL 12mm
    Premium 12mm thick laminate in elegant colours like Barcelona, Divine Mese, and Prague, priced at £21.99 m².
    A higher thickness laminate that provides enhanced sound insulation and durability.

  • Urban 8mm
    Available in shades like Kartaca, Prague, and Oslo, at £14.99 m².
    This stylish laminate range offers an urban, contemporary feel for modern homes.

  • Villa 12mm
    Featuring colours such as Villa Atlas Oak Natural and Villa Harbour Oak, for £24.99 m².
    A premium 12mm option that delivers an upscale look with excellent durability.

  • Marble 8mm
    Available in sophisticated hues like Alanya and Belek, priced at £26.99 m².
    This marble-inspired laminate offers a luxurious feel without the high cost of natural stone.

  • Standard Plus 7mm
    A budget-friendly option starting at £12.99 m², featuring colours like Century Oak Beige and Millenium Oak Grey.
    A great choice for those looking for quality laminate at a lower price point.


    Tools and Materials You’ll Need

    Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials for the job:

    • Laminate Flooring: Ensure you have enough laminate to cover the room, plus an additional 10% to account for waste and cutting.
    • Underlayment: This layer helps with soundproofing and provides a cushioning effect.
    • Measuring Tape and Ruler: Accurate measurements are key for a professional finish.
    • Saw: A laminate cutter or jigsaw is ideal for cutting the laminate planks to size.
    • Spacers: These are essential for leaving a gap around the edges for expansion.
    • Rubber Mallet: To gently tap the planks into place.
    • Pull Bar: To help position the last row of planks.
    • Tapping Block: Used to tap the planks together without damaging the edges.

    Step-by-Step Instructions for Laying Laminate Flooring


    Step 1: Prepare the Room you want to lay laminate flooring in first

    Before you begin, ensure the room is ready for installation:

    • Clear the Room: Remove all furniture and any existing flooring (if applicable).
    • Check the Subfloor: Laminate flooring can be installed over most types of subfloors, such as concrete, wood, or vinyl. Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. If the subfloor is uneven, consider using a levelling compound to smooth it out.
    • Acclimate the Laminate: Let your laminate planks acclimate to the room temperature and humidity for 48 hours before installation. This will prevent expansion or contraction once the flooring is installed.


    Step 2: Lay the Underlayment

    Underlayment provides sound insulation and acts as a moisture barrier:

    • Roll Out the Underlayment: Start in one corner of the room and roll the underlayment across the floor. Cut it to fit the room’s dimensions.
    • Secure the Underlayment: Tape the seams of the underlayment together to keep it in place during the installation.


    Step 3: Start Laying the First Row

    Begin with the first row of laminate planks:

    • Measure and Cut: Start along the longest wall of the room, leaving about a 10mm gap between the wall and the planks. This gap is necessary for expansion. Use spacers to ensure the gap remains consistent.
    • Install the Planks: Lay the first row by clicking the planks together along the long edge, ensuring they lock into place. If the first plank doesn’t fit properly, trim it to the correct length.
    • Continue the Row: Work your way along the room, ensuring each plank clicks securely into place. If necessary, tap the planks lightly with a rubber mallet to ensure a tight fit.


    Step 4: Lay Subsequent Rows

    Once the first row is complete, continue with the next rows:

    • Stagger the Joints: For a more natural look, stagger the seams by starting the next row with a plank cut to a different length. This will avoid creating visible lines across the floor.
    • Click the Planks Together: As you continue installing the laminate, make sure each plank clicks securely into place. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet if needed to ensure a tight fit between the planks.
    • Cutting Planks: If you reach the end of a row and need to trim a plank to fit, measure the space, and use a saw to cut the plank to size. Be sure to leave the expansion gap around the edges of the room.


    Step 5: Install the Last Row

    The last row can be tricky, but it’s manageable with the right technique:

    • Measure and Cut: Measure the length of the last row and cut the planks to size. You may need to trim the width of the planks to fit the space.
    • Use a Pull Bar: Once the last row is laid down, use a pull bar to fit the planks snugly against the wall, ensuring the edges are aligned properly.


    Step 6: Finish the Edges

    To complete the installation, finish the edges of your flooring:

    • Install Baseboards or Trim: Once the planks are in place, remove the spacers and install baseboards or trim around the room’s perimeter to cover the expansion gap. Make sure the trim doesn’t push down on the laminate flooring.
    • Clean Up: Give your floor a final cleaning to remove dust and debris left behind from the installation process.


    Why Choose Wall2Wall for Your Laminate Flooring?

    In addition to a wide selection of high-quality laminate options, we also offer expert fitting services in Bolton and Manchester. Our professional fitters ensure that your new floor is installed with precision and care, providing the quality workmanship you deserve.


    FAQs on laying herringbone laminate flooring

    What is the disadvantage of herringbone flooring?
    Herringbone flooring, while stylish, can be more difficult to install compared to other patterns due to the complexity of the layout. It also requires more precision in cutting and alignment.

    Is herringbone laminate more expensive?
    Generally, herringbone patterns are more expensive than standard laminate planks because they require additional cuts and a more complex installation process. However, laminate herringbone is still an affordable alternative to traditional wood or tile herringbone flooring.

    Is laminate herringbone good?
    Yes, laminate herringbone is an excellent choice for those who want the classic, timeless look of herringbone without the high cost of real wood or stone. It is durable, easy to maintain, and available in various styles and colours.

    Does herringbone make a room look bigger or smaller?
    Herringbone flooring can make a room appear larger by drawing the eye across the floor. The diagonal pattern creates the illusion of more space, especially in narrow or small rooms.

    What is herringbone laminate flooring worth?
    Herringbone laminate flooring generally ranges in price, depending on the brand, thickness, and finish. At Wall2Wall, we offer quality options like the Forma Bonetto 8mm Herringbone for £28.99 m².

    What is herringbone laminate flooring made of?
    Herringbone laminate is typically made from several layers, including a core layer of high-density fiberboard (HDF), a decorative paper layer that mimics wood or stone, and a protective wear layer.

    What is herringbone laminate flooring good for?
    Herringbone laminate flooring is perfect for creating a sophisticated and stylish look in living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways. It’s also ideal for those looking for a low-maintenance alternative to traditional hardwood herringbone.


    Get Started with Your Laminate Flooring Today

    At Wall2Wall Carpets & Flooring, we make it easy to find the perfect laminate flooring for your home. Visit us online or in one of our showrooms in Bolton and Manchester to explore our range and get expert advice. And with our fitting services available, you can rest assured that your new floor will be installed to the highest standard.