Project Overview
This laminate floor installation in Fulham covered the main living and hallway areas of a modern flat. The clients had decided on laminate for a combination of reasons: budget, ease of maintenance, and a wide choice of styles that matched the contemporary interior design they were going for. The existing floor was a mix of old carpet and vinyl that both needed to come out before the laminate could go down. We handled the full job from strip-out to finished floor.
The Challenge
Laminate installation in a flat requires particular attention to the acoustic underlay specification. Most leasehold flats in London have requirements in the lease around impact sound reduction, and fitting without an adequate underlay can cause problems with neighbours and the building management. We checked the lease requirements and specified an acoustic underlay that met the relevant standard. The existing subfloor was also uneven in the hallway area, which needed addressing before the laminate boards could lie flat without any movement or hollow spots.
Our Approach
- Strip-out: Existing carpet, gripper rods and vinyl were removed and disposed of, leaving clean subfloor throughout.
- Subfloor preparation: The hallway subfloor was levelled using a self-levelling compound to remove dips and provide a stable, flat base.
- Underlay: An acoustic underlay meeting the building's specification was laid across the entire area to be floored.
- Laminate installation: Boards were laid using a floating click-lock method, starting from the most visible wall and working across the room. Joints were staggered throughout and expansion gaps were maintained at all walls.
- Trims and transitions: Scotia beading was fitted at all skirting junctions and transition strips installed at doorways and between different floor areas.
The Result
The finished floor looked sharp and fitted the flat's aesthetic perfectly. The clients were particularly pleased with how much brighter and larger the hallway appeared. Laminate flooring installation in London typically costs between £35 and £60 per square metre for supply and fit, making it one of the most accessible flooring options available. It is durable, easy to clean and available in hundreds of designs to suit any interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can laminate flooring be fitted over existing tiles or vinyl?
In many cases yes, provided the existing surface is level, secure and not too high. We assess this at the survey stage and advise whether overlay is suitable or whether strip-out is the better option.
Is laminate flooring suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?
Standard laminate is not waterproof but many modern boards have moisture-resistant cores that can tolerate occasional splashes. For wet rooms, we would generally recommend luxury vinyl tile (LVT) instead, which is fully waterproof.
How long does laminate installation take for a typical flat?
A two to three bedroom flat is usually completeable in one day for fitting alone. If strip-out and subfloor work are needed, allow two days.