Click Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular and cost-effective alternative to real wood, offering a durable and stylish solution for many areas of the home. Click laminate flooring, in particular, is a top choice due to its user-friendly installation method. The planks feature a unique interlocking system, such as Quick-Step’s Uniclic, which allows them to be clicked together and locked in place without the mess and hassle of glue. This floating installation method means the flooring is not permanently attached to the subfloor, which allows for natural expansion and contraction with changes in temperature and humidity.

The durability of a click laminate floor is primarily determined by its usage class and AC rating, which measures the wear layer’s resistance to abrasion, impact, and stains. A high-quality click laminate can be extremely robust and suitable for residential areas with heavy foot traffic, and some are even rated for light commercial use. The decorative paper, impregnated with melamine resin, gives the floor its aesthetic appeal, mimicking the look of real wood, stone, or tile. This is protected by a tough, transparent overlay which makes the surface resistant to scratches, dents, and stains. The result is a floor that is both beautiful and functional, offering a high-quality finish with a simple installation process.

Buying guide for click laminate flooring

When considering click laminate flooring, it’s important to evaluate how its characteristics align with your home’s needs.

• Room usage / Location: Click laminate flooring is an excellent choice for most residential spaces, including high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms. Many click laminates are now available with water-resistant or waterproof cores, making them suitable for bathrooms and utility rooms, but you should always choose a product from a specific waterproof range for these areas.
• Lifestyle: This type of flooring is a great choice for families with children and pets due to its superior durability and scratch resistance. It provides an easy-to-clean and low-maintenance option that doesn’t trap dust or allergens, which is beneficial for households with allergy sufferers.
• Budget: Click laminate flooring offers a great balance of affordability and quality. It is a cost-effective alternative to real wood or engineered flooring but provides a superior feel and durability to other options, making it a cost-effective long-term investment.
• Durability & Maintenance: The durability of a click laminate floor is determined by its AC rating, which measures its resistance to wear and tear. To maintain its appearance, you should vacuum or sweep the floor before cleaning with a just-damp cloth.
• Material Type Pros & Cons:
  • Pros: Click laminate flooring is easy to install, making it a great option for DIY projects. It is also very durable, resistant to scratches and stains, and low-maintenance. The wide variety of styles and colours means you can achieve the look of natural wood or stone at a lower cost.
  • Cons: While many options are water-resistant, it is not fully waterproof unless you choose a specific waterproof range. It can sometimes produce a “hollow” sound when walked on, but this can be minimised with a good underlay.
• Aesthetics & Style: Click laminate flooring is available in a variety of colours, designs, and textures, including realistic wood-effect and herringbone patterns. This allows you to achieve the look of expensive natural materials like oak or walnut at a much lower cost.
• Comfort & Sound: The feel underfoot depends on the thickness of the plank and the quality of the underlay. To improve comfort and reduce the “hollow” or “clicky” sound, it is advisable to use a good quality underlayment specifically designed to reduce sound.
• Underfloor Heating: Many click laminate floors are compatible with both electric and water-based underfloor heating systems. The flooring’s composition allows for efficient heat transfer, making it a suitable choice for keeping your space warm.
• Installation: The click-and-lock system is the main advantage of this flooring type. It allows for a fast and clean installation without the need for glue, making it perfect for DIY enthusiasts. However, a level subfloor is crucial for a successful installation.

Frequently asked questions about click laminate flooring

Is click laminate flooring a good choice for my home?

Yes, click laminate is an excellent choice for a variety of residential settings. It provides the natural look of wood or stone, is highly durable and resistant to scratches and stains, and is easy to install, making it a great option for both DIY enthusiasts and those seeking a long-lasting, low-maintenance floor.

How do I install click laminate flooring?

Click laminate flooring is installed as a floating floor using its innovative click-and-lock system. The planks are designed to simply click together without the use of glue, nails, or screws. The process is fast and clean, but it is essential to ensure your subfloor is flat and clean before you begin.

Can click laminate flooring be used in a bathroom?

Traditional laminate flooring is not recommended for bathrooms due to moisture, but many brands now offer a specific “waterproof” or “water-resistant” range of click laminate floors. These products have a water-repellent core and a protective click system, making them a suitable option for areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and utility rooms.