Quick-Step Classic Laminate Flooring

The Quick-Step Classic range is a cornerstone of laminate flooring in the UK, renowned for its combination of authentic designs, robust performance, and user-friendly features. These 8mm thick planks, typically measuring 1200mm long by 190mm wide, provide a substantial feel underfoot and contribute to the floor’s overall durability. The range boasts a wide variety of realistic oak effects, from light and airy tones like Light Classic Oak to warm, traditional browns and contemporary greys, ensuring a match for diverse interior styles. Many designs feature an ‘Original wood structure’ finish, meticulously embossed to replicate the texture and grain of real wood, enhancing the natural look and feel.

A key technological advantage of the Classic range is its water resistance. Featuring Quick-Step’s HydroSeal coating on the surface, these floors repel water, making them suitable for installation in moisture-prone areas such as kitchens and even bathrooms (when installed according to guidelines, including sealing perimeters with Hydrokit). This significantly expands the possibilities for using laminate throughout the home. Furthermore, the patented Scratch Guard top layer provides superior protection against everyday wear and tear, offering up to ten times more scratch resistance than standard laminates. This makes Classic an excellent choice for households with children, pets, or high foot traffic.

Installation is notably straightforward thanks to the patented Uniclic system. This click-lock mechanism allows planks to be securely joined together without glue, simplifying the process for both professionals and competent DIY installers. The planks often feature subtle micro-bevelled edges, which help to define each plank and add to the authentic wood floor appearance. With an AC4 wear rating (Usage Class 32), Quick-Step Classic is suitable for intensive domestic use and moderate commercial use. Quick-Step’s commitment to quality is underscored by a lengthy 20-year domestic warranty (with specific water resistance warranties also applicable when installed correctly), offering homeowners confidence in their investment. The range is also designed with sustainability in mind, often carrying certifications like the EU Ecolabel.

Buying Guide: Quick-Step Classic Laminate Flooring

Is Quick-Step Classic the ideal laminate for your needs? This guide helps you decide:

• Room usage / Location: Highly versatile. Suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, home offices, dining rooms, and conservatories. Thanks to HydroSeal technology, it’s also a great option for kitchens and bathrooms (ensure correct installation and sealing procedures are followed; not suitable for wetrooms).
• Lifestyle: Perfect for busy family homes, including those with children and pets. The Scratch Guard technology offers excellent resistance to scratches, while the sealed surface resists stains and spills. Low maintenance requirements make it easy to live with.
• Budget: Quick-Step Classic offers a premium laminate experience at a competitive price point compared to real wood or high-end LVT. It represents excellent value considering its durability, features, and long warranty.
• Durability & Maintenance: Very durable with an AC4 rating suitable for heavy domestic use. Highly resistant to scratches, stains, impacts, and fading. Maintenance is simple: regular sweeping or vacuuming (with a soft brush attachment) and occasional damp mopping with a recommended laminate cleaner is sufficient. Avoid abrasive cleaners or excessive water.
• Material Type Pros & Cons: Pros: Highly realistic wood appearance, water-resistant (HydroSeal), very scratch-resistant (Scratch Guard), easy DIY installation (Uniclic), compatible with underfloor heating, long warranty, relatively affordable, wide range of decors, easy to clean. Cons: Can still be damaged by heavy impacts or deep scratches, requires underlay, repetition in pattern possible over large areas, can feel harder/cooler underfoot than wood unless used with good underlay/UFH.
• Aesthetics & Style: Offers a wide selection of authentic wood decors, primarily oak effects, in various colours (natural, grey, brown, beige). The 190mm wide planks provide a classic look suitable for most room sizes and styles.
• Comfort & Sound: Can feel firm underfoot; using a quality acoustic underlay is recommended to improve comfort and reduce impact sound transmission between floors.
• Underfloor Heating: Compatible with most common embedded underfloor heating systems (both water and electric), provided the system and installation adhere to Quick-Step’s guidelines. Always use with an appropriate underlay.
• Installation: Features the user-friendly Uniclic system for glueless floating installation. Requires appropriate underlay. While DIY-friendly for those with experience, professional installation ensures optimal results, especially regarding subfloor preparation and perimeter sealing for water resistance warranty.
• Sustainability: Quick-Step emphasizes sustainability, using responsibly sourced materials (often PEFC certified) and achieving certifications like the EU Ecolabel, indicating lower environmental impact.