If you’re on the hunt for durable laminate flooring that can truly withstand the daily wear and tear of a busy household or commercial property, look no further. At Flooring Factory Outlet in Croydon, we understand that selecting a hard-wearing floor is a significant investment. We specialise in supplying quality flooring that offers lasting performance, especially for areas facing heavy footfall.

Discover why choosing commercial-grade laminate flooring is a practical, stylish, and cost-effective way to refresh your home or business premises in the UK.

Laminate is a modern marvel, engineered for durability and designed for life. Here are the core reasons why it’s the top choice for resilience:

When searching for laminate flooring near me, choosing a local, trusted supplier offers superior service and value.

Investing in quality durable laminate flooring from a reliable source is a decision that pays off in both practical function and aesthetic appeal. Whether you require robust commercial-grade laminate flooring for your business premises or an extra hard-wearing laminate for a busy family home, Flooring Factory Outlet has the perfect solution.

Visit us in Croydon today to explore our full range of water-resistant laminate flooring and more. Let us help you create a beautiful, practical floor that will stand the test of time and busy UK life.

Ready to upgrade your floors?Come and see our selection or give us a ring, your new, long-lasting flooring is just around the corner!

Installing laminate flooring is an excellent way to transform your home with a sleek, modern finish. In this step-by-step guide on how to install laminate floors, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from preparation to those final finishing touches for flooring edges. Follow these simple steps to achieve a professional-looking result and avoid common installation mistakes.

Proper subfloor preparation is essential for a flawless finish.

Proper underlay selection impacts comfort and durability.

By following this step-by-step guide on how to install laminate floors, you can confidently upgrade your space with durable, beautiful floors. Careful subfloor preparation, proper underlay selection, and attention to finishing details ensure long-lasting results. Avoid common installation mistakes, take your time, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done!

Laminate floors were first introduced in the late 1990s and revolutionised the flooring industry with its cost-effective solutions and durable nature. It has always been the go-to choice for those on a budget. But today, laminate is also being chosen for its ability to match the look of any natural material. You can achieve that old world charm of real wood or the modern flair of tile with laminate, at a fraction of the cost of real materials. 

If you are considering laminate floors, you might wonder if it is right for you. The good news is that the pros thankfully, outweigh the cons. So, here’s a rundown on laminate floors to give you a deeper insight into this versatile material. 

Highly affordable: Compared to real wood and tile, laminate floors are extremely affordable. Besides the cost of purchase, even installation and maintenance costs are lower in comparison to most flooring materials.

Durable: Modern-day laminate floors come packed with robust layers and can perform well under the heaviest of foot traffic. It can weather most everyday challenges, with scratch, burn and stain resistance, UV resistance and water-resistance embedded in. Making it perfect for busy households with children and pets, as well as bustling commercial spaces. 

Sustainable solution: For environment-conscious individuals, it is easy to find laminate floors made out of recycled materials and some brands even offer environmental certification.

Design and customization possibilities: Today’s laminate floors offer you such a wide range of colours, designs and finishes that you would be spoilt for choice. Every type of wood or tile look can be mimicked to photorealistic perfection. Since laminate floor’s image layer has printed designs on it, it is even possible to customise your flooring. Beveling, embossing and gloss effects are also possible, making it a creative playground like no other.

Laminate’s versatility also allows you to experiment and play with different looks in every room of your home or office. A kitchen or pantry could sport ceramic tiles, while a living room or meeting room could flaunt a classic oak wood appearance. 

Easy installation: Generally, laminate floors are installed as a floating floor, which means it can be laid right on top of the existing sub-floor. It usually consists of interlocking panels, which means no adhesive, nails or staples are necessary. This makes laminate floors one of the easiest to install and can even be taken on as a DIY project – saving you more money on installation costs. The installation requires only a few tools, most of which are normally around the house. 

Simple Maintenance: Cleaning and care is a breeze with laminate and it takes very little effort, beyond the regular sweeping and mopping to keep your floors looking great for years.

Susceptible to water damage: Whilemodern-day laminate floors come with built-in moisture resistance, oversaturation of any liquid can make the planks buckle, stain or break down completely if ignored for too long. Water-damaged planks or tiles must be removed and replaced entirely. Since laminate floors have a layered composition with a wear layer, it can never be refinished, like in the case of real wood. 

Once damaged, laminate floors can only be replaced. Minor scratches, dents and tears can usually be fixed by using wax pencils or repair putty, but large amounts of damage means replacing the plank or board entirely.

It is important to remember that laminate floors are moisture or water resistant, not moisture or waterproof. A major spill or excessive water exposure could seriously damage your floor. With newer technology underway, some laminates are being developed with better waterproofing abilities. But until then, it’s best to install laminate floors in areas less susceptible to water or extreme changes in temperature.

The lack of authenticity: Despite the high quality and hyperrealism of laminate floors, they can never pass off as the real thing on closer examination. While the look will be the same as any natural material, the feel of laminate floor is very different from wood or tile. For those of you who prefer authenticity, laminate might not be the right choice. 

Noisier than natural materials: When compared to wood or tile, laminate makes a hollow sound and can be quite noisy. But this is a problem that can be easily solved with proper underlayment. Thankfully, there are noise-absorbing underlayment options that will help reduce the noise of laminate floors. 

If you are shopping for laminate floors, research brands according to your specific needs. If you’re looking for an affordable, durable floor with plenty of design options and an easy installation process, laminate flooring may be the right choice for you. 

At Flooring Factory Outlet, you can find a huge clearance stock of bargain laminate flooring, all with significant discounts compared to high street stores.

For a free consultation with our experts, call us on 020 3004 6630or email at sales@flooringfactoryoutlet.co.uk

Whether you have a busy office or a quaint café, chances are you would be looking for floors that are cost-effective, attractive and incredibly durable. Laminate floors tick all the boxes in this regard. Today, laminate floors also come in a wide variety of colours, styles and finishes including eco-friendly options, so you are bound to find one that suits your business. Wood-look or tile-look, the creative possibilities are endless. 

But, first things first. Commercial spaces have their unique challenges unlike residential spaces. Heavy foot traffic, everyday wear and tear and overhead costs would be the most practical considerations. What should you keep an eye out for while choosing laminate floors?

The AC rating: Each type of laminate floor is assigned something called the Abrasion Class or AC rating, which determines how much foot traffic the floor can withstand. Basically, the higher the AC rating, the sturdier the laminate floor. Typically, you would need to look for AC 4, AC 5 or AC 6 ratings for commercial spaces. If your space sees a lot of foot traffic and heavy wear and tear, always opt for AC 5 rating laminate floor or higher.

The wear layer: Look for laminate floors with a thicker wear layer. Especially because laminate floors cannot be refinished like real wood if damaged, and will need replacement of the entire board. 

Lifespan: Laminate flooring warranties range from ten years to a lifetime. Floors installed in commercial settings must have commercial warranty specified by the manufacturer. For your business flooring, it is important that you opt for commercial warranties, so you can be sure you are covered for any potential damages.

Moisture and slip resistance: Look for laminate floors that have the ability to withstand clumsy spills and changes in temperature. This will ensure that your floor will be less susceptible to damage from moisture and humidity. Slip resistance is also a key consideration in commercial spaces, especially hospitals and schools to reduce the risk of accidents.

Acoustics and comfort: When it comes to an office space, a comfortable and noise-absorbing floor makes all the difference. Look for a laminate floor that provides sound insulation and is ideally paired with an underlayment for underfoot comfort.

Laminate flooring has come a long way and today, you have a plethora of colours, designs and finishes to choose from. From traditional wood and stone looks to ultramodern patterns and colors. Whether you wish to go for a warm and inviting look or a sleek, sophisticated one, laminate flooring’s versatility complements it all. 

Choosing colours: Your choice of colours and finish will purely depend on the type of business and what you want your space to project. For instance, a nursery would want to seem warm and cosy. Choose softer and lighter laminate floor colours like beige or taupe coloured wood look that make a room appear larger and airier. 

On the other hand, a law firm would want to look imposing and sophisticated. Dark wood, honey brown shades or deep grey tones would lend that look of quiet elegance and authority when paired with the right accessories. Salons and cafes could go in for brightly coloured laminate tiles to make the space appear cheery and bright.

Experiment with patterns: Why choose a regular laminate floor when you can go for parquet? Parquet floors like herringbone and chevron give your commercial space that extra oomph and a great first impression. You can explore creative possibilities by mixing and matching different patterns and colours to make the space even more vibrant. 

Consider breakout spaces: Modern day offices and work areas are veering towards open plan layouts and collaborative breakout spaces. You can create this visual separation of breakout spaces by simply choosing an opposite laminate floor design. For instance, if the entire office space is designed with wide plank laminate flooring, the breakout space can be created with a herringbone laminate floor. This helps maintain the openness of the office, yet manages to separate these huge spans with contrasting colours and textures.

Gone are the days when cost and durability were the only factors in commercial space design. Today, workplace environments are all about aesthetically beautiful and comfortable spaces that lift up the team’s morale. 

Laminate floors with their limitless possibilities will help make your commercial space feel impressive and more functional.  If you are looking for superlative laminate flooring at the best possible prices, Flooring Factory Outlet will not disappoint you. New lines of stock are being added constantly to give you an even wider choice. With a combination of high-quality laminate floors, customised options and large inventory, we can help turn your commercial space into your dream work space.

For a free consultation with our experts, call on 020 3004 6630 or email at sales@flooringfactoryoutlet.co.uk

For many years, laminate flooring was chosen when a cost-effective solution was the need of the hour. Not anymore. Today, you can see laminate flooring being used in some of the most high-end projects across the country and it’s slowly becoming a style statement of sorts. This is, in part, thanks to the hyper-realistic look of modern-day laminate that can mimic natural materials to perfection. 

Besides the affordability, laminate floors do away with the disadvantages of natural materials by packing in moisture resistance, extreme durability, slip resistance and ease of installation.  

When it comes to maintenance too, you will be surprised to know that it takes the bare minimum effort to keep your laminate floors looking great for years.

Laminate flooring is quite durable and provides a surface that does not damage easily, making it ideal for even high traffic areas. As long as regular cleaning and basic maintenance are kept up, laminate flooring will retain it’s beauty and last a long, long time. 

Regular cleaning is a must to keep your laminate floors looking good and performing well. It’s essential though to know how to best clean your laminate floor and we would always recommend reading the care manual from your manufacturer beforehand. Different brands of laminate might have very different and very specific instructions as to cleaning and maintenance.

Below are some of the general care instructions for every type of laminate floor:

Make sure to sweep or vacuum your laminate floor regularly to get rid of grit and debris that can scratch your floor. It is important to keep your floor clear of dirt, so it looks as good as the day it was installed.  

Make sure to sweep off all soil and grime before wet mopping or you’ll just be spreading the dirt all around and possibly scratching the floor’s surface with leftover grit.

Usually, laminate floors require mopping just once a month. You don’t need to over-mop as this can also damage your floor. But whenever you mop, it is important to wring out excess water from the mop. As laminate flooring is susceptible to damage from water, ensure you use a damp mop and not one that is soaking wet. Remember to mop very gently. It’s best to use a microfibre mop, so the floor doesn’t get too wet. 

In most cases, laminate floors can be cleaned with just warm water. Do not use detergent, soap  or oil-based cleaners on laminate floors because they leave a sticky residue and don’t rinse off well.

In case you need to use a cleaning solution, remember that not all cleaners are born equal. Ordinary cleaners can affect the sealant and be abrasive to the wear layer of your laminate floor. That’s why it’s essential to find a cleaning solution meant for laminate floors – which is easily available at your manufacturer, local hardware shops or online. 

Although this seems like a no-brainer, this aspect is surprisingly often overlooked. Any liquid that sits on your laminate floor for too long is likely to stain and cause permanent damage to your floor. Wipe off any spill with a soft cloth immediately. If need be, use a wet cloth with the water wrung out. Just good, old water is good enough. It’s best to avoid abrasive and harsh cleaning materials.  

This simple step is the secret to getting a squeaky clean and gleaming laminate floor. Always dry the floor to get rid of any leftover water spots as well as remove leftover soil that’s remaining on the floor right after mopping. You will be surprised how much dirt might actually still be remaining on your floor even after careful sweeping and mopping. 

Dry the floor with a pure cotton bath towel, terry cloth or any other soft cloth.

There are innumerable household hacks out there, on every possible social media platform. But how do you know which ones to trust? We would recommend looking for those that are from credible and professional sources, like ones from certified flooring experts or manufacturers. 

One such hack is rubbing alcohol, which works great to remove oil-based stains such as crayons and nail polish. Instead of scrapping candle wax off your floor, harden it with a bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a tea towel and then gently lift if off the floor.  

Even when it comes to cleaning, you can use household items like 1 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of warm water. This leaves the floors shiny, streak and residue-free with no second rinse required. If you are concerned about the vinegar smell, don’t worry – it will vanish once it dries and plus, it helps deodorise the room. 

When it comes to flooring, prevention is better than cure. Regular maintenance will ensure the longevity of your laminate floors and prevent damage in the long run. 

The sharp edges of furniture legs can cause indents and scratches to your laminate flooring, especially when you drag or move furniture around. Placing felt pads underneath the legs is a great and inexpensive way to help prevent this.

Pets are one of the most common reasons for damage to laminate floors. They are prone to scratching on floors and it would be best to make sure their nails are kept short.  

To prevent unwanted debris and dirt from entering the house and potentially scratching your laminate floors, it’s better to place mats or rugs at entry and exit points. By making sure your family and guests keep their footwear clean, you are less likely to damage your floors with dirt or grit from outside.  

Floors for life
If you are in the market for a great flooring solution that is also low-maintenance, laminate is hard to beat. At Flooring Factory Outlet, you will find the widest range of laminate flooring from the best brands at bargain prices. To know more, call us on 020 3004 6630 or email at sales@flooringfactoryoutlet.co.uk

Whenever anyone mentions laminate flooring, most consumers think of a plastic-type, unnatural looking floor that simply offered a low-cost, low-maintenance option. Here’s the good part. While laminate floors retain the cost and maintenance advantage, they now look incredibly realistic – mimicking wood and stone to sheer perfection. Laminate now offers a wide range of colours and designs, allowing you to achieve your desired aesthetic.

With breakthrough technological advances, laminate floors have indeed come a long way. In fact, they are now considered statement floors.

Let’s take a look at what’s trending in the world of laminate floors in terms of colours, textures and patterns. We hope it gives you the inspiration and insights to help you make the right choice for your space.

In 2023, laminate flooring colour trends range from the bold and daring to muted, soothing tones. 

Edgy and sleek: Grey laminate floors offer an urban, contemporary look, and are the perfect balance between too light and too dark. Grey floors are surprisingly versatile too. Lighter shades make a room feel spacious and airy, while darker tones add character and sophistication. Besides, grey can lend itself easily to any design aesthetic. 

Warm and earthy: Let’s face it. Oak in all its colour variants is timeless and it remains a popular choice of laminate flooring. This wood-look floor makes a room feel warm and inviting, while adding a touch of nature indoors. And there is no dearth of shades to choose from – whether you desire light, medium or dark. Oak laminate floors pair especially well with traditional, rustic or farmhouse style of interiors.  

Balmy and bright: Remember all those sunny, refreshing days at the beach? Or the soothing sea breeze of a coastal countryside? Whitewashed laminate floors are all the rage now, since they tend to evoke the light and fresh feel of the coast. 

Since these floors have a pristine and bright appearance, they make a room appear more spacious. Whitewashed laminate floors work well across various décor styles and not just a beach-inspired one. So if you opt for minimalistic Scandinavian or Japandi style interiors, these would be a great option.

Regal and sophisticated: Walnut laminate floors are perfect for spaces that exude luxury. The intensely rich textural variations and the deep brown shades add undeniable elegance. Walnut laminate floors complement formal areas or spaces that require a refined and elegant look. 

Intense and dramatic: If you wish to make a statement, look no further than black laminate floors. It’s bold, in-your-face glamourous and extremely modern. Those of you looking at industrial chic or edgy spaces should consider the dramatic impact of black laminate. You can also consider creating more impact by offsetting these black floors with light coloured accessories for a striking visual contrast. 

The smooth, shiny or glossy look is so passé in 2023. This year is all about complex textural variations. Think rustic, raw wood-look floors characterised by knots, scrapes, burns and tons of colour and shade variances.  

Reclaimed wood look: Reclaimed wood floors take old building materials and recycle them, making these floors eco-friendly and incredibly interesting. This wood can come from anywhere – old barns, decks of ships, a Victorian mansion or even wine barrels. While laminate flooring can never replicate the true character of reclaimed wood, it comes fairly close to the look of the floor. 

Reclaimed wood laminate floors look naturally distressed and hand scraped. So you can expect to see randomized scrapes, burns, knots, and wormholes that lend so much character and depth to any room.

Embossed in register: For those of you who can’t afford the high costs associated with real wood floors, this is a great alternative. The embossed in register surface offers hyper-realistic wood textures by creating indentations to mimic natural wood grains. So it feels texturally so much like the real thing. 

Distressed wood look: Like in the previous year, we see a move towards more character, more warmth and more homeliness in flooring choices. Which is why the weathered and distressed look is becoming increasingly popular. 

Rustic and hand-scraped: Hand-scraping makes each plank appear handcrafted and one of a kind. This look is often very expensive in solid wood, but notably less expensive in lookalike laminate.

Patterns are here to stay and rightfully so. As consumers get bolder with flooring choices and no longer satisfied with ‘safe’ options, patterned or parquet laminate floors are making an impact.

Herringbone: Herringbone is gaining popularity thanks to its striking visual impact. This intricate, angled, zig-zag pattern is a breathtaking first impression and has the ability to make a room appear larger with its abstraction. 

Herringbone laminate patterns with longer or wider plank looks are in the spotlight right now, since they instantly modernise an old flooring style.

Chevron: This type of pattern is different from herringbone in the way the planks are angled. Chevron laminate floors are also great conversation-starters.

Wide and long plank looks: Extra large, extra thin or extra long is the way to go this year with laminate floors. These floors are making their mark in modern homes and offices for their ability to open up a room, making it appear larger and less cluttered. It’s the zen of all flooring types and it’s here to stay.

Laminate flooring technology is constantly evolving. So it’s safe to assume that laminate will soon rival every other type of flooring. When it comes to choosing the right one for your space, consider your overall design scheme, lighting arrangements and personal style – and you are bound to find one that resonates with you. 
In fact, at Flooring Factory Outlet, you can browse through the widest selection of high-quality laminate flooring at bargain prices. Talk to our experts on 020 3004 6630or email at sales@flooringfactoryoutlet.co.uk