LAMINATED FLOORS

Laminate Flooring at Parquets.com (England): Complete Guide (AC4, AC5, Water-Resistant) to Buy & Install

Parquets.com specialises in laminate flooring (floating floor/click-lock), parquet/wood flooring (solid & engineered), vinyl flooring (LVT/SPC/PVC, click vinyl), bamboo flooring and all accessories. If you want a competitive price per m², fast installation and on-trend designs (oak, grey, white, herringbone), this guide explains everything you need to choose with confidence — with delivery across England.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring (also called laminate boards, floating laminate or click laminate) is a multi-layer floor:

• Overlay / wear layer: abrasion & stain protection (AC3, AC4, AC5 ratings).

• Decor paper: high-definition wood/stone/concrete effect.

• HDF core: high-density fibreboard for strength.

• Balancing layer: stabilises each plank and prevents warping.

Beyond AC ratings, many brands also show use class 32/33 (heavy domestic / commercial). You’ll find bevelled edges, synchronised textures and XL plank formats.

Key advantages of laminate (parquet stratifié)

• Real durability: AC4 for busy homes; AC5 for shops, offices and high-traffic areas.

• Floating click installation: clean & quick, ideal for refurbishments.

• Accessible pricing: from cheap laminate flooring to premium collections.

• Big style range: oak laminate, grey laminate, white laminate, stone/concrete looks, and herringbone laminate.

• Easy maintenance: simple daily cleaning; individual planks are replaceable.

• Underfloor heating compatible (check the manufacturer’s datasheet).

• Water-resistant options: moisture-resistant laminate for kitchens and splash-prone zones.

Types of laminate floors available at Parquets.com

AC4 laminate flooring
Recommended for living rooms, bedrooms and medium-traffic offices. Excellent value for money.

AC5 laminate flooring
Built for heavy traffic: retail, open-plan offices and busy households (kids & pets).

Water-resistant / moisture-resistant laminate
Designed to withstand humidity in kitchens, hallways/entrances and splash zones.
(For bathrooms, see the comparison with vinyl flooring LVT/SPC below.)

Wood-effect & special designs
From natural oak to smoked oak, light grey, white, bevelled edges, brushed textures, and herringbone/chevron for a high-end parquet look.

How to choose the best laminate flooring

Room & traffic level

• Bedrooms & lounges → AC4 is enough.

• Shops & offices → AC5 for maximum durability.

• Kitchens / humid areas → water-resistant laminate.

Style & colour

• Oak (timeless), grey / light grey (contemporary), white (Scandi & bright).

• Bevels and deep textures for realism; matt/satin hides micro-scratches.

Technical compatibility

• Underfloor heating: confirm thickness, thermal resistance (R value) and a suitable acoustic underlay.

• Pets: prioritise AC5, matt finishes and textured surfaces.

Budget & price per m²
Final cost depends on thickness, AC class, surface realism, water-resistance, format and brand, plus underlay, vapour barrier, skirting boards and transition profiles.

Installation of laminate flooring (step by step)

1. Subfloor check: clean and level (use a self-levelling compound if needed).

2. Vapour barrier (DPM) where required + acoustic underlay (reduces impact sound).

3. Floating click installation: staggered joints, no glue.

4. Expansion gaps around the perimeter and on large areas.

5. Finishing: skirting boards, threshold/transition profiles, and stairs (stair nosing, treads/risers).

Care & cleaning

• Daily: vacuum or sweep + well-wrung damp mop (use a pH-neutral cleaner).

• Avoid: excess water, abrasives, and non-approved waxes/silicones.

• Protect: felt pads under furniture, doormats at entrances.

• Environment: keep 40–65% relative humidity to limit movement.

• Repairs: a damaged plank can be replaced without changing the whole floor.

Laminate vs wood parquet vs vinyl (LVT/SPC)

Laminate flooring (floating/click)

• Pros: price, quick installation, AC4/AC5 surface resistance, huge decor variety.

• Cons: not real wood; even water-resistant versions are not 100% waterproof.

Wood parquet (solid or engineered wood flooring)

• Pros: natural & warm, refinishable (sanding + lacquer/oil), strong aesthetic value.

• Cons: higher investment & care; wood is not waterproof.

Vinyl flooring (LVT / SPC rigid core / click vinyl / PVC)

• Pros: 100% waterproof, ideal for kitchens & bathrooms; quiet and comfortable.

• Cons: wood feel less authentic than real parquet; quality/price vary between LVT and SPC.

Tip: Bathrooms → SPC/LVT waterproof vinyl.
Rest of the home → AC4/AC5 laminate or wood parquet, depending on budget and expectations.

Laminate flooring prices in England

Price per m² depends on AC rating, thickness, texture/finish, water-resistance, format and brand. At Parquets.com you’ll find cheap laminate flooring, special offers, and premium ranges, always with an excellent price–quality ratio and delivery across England. Request a no-obligation quote.

FAQs — Laminate flooring

What’s the difference between parquet and laminate?
Parquet is real wood (solid or engineered). Laminate is synthetic with a printed décor layer. Laminate is more affordable and highly wear-resistant; parquet is refinishable and more authentic.

Can I lay laminate in kitchens or bathrooms?
Kitchen: yes — choose water-resistant laminate. Bathroom: better vinyl (SPC/LVT, 100% waterproof).

How long does laminate last?
With normal use and proper care, 15–25 years (or more, depending on the range).

What do AC4 and AC5 mean?
They’re abrasion-resistance classes: AC4 for heavy residential; AC5 for high-traffic/commercial.

Is laminate compatible with underfloor heating?
Yes, many products are — follow the manufacturer’s guidelines (temperature limits, underlay, thermal resistance).

Can I install laminate over tiles?
Yes, if tiles are flat and stable; add a vapour barrier and the right underlay.

Ready to refresh your home or business?

Explore the Laminate Flooring category on Parquets.com, filter by AC class, colour, format and budget, add skirting boards & accessories, and buy online or request a free quote — with delivery throughout England.

Call us on +34 605 017 555 or email info@parquets.com and an advisor will provide all the information you need (samples, availability, lead times and installation).