Toasted Oak 12mm Aqua Protect Laminate

Installation Steps

1. Prepare the Subfloor: Remove existing flooring, clean thoroughly, and ensure the subfloor is level and free of debris. Repair any cracks or damages.
2. Measure the Area: Measure the length and width of the room to calculate the total square footage, adding 5% extra for wastage.
3. Install the Underlayment: Roll out the underlayment along the longest wall, trimming excess. Ensure a smooth, wrinkle-free surface.
4. Lay the Laminate Flooring: Start in a corner, leaving an expansion gap. Use the rubber mallet and tapping block to fit the boards together, working left to right. Use spacers to maintain the gap along walls.
5. Cutting Boards: Cut boards as needed, marking the line with a pencil. Cut from the back to prevent chipping, and ensure boards fit precisely.
6. Finishing Touches: Install skirting boards or scotia to cover expansion gaps. Measure and cut moulding to size, securing it to the walls and covering nail holes with wood putty.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

DIY installation saves labor costs and allows you to work at your own pace, but it requires careful planning and can be time-consuming. Professional installation is faster and handles unexpected issues, but involves additional labor costs.

This guide will help you achieve a smooth and successful laminate flooring installation.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a stylish and resilient alternative to hardwood flooring, offering ultra-realistic designs and textures that mimic expensive wood species at a fraction of the cost.

What is laminate flooring made of?

Laminate flooring consists of a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core topped with an image layer and a protective wear layer. The wear layer is often waterproof and scratch-resistant, while the image layer provides the realistic appearance of wood or stone.

What are the advantages of laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring offers scratch resistance, easy DIY installation with its interlocking plank design, minimal maintenance, and a realistic wood feel underfoot.

What are the disadvantages of laminate flooring?

Traditional laminate can be susceptible to moisture, though water-resistant and waterproof options are available. Additionally, laminate cannot be refinished like solid wood flooring.

How thick should my laminate flooring be?

For best performance, laminate flooring should be between 8mm to 14mm thick, providing durability, a more natural feel, and better impact resistance.

What does the AC rating for laminate flooring mean?

The Abrasion Class (AC) rating measures how much traffic your laminate can handle, with ratings ranging from AC1 for low-traffic areas to AC5 for heavy commercial use.

What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?

Laminate and vinyl are both durable and easy to install, but vinyl is made of 100% synthetic material and is more suitable for high-moisture areas due to its PVC or SPC core.

How long does laminate flooring last?

With proper care, laminate flooring can last for many years, often backed by warranties ranging from five years to a lifetime.

How to install laminate flooring?

Laminate planks are installed using an interlocking click system, allowing the floor to "float" above the subfloor without the need for adhesives.

Where can I install laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring can be installed in nearly any area of the home, including above and below grade.

Does laminate flooring need underlay?

Yes, underlay is necessary for sound absorption, insulation, and moisture protection, with some laminate options including attached underlayment.

How do you clean laminate flooring?

Sweep with a soft-bristle broom and use a damp mop with a cleaning solution specifically formulated for laminate. Avoid excess water to prevent damage.

What are the best laminate floor cleaners?

Non-abrasive, natural, or PH-balanced cleaners are best for laminate flooring. Check the manufacturer's recommendations before using a new cleaner.

Does laminate flooring add to a home’s resale value?

Yes, high-quality laminate flooring can enhance a home's resale value and appeal to prospective buyers.

All Elka Floors deliveries are made either from Elka's main warehouse or our store in Coleford, Gloucestershire. We only keep stock of our most popular lines, so please allow up to 5 working days for standard delivery. All flooring deliveries are curb-side, meaning you will need to carry the goods into your property. If this is likely to be a problem, please inform us at the time of your order to discuss alternative delivery options.

Delivery Details

• Availability: If no one is available to accept your delivery at the provided address, a re-delivery charge will apply when you reschedule.
• Delivery Vehicles: Deliveries can be made in various commercial vehicles, including up to 18-tonne lorries. It is assumed that the property is easily accessible to these vehicle types.
• Access Restrictions: Flooring cannot be delivered to properties with stepped access, flats above the ground floor (regardless of lift access), or left in communal areas. For flats, orders will be left at the ground floor external doorstep. For residential properties with stepped access, flooring will be left at the bottom of the steps. Drivers may need assistance with unloading larger items. If access is likely to be a problem, please inform us at the time of order to discuss alternative delivery options.
• Doorstep Delivery: Doorstep delivery is available for lighter parcels. Depending on the courier, you will receive delivery time updates. Please leave your mobile number when checking out.

Order Cancellations
If you wish to cancel your order before it has been dispatched, please contact us with your order number and details of the item(s) you wish to cancel. 

Damaged or Missing Goods
In the rare event that you receive damaged goods or find items missing from your order, please contact us as soon as possible so we can resolve the issue promptly. Kindly send photographs of the damaged products along with your order details within 48 hours of receiving the goods to info@newlandfloorsanddoors.co.uk.

Leftover Packs
We offer a full refund for unused and unopened packs of flooring within 30 days of delivery. Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds after this period.

Please note the following conditions for returns:

• All goods must be in their original packaging, with only clear tape used to reseal packs.
• Upon receipt at Elka, returned goods will be inspected, and any damaged items will be deducted from the refund amount.
• A restocking and collection fee applies to all returns. Unfortunately, this fee is beyond our control and forms part of our supplier's policy. We will always inform you of this charge before processing your return and confirm any deductions prior to arranging collection.

Non-returnable Items
Please note that certain items are non-returnable. The following categories fall under this policy:

• Finishing Touches
• Fitting Tools
• Floor Cleaning & Maintenance Products
• Glues, Adhesives & Sealants
• Stair Nosing's
• Trims & Beading
• Underlays & Barriers
• Outlet Stock