Laminate Flooring for Kitchens: UK Guide

Laminate flooring works in kitchens if you choose water-resistant laminate with sealed edges and wipe spills immediately.

Use water-resistant laminate with AC4+ rating for kitchens. Sealed click joints delay swelling for 24–72 hours after spills. Costs £15–28 per m². Wipe water immediately. Not suitable if you regularly have standing water (washing machine leaks, sink overflows).

AC rating for kitchens

Choose AC4 minimum (heavy domestic use). AC3 shows wear within 5–7 years in kitchen traffic zones. AC5 (light commercial) lasts longest.

Water-resistant essential

Standard laminate swells if water reaches the HDF core. Water-resistant laminate has wax-sealed edges that delay absorption for 24–72 hours. This gives you time to mop spills before damage starts.

Even water-resistant laminate will swell if water sits for days. It's resistant not waterproof.

Installation

Same as any room: lay underlay, click planks together, leave 10mm expansion gap at walls. Seal gap where laminate meets sink/dishwasher base units with clear silicone (prevents water running under floor from splashes).

Maintenance

Wipe spills immediately (don't let water sit)
Use damp mop, not wet mop
Place mat under sink to catch drips
Check washing machine/dishwasher hoses annually

Cost

Water-resistant kitchen laminate: £15–28 per m² (AC4 rating). A 12m² kitchen costs £180–336 for materials.

Alternative: LVT

If your kitchen regularly has water on the floor (messy family, pet bowls, etc.), choose LVT instead. It's genuinely waterproof (£20–40 per m²).