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Common UK Laminate Plank Sizes
Laminate flooring sold in the UK comes in a range of plank sizes. The dimensions affect both the look of the finished floor and how many packs you need. Wider, longer planks create a more premium, modern appearance but tend to cost more per square metre. Here are the most common sizes you will find at major UK retailers:
| Plank Size (mm) | Planks/Pack | Coverage/Pack | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,285 × 192 | 8 | 1.97 m² | Standard — most popular |
| 1,380 × 193 | 8 | 2.13 m² | Long plank premium |
| 1,200 × 190 | 8 | 1.82 m² | Compact / budget |
| 1,286 × 194 | 7 | 1.75 m² | Quick-Step standard |
| 1,380 × 244 | 6 | 2.02 m² | Wide plank premium |
| 1,285 × 327 | 6 | 2.52 m² | Extra-wide plank |
| 1,200 × 400 | 5 | 2.40 m² | Tile-effect laminate |
| 394 × 118 | 24 | 1.12 m² | Herringbone parquet |
Complete Guide to Laminate Flooring in the UK
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic product designed to simulate the appearance of natural wood, stone, or tile. It consists of four layers: a backing layer for moisture resistance and stability, a core layer of high-density fibreboard (HDF) that provides structural strength, a photographic design layer that creates the realistic wood-grain appearance, and a transparent wear layer that protects against scratches, stains, and fading. Laminate has become one of the most popular flooring choices in UK homes due to its affordability, ease of installation, and wide range of designs.
Laminate Thickness Guide
Thickness is one of the most important factors in laminate quality. Thicker laminate feels more solid underfoot, provides better sound insulation, and generally lasts longer. Here is what each thickness range offers:
- 6–7mm: Budget option. Fine for bedrooms and low-traffic areas. May feel hollow underfoot without good underlay. Expect 5–10 years lifespan.
- 8mm: The most popular mid-range choice. Suitable for living rooms and moderate traffic. Good balance of cost and quality. 10–15 year lifespan.
- 10–12mm: Premium quality. Feels solid and substantial. Excellent for hallways, living rooms, and high-traffic areas. Often comes with longer warranties of 20–30 years.
AC Ratings Explained
Laminate flooring carries an AC (Abrasion Class) rating from AC1 to AC5. This rating indicates how well the surface resists wear:
- AC1: Light residential — closets, bedrooms with light use
- AC2: General residential — bedrooms, dining rooms
- AC3: Heavy residential / light commercial — living rooms, hallways, kitchens
- AC4: General commercial — offices, shops, restaurants
- AC5: Heavy commercial — department stores, public buildings
For most UK homes, AC3 is the minimum recommended rating for living rooms and hallways. If you have pets or children, AC4 provides extra durability and is well worth the small additional cost.
Underlay Requirements
Every laminate floor needs underlay, unless the laminate has it pre-attached (sometimes called “integrated underlay” or “attached pad”). Standard 3mm foam underlay costs around £1–2 per square metre and is suitable for most installations. For ground-floor concrete subfloors, always use underlay with a built-in DPM (damp-proof membrane) or lay a separate polythene sheet first. For upper floors in flats or semi-detached houses, consider acoustic underlay to reduce sound transmission — this is a requirement under Part E of the Building Regulations for some conversions. Use our underlay calculator to work out exactly what you need.
Expansion Gaps
Laminate flooring is a “floating floor” — it is not fixed to the subfloor. Instead, the planks click together and the entire floor sits on top of the underlay. Because laminate expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes, you must leave a minimum 10mm expansion gap around the entire perimeter of the room, including around pipes, door frames, and any other fixed objects. Use spacers during installation and remove them once the floor is complete. The gap is hidden by skirting boards or scotia beading.
Direction of Laying
There are no structural rules for which direction to lay laminate planks. The choice is entirely visual. Most fitters recommend running planks parallel to the longest wall or towards the main light source (the largest window). In long, narrow hallways, laying planks lengthwise makes the space appear wider. For open-plan areas, choose a direction and maintain it through all connected rooms for visual continuity.
UK Laminate Flooring Costs in 2026
UK laminate prices vary considerably depending on brand, thickness, and AC rating. Here are typical price ranges at major UK retailers in 2026:
| Quality Tier | Price/m² | Pack Price (approx.) | Typical Brand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (6–7mm, AC2) | £8–£12 | £15–£22 | GoodHome (B&Q), Colours |
| Mid-range (8mm, AC3) | £14–£20 | £25–£38 | Pergo, Kaindl, Elka |
| Premium (10–12mm, AC4) | £22–£30 | £40–£55 | Quick-Step, Kronospan, Egger |
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Frequently Asked Questions
The most common UK laminate plank sizes are 1,285mm × 192mm (standard), 1,380mm × 193mm (long plank), and 1,200mm × 190mm (compact). Pack coverage typically ranges from 1.72 m² to 2.47 m² depending on the number of planks per pack.
Budget laminate flooring costs £8–12 per square metre, mid-range options are £14–20/m², and premium laminate runs £22–30/m² at UK retailers such as B&Q, Wickes, and Carpetright. Packs typically cost £15–45 each depending on the brand and quality.
Yes, laminate flooring always requires underlay. It provides cushioning, sound insulation, and a moisture barrier. Use 3mm foam underlay for standard installations or 5mm fibreboard underlay for additional sound insulation. Some premium laminates come with underlay pre-attached.
Leave a minimum 10mm expansion gap around the entire perimeter of the room, including around any pipes, door frames, and fixed objects. This allows the laminate to expand and contract naturally. The gap will be covered by skirting boards or beading.
Lay laminate planks parallel to the longest wall or towards the main light source for the best visual result. In narrow hallways, lay planks lengthways to make the space appear wider. There is no structural requirement — it is purely aesthetic.