How to fit laminate flooring in a bathroom

Choosing the right flooring can truly make or break a room. Most of the time, homeowners make their choice based on what looks best. However, when it comes to bathrooms, performance is the most critical factor. When it comes to updating your bathroom flooring, there are several options available. In this article, we assess the pros and cons of fitting laminate flooring in your bathroom.

Is it ok to put laminate flooring in a bathroom?

It might come as a surprise to some of you, but laminate flooring is an excellent option for bathroom flooring. This is because laminate flooring features resin-impregnated paper atop a wood chip base. The top layer of the material, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘wear layer’ provides protection against water and scratches. However, this isn’t to say that the material is completely waterproof. In fact, without the correct installation, laminate flooring can become damaged by excess water.

Why install laminate floor?

There are many reasons why you might install laminate flooring in your bathroom. For one, laminate flooring is an economical choice, especially when compared to porcelain or natural stone. Unlike those options, laminate flooring is a hybrid floor covering giving homeowners the best of both worlds. The material has the look of real hardwood, but with modern features like tongue-and-groove style joining boards, which makes installation easier. On top of that, laminate flooring is effortless to clean and provides excellent protection against scratches.

How much would it cost to fit laminate flooring?

One of the best things about laminate flooring is that it’s inexpensive. In fact, some laminate flooring options can be bought for just £6.50 per square metre. While the cost of the material is low, installation costs are slightly higher. Most tradespeople will charge around £8 to £12 per square metre to fit the material. In recent years, some tradespeople have started charging a daily rate to complete the job, which is often around £150.

How long to fit laminate flooring?

It all depends on the size of the job, but laminate flooring is quick to fit in the right hands. Professional installers will be able to finish a 45 square metre space in around a day or two. However, if you’re looking to do the job yourself, aim to have the bathroom finished in approximately three days. Although the process of fitting laminate flooring can be easy, it’s tougher to do in bathrooms as you have to work around existing elements like toilets and sinks.

Who fits laminate flooring?

If you really want to, you can fit laminate flooring for yourself. However, we’d recommend leaving the task to a qualified expert. This is particularly true for bathrooms, where laminate flooring must be installed correctly to protect against water. With a poor installation, moisture from the bathroom can affect the wood base. This is a severe issue, as water damage to laminate flooring is tough to fix. To best protect your investment, look to use a trusted tradesperson website like Checkatrade.