B And Q Laminate Flooring

A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Laminate Floors for Your Home

As I stood gazing at the vast selection of laminate flooring at my local B&Q, I couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. With so many options to choose from, how would I ever decide on the perfect floor for my home?

As a first-time homeowner doing minor renovations, I wanted to make sure I was making the right choice. Laminate flooring seemed like a good option for my bedroom and hallway – affordable, easy to install, and more durable than carpets. But I had so many questions! What types of laminate does B&Q sell? How do I know if it’s good quality? Will I be able to install it myself? What’s the best choice for my home and budget?

After spending far too long staring blankly at the sample boards, I decided it was time to do my research. I studied the B&Q website, asked associates in-store for their advice, and read countless reviews online. After hours of information gathering, I can confidently say I’m now a laminate flooring expert (well, almost)!

To help other laminate newbies out there, I’ve put together this complete buying guide for B&Q laminate flooring. Read on for all my best tips and everything you need to know before you shop.

What Types of Laminate Flooring Does B&Q Sell?

B&Q offers a wide range of laminate flooring to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are the main types available:

• 8mm laminate – This is the most affordable and thinnest option. Great for low-traffic areas like bedrooms.
• 12mm laminate – Mid-range thickness with good durability for living rooms and dining rooms.
• 14mm+ thick laminate – Extra thick and hard-wearing, ideal for high traffic areas like hallways and kitchens.
• Ac4 and Ac5 rated – These grades indicate the level of durability. Ac5 is the most durable residential option.
• Textured or embossed surfaces – Looks more realistic than smooth laminate. Many styles mimic wood grain and tile textures.
• Wide and extra-wide planks – Wider planks create a more seamless look. Many are 20cm+ wide.
• Underlay included – Some have a pre-attached foam underlay for noise reduction.
• Aquastop/watersafe laminate – Water-resistant laminate that can be used in kitchens and bathrooms.

So whatever your laminate needs, B&Q is sure to have an option to suit.

Is B&Q Laminate Flooring Good Quality?

The short answer is yes, B&Q’s laminate flooring offers very good quality and value for money. As one of the UK’s largest home improvement retailers, they have built a reputation for reliable laminate flooring.

Several factors contribute to the good quality:

• Manufactured by reputable brands like QuickStep and Wickes.
• Features modern laminate construction with durable surface protection.
• Meets European quality standards for abrasion resistance.
• Rated for residential use for up to 25 years with proper care.
• Realistic textures and finishes. Many mimic wood extremely well.
• Good range caters for all budgets and needs.

Of course, the 8mm basic range won’t be as premium quality as the 14mm thick options. But overall, B&Q’s laminate flooring performs well and offers great quality within each price bracket. The many positive customer reviews are further testament to this.

For DIYers like me, it hits the sweet spot between quality and affordable pricing. I’m confident my new B&Q laminate will stand the test of time!

How Much Does B&Q Laminate Flooring Cost?

One of the biggest benefits of laminate flooring is how affordable it is compared to solid wood or stone flooring. At B&Q, you can find laminate starting from as low as £7 per sqm. This makes it a very budget-friendly flooring option.

Here is a rough overview of the price range for B&Q laminate flooring:

• Basic 8mm laminate – From £7 to £15 per sqm
• Mid-range 12mm laminate – From £15 to £25 per sqm
• Premium 14+mm thick laminate – From £25 to £40+ per sqm
• Aquastop water-resistant laminate – Starts at around £30 per sqm

Of course, the final cost depends on the brand, thickness, quality, and any additional installation costs. But with smart shopping, you can find great quality laminate for under £20 per sqm.

B&Q also regularly offers discounts and sales on selected laminate products. It’s worth keeping an eye out for special offers to bag a flooring bargain.

Overall, laminate flooring provides excellent affordability and value from B&Q. The low cost made it the obvious choice for my home renovation budget.

Does B&Q Laminate Flooring Need Underlay?

Installing a good underlay beneath your laminate planks is essential – it improves sound insulation, comfort, and durability.

Most B&Q laminate flooring does require a separate underlay, but there are two exceptions:

1. Integrated Underlay

Some planks, like B&Q’s own-brand EasyClick laminate, have a pre-attached foam underlay layer. This makes installation quicker as there’s no need for a separate underlay sheet.

Integrated underlay is convenient, but it can’t be extended up the wall as a moisture barrier. So additional foam or polythene may still be required.

2. AquaStop Water-Resistant Laminate

B&Q’s AquaStop laminate features a water-resistant surface and integrated underlay specially designed for bathrooms and kitchens.

But even AquaStop will benefit from an additional thin polythene layer for extra moisture protection.

For any standard laminate, I would recommend using a 2mm to 3mm foam underlay sheet along with a polythene membrane. This gives optimal noise and damp protection.

B&Q sells suitable underlay starting from £10 per roll. Don’t skip this step – good underlay can extend your floor’s lifespan significantly!

Can I Install B&Q Laminate Flooring Myself?

One of the biggest selling points of laminate flooring is how easy it is for DIY installation. Provided you’re reasonably practical, installing B&Q laminate yourself is totally doable.

Here are my top tips for self-installing your new laminate with success:

• Check floor flatness and make any repairs needed
• Remove existing flooring if necessary
• Lay polythene membrane as a moisture barrier
• Lay foam underlay, taping joins
• Ensure a 10mm gap around the perimeter
• Stagger planks randomly for natural look
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for your specific product
• Use spacer blocks to maintain expansion gaps
• Remember that door frames may need undercutting
• Finish edges with trim like scotia or quadrant to hide gaps

Take care when measuring, lay planks gently into place, and use a tapping block rather than hammering directly. Seek advice from B&Q experts if you encounter any issues.

If in doubt, B&Q offer a professional fitting service for around £50 per sqm. But many homeowners successfully install laminate themselves with some patience and care.

How Do I Clean B&Q Laminate Flooring?

Keeping your laminate floors looking pristine doesn’t require much effort, just some simple regular cleaning steps:

• Sweep or vacuum frequently – This removes dust and grit that can quickly damage laminate.
• Use a damp mop – Mop up spills right away. Too much water can seep between planks and damage the core.
• Specialist cleaners – Use an approved laminate floor cleaner like Bona. Don’t use wax or oil-based products.
• Microfibre mops – These are gentler than string mops which can scratch.
• Steam mops – Check if your laminate brand approves steam mop use first.
• Protect high traffic areas – Use mats near exterior doors to reduce dirt and moisture.

Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scourers, and too much liquid. This can damage the laminate surface over time. Follow your manufacturer’s care guidelines.

With regular gentle cleaning and prompt spill removal, B&Q laminate flooring will retain its like-new sheen for many years!

Are There Waterproof Laminate Flooring Options at B&Q?

Traditional laminate and water don’t mix well! But the good news is B&Q offers water-resistant “Aquastop” laminate flooring to cope with splashes and spills.

Aquastop laminate has special coatings to repel water, plus integrated underlay for moisture protection. Top options include:

• Vale Royal Aquastop Laminate – Highly popular with 10 year guarantee
• QuickStep Aquastop – Well-known brand with stylish finishes
• Wickes Aquastop – Great value range in many wood styles
• B&Q EasyClick Aquastop – own brand with simple click fitting

Aquastop laminate can be used for kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. The joints are watertight but any spills should still be wiped up promptly.

For frequently wet areas like shower cubicles, solid wood or vinyl may be better options. But for occasional splashes, Aquastop is a great water-resistant choice from B&Q.

What Are the Best-Selling Laminate Flooring Styles at B&Q?

Searching through the huge laminate selection at B&Q, you’ll spot some clear best-sellers:

• Light oak designs – a timeless, versatile look that suits any home
• Rustic grey wood styles – on-trend and modern but with a cosy natural feel
• White washed oak effect – flooded with light and pairs well with any colour scheme
• Walnut reproductions – rich chocolate browns that feel warm and welcoming
• Classic wood herringbones – traditional statement patterns for period properties
• Stone and slate effects – hard-wearing laminate that mimics tile textures

Of course, taste is personal but you can’t go wrong with a light or rustic oak effect for easy style. Grey tones suit modern properties and add sophistication.

Browse the ranges at your local B&Q to find your perfect match. There’s sure to be a best-selling design that catches your eye!

Does B&Q Laminate Flooring Come With a Warranty?

One of the big plus points of buying your flooring from a major retailer like B&Q is the peace of mind offered by product warranties.

Most B&Q laminate floors come guaranteed for:

• 10 or 15 years domestic use when installed correctly
• 5 years for commercial use

This covers manufacturing defects causing issues like warping, swelling or premature wear.

To benefit, register your warranty and follow the care guidelines provided. Excessive water damage or improper installation can invalidate the warranty.

AquaStop laminate may come with more generous 20-25 year guarantees when used in wet rooms. Always check warranty terms for your selected product.

While laminate won’t last a lifetime like solid wood, a 10+ year warranty from respected brands provides great reassurance for DIY floor layers like me!

Are There Discounts on Laminate Flooring at B&Q?

The affordable pricing of B&Q’s laminate makes it budget-friendly to start with. But it’s still worth keeping an eye out for special offers and seasonal sales to maximize savings.

Here are some tips to score discounts on your laminate flooring:

• Check for percentage sales offered on flooring ranges or wider home improvement deals.
• Look for exclusive online discounts – you can sometimes save 5-10% ordering online.
• Sign up for B&Q’s newsletter to receive vouchers and promo codes straight to your inbox.
• Download the B&Q app for mobile discounts and convenient shopping.
• Buy popular stock in bulk for a reduced square metre price.
• Wait for seasonal sales events, like summer sales or Black Friday deals.
• Consider end-of-line or clearance stock but check quality first.

With some strategic timing, you could potentially get great quality laminate flooring for under £10 per square metre. That’s an absolute bargain!

Just don’t compromise on quality to save a few pounds. Cheap low density laminate won’t wear well in the long run.

How Do I Choose the Right Laminate Flooring at B&Q?

With so much choice, how do you decide what’s right for your project? Here are my top tips for choosing the perfect B&Q laminate floor:

• Browse the ranges on display for a style you love to walk on every day.
• Consider the room size and your own lifestyle and taste.
• Choose 8mm for low use bedrooms, 12mm for living rooms or dining rooms, and 14mm for high traffic hallways and kitchens. Match the thickness to the use.
• Ensure any product has at least an AC4 abrasion rating for residential use. AC5 is best for busy areas.
• Opt for textured finishes rather than smooth if you want a very natural wood effect.
• Seek advice from sales assistants – they know which products are most popular or hardwearing.
• Check online reviews of any floor you’re considering to learn from others’ experiences.
• Remember an underlay is essential, unless the product has integrated padding.

Take home samples if you’re undecided between a few options. You can view how they look in different lighting before committing.

Does B&Q Offer Professional Installation for Laminate Flooring?

If you’re not feeling confident about tackling a DIY laminate installation, B&Q does offer professional fitting services in-store.

Getting B&Q to install your new laminate costs around £50 per m2 depending on the complexity. This covers labour and any additional materials needed like underlay and trim.

There may be surcharges for certain tasks like moving existing furniture or removing flooring waste. Always get a detailed quote upfront.

Pros of getting professional fitting:

• Saves time and hassle if you lead a busy life
• Offers peace of mind the job will be done right
• No disposal of old flooring needed
• Experts can handle tricky floor cuts and obstacles

The key advantage is having the precision and finesse of tradespeople. Your floor will look pristine with smooth cuts and transitions.

Just remember to schedule the installation several weeks in advance as demand is usually high.

Is B&Q Laminate Flooring Suitable for Kitchens?

Laminate may not seem an obvious choice for a room prone to spills and high traffic. But modern laminate is actually very well-suited to kitchen use.

Here’s why B&Q’s laminate can work beautifully in kitchens:

• Textured surfaces add grip underfoot, preventing slips.
• Durable AC5 rated options withstand heavy usage. Go for 14mm+ thickness.
• Impermeable joints prevent water ingress when cleaned promptly.
• No grout lines makes laminate very easy to keep clean.
• Warm wood tones or slate effects complement any kitchen aesthetic.
• Affordable cost makes it achievable for any budget.

Just choose plank widths greater than 20cm so joints are minimised. And opt for water-resistant Aquastop laminate for best splash protection and peace of mind.

With the right product choice, B&Q laminate flooring is a practical and stylish kitchen floor surface.

Can I Use B&Q Laminate Flooring in Bathrooms?

Bathrooms demand moisture resistant flooring. Traditional laminate is prone to water damage so hasn’t been suitable.

But modern aquastop laminate is specially designed with bathroom use in mind. Brands like QuickStep and Wickes offer water-resistant laminate ranges at B&Q ideal for bathrooms.

Key benefits of using aquastop laminate in bathrooms:

• Waterproof surface allows spills to be easily wiped away
• Can withstand exposure to splashes and humidity
• Won’t swell or warp when damp
• Pre-attached underlay provides cushioning and insulation
• Easy DIY fitting around awkward pipework
• Affordable compared to vinyl or wet room systems

Just avoid direct prolonged contact with water. And silicone seal with baths or shower trays for optimal water protection.

With aquastop laminate, achieving a beautiful wood or slate effect bathroom floor is now possible. No longer limited to cold hard tiles!

What is the Delivery Time for B&Q Laminate Flooring?

Once you’ve settled on your perfect laminate flooring, you’ll be itching to get it home and installed!

So how long will you have to wait for delivery? B&Q offers several options:

• In-store collection – Buy online and collect in as little as one hour if in stock at your local store. This is the fastest option.
• Standard Home Delivery – 3-7 working days from order at £5 for small items or £20 for large.
• Next Day Delivery – Guaranteed next day for orders placed before 4pm. From £10.
• Room of Choice – Have your flooring delivered and laid in the room of your choice from just £50 per m2.
• Click & Collect Counter – Order online and collect from a help point in just 2 hours.

With Click & Collect or quick home delivery, you could be installing your B&Q laminate within days of ordering. Get the kettle on and prepare to transform your room!

Does B&Q Laminate Flooring Look Like Real Wood?

As an affordable alternative to solid wood, laminate offers realistic wood effects without the higher cost. But just how convincing is it visually?

B&Q’s laminate when chosen carefully can mimic real wood remarkably well. Here’s why it hits the mark:

• Textured and embossed finishes – Grain patterns and knots feel realistic underfoot. Many recreate textures of oak, walnut and pine.
• Variation between planks – Different grain patterns and photorealistic colour finishes prevent repetitive appearance.
• Wide and extra wide boards – Wider planks look more like traditional floorboards. Many options are 20cm+ in width.
• Quality photography – Print technology allows very convincing images of real wood species to be reproduced on laminate.
• Distressed or brushed textures – Wire brushing and aged effects replicate signs of wear and tear in actual wood.
• Modern construction – Colour-fast laminate prevents fading, unlike real wood floors which slowly alter over time.

Good quality laminate can certainly pass for solid oak at a casual glance! Just don’t inspect up too close. The difference in texture gives it away on closer inspection.

How Do I Measure My Room for B&Q Laminate Flooring?

Accurate room measurements are crucial when calculating how much laminate flooring to purchase. Here’s how to measure up like a pro:

• Use a laser measure – More accurate than tape measures to account for wall angles and corners.
• Record in metres – Shopping for flooring is easier when your plan is metric.
• Measure length and width – Multiply for the total square metre coverage needed.
• Note any irregular angles – Offset rooms or alcoves that require cutting in.
• Add an extra 5-10% – This provides a buffer for wastage and errors.
• Measure cupboards separately – Deduct any fixed cabinets which won’t need flooring beneath.
• Check door clearance – Measure thickness of doors to calculate if undercutting is needed.
• Account for expansion gaps – Ensure your plan includes the 10mm gap around all edges.

Follow manufacturer guideance for calculating the correct quantities. Accurate measurements will give your project a professional finish.

Are There Eco-Friendly Laminate Flooring Options at B&Q?

More of us want to make greener choices for our homes. The good news is B&Q offers plenty of environmentally-friendly laminate options.

Look for the following eco credentials when shopping green laminate at B&Q:

• FSC and PEFC certification – Indicates timber sourced from responsibly managed forests.
• High recycled content – Many contain 60% or more recycled wood fibre.
• Low VOC emissions – Important for good indoor air quality.
• Water-based finishes – More environmentally friendly than chemical lacquers.
• Sourced within Europe – Look for products made locally to reduce transport impacts.

While no flooring is 100% sustainable, opting for certified and recycled laminate is an eco-wise choice. And of course its long lifespan means less filling up landfill over time.

You can refresh your home in an eco-friendly way with B&Q’s wide range of green laminate flooring.

Can I Return Unused B&Q Laminate Flooring?

Ordering flooring involves a lot of measuring and calculating. What if you end up with excess boards left after finishing the installation?

The good news is B&Q offers a flexible returns policy on unopened laminate packs:

• Full refund within 90 days – Just show proof of purchase
• Opened packs can’t be returned – Unless defective
• Check condition before return – Avoid any damage to get your refund

It’s smart to keep all packaging in case you do need to return unused laminate. Repack carefully to avoid unwanted damage.

Returning excess boards makes sense financially and environmentally rather than waste. Just ensure you’ve calculated the floor area accurately when ordering to minimize excess.

How Do I Repair Scratches on B&Q Laminate Flooring?

Laminate is designed for durability, but accidents happen and scratches can occur over time. Here are tips for repairing superficial damage:

• For light scratches, simply rub along the grain with a colour-matched wax stick to fill in.
• Deeper gouges will need filler applied with a blade before rubbing with wax.
• Badly damaged boards may need fully replacing if damage is extensive.
• Use flooring paint pens to easily touch up any scrapes near edges or trims.
• Place felt pads under furniture to prevent future scratching from chair legs or appliances.
• Consider floor-protecting mats in high traffic zones.

Minor scratches are almost inevitable. But laminate should stand up well to regular foot traffic with just the odd dent or mark. Prompt cleaning and repairs will keep your B&Q floor looking its best.

So there you have my complete guide to navigating the laminate flooring ranges at B&Q! I hope these tips help you choose your dream floor with confidence. Just don’t spend 3 hours staring blankly like I did – doing your research will make the process so much easier.

With the right B&Q laminate and professional looking installation, you can transform any room on a budget. Just don’t forget the all-important underlay and enjoy your new floor! Let me know how your project goes – I love hearing other DIY success stories. Happy shopping and renovating!