The Laminate Floor Fitting Process Explained
Understanding the steps involved in a professional laminate flooring installation can help you appreciate the skill required and know what to expect. A reputable fitter will follow a clear, methodical process to ensure a high-quality outcome.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Measurement
The process begins with a site visit. A professional laminate floor fitter will accurately measure your room, calculating the precise amount of flooring and underlay required, including an allowance for wastage (typically 10%). They will discuss your chosen laminate, assess the condition of your subfloor, and talk through any specific requirements, such as fitting in a terraced house with shared walls or a kitchen with fixed units. This is your opportunity to ask questions and receive expert advice.
Step 2: Subfloor Preparation: The Foundation of a Great Floor
This is arguably the most critical stage. The fitter will ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and, most importantly, completely level. Any imperfections can telegraph through to the surface of the laminate over time. Preparation may involve:
- Uplifting and disposing of old flooring like carpet or vinyl.
- Sweeping and vacuuming to remove all dust and debris.
- Screwing down any loose floorboards on a timber subfloor.
- Applying a self-levelling compound to a concrete subfloor to smooth out any dips or bumps.
- Ensuring the subfloor's moisture content is within the manufacturer's specified limits.
Step 3: Acclimatisation and Underlay Installation
Laminate flooring needs to adjust to the temperature and humidity of the room where it will be installed. Your fitter will advise you to have the unopened packs of flooring delivered and left to lie flat in the room for at least 48 hours before the fitting begins. This process, known as acclimatisation, prevents the boards from excessive expansion or contraction after installation. Once the floor has acclimatised, the appropriate underlay is rolled out. Underlay provides thermal insulation, sound dampening, and a moisture barrier, and the correct type is chosen based on your subfloor (e.g., a foil-backed underlay for concrete floors).
Step 4: The Art of Laminate Flooring Installation
With the prep work complete, the installation begins. A skilled fitter will strategically decide on a starting wall, ensuring the layout is visually balanced. They meticulously click or glue the boards together, ensuring tight seams and a stable surface. A consistent expansion gap of around 10-12mm is left around the entire perimeter of the room, including around pipes and against door frames. This gap is essential to allow the floor to move naturally and is hidden later by skirting or beading.
Step 5: Finishing Touches: Skirting Boards and Trims
The final stage is what separates a professional job from an amateur one. The fitter will reinstall your existing skirting boards or fit new ones to neatly cover the expansion gap. For doorways and transitions to other flooring types, they will install matching threshold bars for a clean, seamless finish. Many professionals will also trim the bottom of your doors to ensure they open and close smoothly over the new floor height. Finally, they will clean the area, leaving you with a beautiful new floor ready to be enjoyed, and will manage the responsible disposal of all rubbish and offcuts.
Understanding the Cost of Laminate Flooring Installation
Budgeting for your new floor requires understanding both the material costs and the labour charges for the laminate flooring installation. While prices can vary, having a clear idea of the expected costs helps you plan effectively and assess the quotes you receive from tradespeople.
Average Costs for Laminate Fitters in the UK
The cost of labour for laminate floor fitting is typically charged in one of two ways: per square metre (m²) or as a day rate. A tradesperson will usually choose the method that makes the most sense for the size and complexity of your project.
- Cost Per Square Metre: For labour only, you can expect to pay between £12 and £20 per m². For a standard 15m² living room, this would equate to a labour cost of £180 - £300.
- Day Rate: The average day rate for a skilled laminate floor fitter in the UK is typically between £150 and £250. A straightforward rectangular room can often be completed within a day, while more complex spaces may take longer.
Remember, these figures are for the installation labour only and do not include the cost of the laminate flooring itself, underlay, trims, or any significant subfloor preparation work.
Factors That Influence the Final Price
Several factors can affect the total cost of your laminate floor fitting project. When you request a quote, a professional will consider the following:
- Room Size and Complexity: A large, simple, square or rectangular room will be more straightforward and therefore cheaper to fit per square metre than a smaller, more complex room with multiple alcoves, a fireplace, or a curved bay window.
- Subfloor Condition: If your subfloor requires extensive work, such as applying a self-levelling compound or replacing damaged floorboards, this will add to the overall time and cost.
- Type of Laminate: While most laminate is relatively quick to install, some premium types, particularly those with complex patterns like herringbone, are more labour-intensive and will command a higher fitting price.
- Removal of Old Flooring: The cost to uplift and dispose of your existing flooring (e.g., old carpet and underlay) will be an additional charge.
- Additional Work: Tasks such as fitting new skirting boards, beading, or having to trim multiple doors to accommodate the new floor height will be factored into the final quote.
- Location: As with many services, labour costs are often higher in London and the South East compared to other regions of the UK.
