Orchid Oak 8mm Aqua Protect Laminate

Installation Steps

1. Acclimatise the Boards: Leave the laminate packs unopened in the room where they'll be fitted for at least 48 hours before installation, at normal room temperature. This lets the boards adjust to the room's humidity and reduces the risk of gapping or peaking after fitting.
   
2. Prepare the Subfloor: Remove the existing flooring, clean thoroughly, and make sure the subfloor is level, dry, and free of debris. Repair any cracks or damage, as laminate will show through minor subfloor imperfections over time.
   
3. Measure the Area: Measure the length and width of the room to calculate the total square metreage, adding 5 to 10% extra for wastage and cuts. Allow closer to 10% for rooms with a lot of alcoves, doorways, or diagonal layouts.
   
4. Install the Underlay: Roll out the underlay along the longest wall, trimming any excess. Ensure a smooth, wrinkle-free surface, and butt joints together rather than overlapping them.
   
5. Lay the Laminate Flooring: Start in the corner of the longest, straightest wall, working left to right, with the tongue side facing the wall. Use spacers around the full perimeter of the room to maintain an expansion gap (typically 10 to 15mm depending on room size), and use the tapping block and rubber mallet to click each board firmly into place. Stagger the end joints between rows by at least 20 to 30cm so the seams don't line up, which keeps the floor stable and avoids visible repeating lines. Never glue, nail, or fix the boards to the subfloor, laminate needs to float freely to expand and contract.
   
6. Cutting Boards: Mark the cut line with a pencil. If you're using a powered saw such as a circular saw or jigsaw, cut with the decorative face down to avoid chipping the visible surface. If you're cutting by hand, cut with the decorative face up instead. Around door frames, undercut the architrave and slide the board beneath it rather than trying to scribe the board around it.
   
7. Finishing Touches: Remove the spacers once the floor is fully laid. Fit skirting boards or scotia beading to cover the expansion gap around the edges, and use flush-fitting transition strips in doorways where the laminate meets another floor type. Secure mouldings to the wall, not the floor, and fill any nail holes with wood filler.
   

DIY vs. Professional Installation
DIY installation saves on labour costs and lets you work at your own pace, but it does require careful planning and can take longer than expected, especially in rooms with awkward angles or a lot of cutting. Professional installation costs more but is quicker and better equipped to handle an uneven subfloor or other issues that crop up mid-job.

This guide should get you a smooth, long-lasting laminate installation either way.

What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a stylish and durable alternative to hardwood, using ultra-realistic printed designs and textures to replicate expensive wood species at a fraction of the cost.

What is laminate flooring made of?
Laminate is built up in four layers: a backing layer for stability, a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core, a printed decor layer that gives the wood or stone effect, and a clear wear layer on top for protection. Many modern ranges add a water-resistant or fully waterproof coating to this top layer.

What are the advantages of laminate flooring?
Laminate offers scratch and fade resistance, a realistic wood look and feel underfoot, low maintenance, and straightforward DIY installation thanks to its interlocking click system. It's also significantly cheaper than solid or engineered wood, and many ranges are compatible with underfloor heating.

What are the disadvantages of laminate flooring?
Standard laminate can be damaged by prolonged exposure to moisture, so it's not generally recommended for bathrooms or other wet rooms unless you choose a specifically water-resistant or waterproof range. Unlike solid wood, laminate also can't be sanded down and refinished, though individual damaged planks can usually be replaced.

How thick should my laminate flooring be?
Most domestic laminate ranges from 8mm to 12mm thick. A thicker board generally feels more solid underfoot and does a better job of disguising minor subfloor imperfections, but durability comes mainly from the AC rating and wear layer, not thickness alone.

What does the AC rating for laminate flooring mean?
The Abrasion Class (AC) rating measures how much foot traffic your laminate can handle, from AC1 for light domestic use up to AC5 for heavy commercial areas. AC4 is the standard for most family homes, with AC5 suited to hallways, kitchens, and commercial settings.

What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?
Laminate has a wood based HDF core with a printed image layer on top, while vinyl (including LVT, SPC and WPC) is made from PVC or a mineral composite core, which makes it inherently more water resistant and often fully waterproof. Vinyl also tends to feel softer and warmer underfoot, while laminate typically has a slightly harder, more authentic wood like surface.

How long does laminate flooring last?
With proper care, laminate flooring can last for many years, and is often backed by warranties ranging from around 15 years up to a lifetime guarantee, depending on the range.

How do you install laminate flooring?
Laminate planks click together using an interlocking joint system, allowing the floor to float above the subfloor without glue or nails.

Where can I install laminate flooring?
Laminate can be installed in most rooms of the home, including on any floor level, provided the subfloor is dry, flat, and stable. It's not recommended for bathrooms, wet rooms, or other high moisture areas unless you've chosen a water-resistant or waterproof range.

Does laminate flooring need underlay?
Yes, underlay is essential for sound absorption, insulation, and smoothing out minor subfloor imperfections. Some laminate ranges come with an underlay already attached.

How do you clean laminate flooring?
Sweep or vacuum with a soft brush attachment, then damp mop using a cleaning solution made specifically for laminate. Avoid excess water, as it can seep into the joints and damage the core.

What are the best laminate floor cleaners?
Non-abrasive, pH-balanced cleaners designed specifically for laminate work best. Always check the manufacturer's care guidelines before using a new cleaning product.

Does laminate flooring add to a home's resale value?
Yes, a well-fitted, good quality laminate floor can enhance a home's overall appeal and resale value, particularly when it replaces worn or dated flooring.

Delivery Information
At Newland Floors and Doors, we aim to provide efficient and reliable delivery services. Please read the following information to understand our shipping process and policies.

Stock Availability and Shipping Times
We keep stock of our most popular products. Your order will be dispatched either from our premises or directly from the manufacturer or supplier. Shipping times may vary depending on product availability and type. If your order contains multiple products, please note these may arrive as separate deliveries on different days.

Flooring and Door Deliveries
Once your order is received, we aim to process deliveries quickly. The typical delivery time is between 3 to 5 business days, although it may be longer during peak seasons, weekends, or public holidays. We'll be in touch to confirm delivery details ahead of time so you know when to expect your order.

All flooring and door deliveries are kerbside only, meaning the goods will be left at the kerb or the nearest accessible point to your property, and you'll need to bring them in yourself. Flooring packs are heavy, often 20kg or more, so please arrange help carrying them in, particularly if there's any distance between the kerb and your door. If this could be an issue, please let us know at the time of your order to discuss alternative delivery options

Checking Your Delivery
Please inspect your goods at the time of delivery, before signing for them. If anything appears damaged or you're missing items, note this on the delivery paperwork and contact us straight away. We're unable to accept damage claims made after goods have been signed for as received in good condition.

Important Notes

• Deliveries may be made using various commercial vehicles, including up to 18-tonne lorries. We assume that your property is accessible to these types of vehicles.
• Large quantities of flooring cannot be carried up stairs or into upper-floor properties, including flats above ground floor (even where a lift is available) and communal areas. For flats, your order will be left at the external doorstep on the ground floor. For properties with stepped access, the flooring will be left at the bottom of the steps.
• Drivers may need assistance with unloading larger items. If access is likely to be an issue, please let us know at the time of your order to discuss alternative delivery options.
• Deliveries to certain areas, such as Scotland, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, and others, may take longer than the usual delivery time.
• We currently only ship within the UK and do not accept orders for the EU or other international locations.

For further assistance or inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact our team.

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

Damaged or Missing Goods
Please check the outer packaging at the time of delivery, and sign as unchecked if you're not able to inspect it fully before the driver leaves. In the rare event that you receive damaged goods or there are missing items, please contact us directly as soon as possible so we can resolve the issue swiftly. Please send photos of the damaged products along with your order details within 48 hours of receiving the goods.

Leftover Packs
We accept returns of unused and unopened packs of flooring within 30 days of delivery, subject to the conditions below and a supplier restocking and collection fee (see below).

Please note the following conditions for returns:

• All goods must be stored correctly (at ambient temperature, away from moisture) and will be moisture-read on return to Brooks. If the moisture reading is outside the 7-11% WME range, a refund will not be issued.
• All goods must be in their original packaging with only clear tape used to reseal packs.
• On receipt, returns will be inspected, and any damaged goods will be deducted from the return value.
• A restocking and collection fee applies to all returns made under this 30-day policy. This fee is set by our supplier and passed on directly, we don't add anything on top. We will always inform you of the fee prior to your return and confirm any deductions before arranging collection.