Project Overview
This laminate flooring installation was completed at a terraced house in Crystal Palace, South East London. The client wanted to update their ground-floor rooms with a good-quality laminate that would give the look of real wood without the higher cost or maintenance requirements that come with solid or engineered flooring. Modern laminate has improved dramatically over the past decade. Today's products are thicker, more realistic in texture and grain detail, and considerably more hardwearing than the laminate products of twenty years ago. For a professional supply and fit, the typical cost falls between £35 and £60 per square metre, making it the most cost-effective way to get a wood-effect floor in good condition quickly.
The Challenge
The rooms had existing vinyl sheet flooring laid directly over concrete. The vinyl had to come up before the laminate could go down, and removing old glued vinyl from concrete is time-consuming work. In one area, the adhesive had hardened and bonded so firmly that the concrete surface was lightly pitted after removal. These pits needed to be filled before the laminate went down, as any significant surface irregularity beneath a floating laminate floor transmits through the boards as a slight flex that can, over time, stress the click joints. One doorway also had a slightly raised threshold that needed to be reduced to allow the floor to run through the room without a trip hazard at the door.
Our Approach
- Vinyl removal: The existing vinyl was carefully cut into strips to make handling manageable, then pulled up. The old adhesive residue on the concrete was scraped and ground back as thoroughly as possible.
- Subfloor repair: Any pitting from the adhesive removal was filled with a rapid-set patching compound and feathered smooth. The floor was checked for level and any remaining high spots were ground back.
- Door threshold: The raised door threshold was planed down flush with the surrounding floor level so the laminate could run through the doorway cleanly without requiring a raised strip.
- Damp-proof membrane: A DPM sheet was laid over the concrete and taped at all joints before the underlay went down, as a precaution against any residual moisture in the slab.
- Underlay: A good-quality foam underlay was laid over the membrane. This adds cushioning underfoot, reduces the hollow sound that laminate can produce, and provides a small additional thermal benefit at floor level.
- Laminate fitting: The boards were fitted in a staggered pattern, leaving the required expansion gap around all walls and fixed objects. Cuts were made cleanly to fit around door frames and the existing staircase foot.
- Finishing: Matching beading was fitted around the perimeter to cover the expansion gap and colour-matched threshold strips were installed at each doorway.
The Result
The transformation was significant. The tired vinyl was replaced by a clean, warm-toned laminate that immediately brightened the rooms and made them feel more cared for. The client was pleased with how much the floor had improved the overall feel of the ground floor without a major outlay. The laminate chosen had a natural oak look with a subtle brushed texture, which suited the character of the house well. With normal care, a good quality laminate fitted over a properly prepared subfloor will last fifteen to twenty-five years before replacement becomes a consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can laminate be fitted over an existing vinyl floor?
In some cases, laminate can be laid over existing vinyl if the vinyl is firmly bonded, flat, and in good condition, and if the additional height is not a problem at doorways. More often, we recommend removing the old vinyl first to ensure the subfloor is in known good condition and to avoid any unevenness being transmitted through to the new floor.
What thickness of laminate should I choose?
For domestic use, 8mm to 12mm laminate is the usual range. Thicker boards feel more solid underfoot, absorb sound better, and are generally more resistant to dents and damage. 12mm is a good choice for busy family homes. Thinner boards are suitable for lower-traffic rooms or where the floor height gain needs to be minimised.
How do I keep a laminate floor looking good long-term?
Daily sweeping or vacuuming to remove grit is the most important routine, as grit particles underfoot will gradually scratch the surface. For mopping, use a lightly dampened mop rather than a wet one, as standing water can get into the joints and cause swelling. Avoid steam mops entirely, as the high heat and moisture will damage most laminate products.