Laminate and Stair Fitting in North Kensington, W10

This North Kensington project involved fitting new laminate flooring throughout a Victorian terraced property and installing a complete staircase with matching treads and risers. The work required careful coordination across multiple rooms and attention to the original period features of the building.

Work carried out

• Laminate fitting across ground and first floor living areas
• Full staircase fitting with laminate treads and risers
• Underlay installation and acoustic preparation
• Skirting board fitting and door frame adjustments
• Threshold and transition strip installation

About the project

The property was a Victorian mid-terrace with original floorboards that had deteriorated over time. The owners wanted a practical, easy to clean surface that would work throughout the open plan ground floor and up the main staircase. They selected a light oak effect laminate that complemented the period cornicing and original features without trying to replicate them.

The main challenge was managing the staircase work. Victorian stairs are rarely square, and getting the treads and risers to fit cleanly required templating each step individually. We also had to adjust door frames in several doorways to accommodate the new floor height, and carefully plan the transition from the kitchen tile to the laminate in the hallway. The work took four days in total, with careful protection of the property during fitting to minimise disruption.

About our North Kensington, W10 service

North Kensington has a distinct mix of Victorian and Edwardian properties, many of them period terraces with original features like cornicing, dado rails and fireplaces. These older properties often present specific challenges for flooring work. Floors are rarely level, doorways are sometimes offset, and walls can be out of square. We regularly work on these character properties and understand how to fit modern flooring without compromising their original details.

We also work on newer build apartments and conversions in the area. These properties often have concrete screed bases or engineered joists rather than traditional timber, which affects the preparation and underlay selection. Whether you own a Victorian conversion flat, a period house or a modern development, we adapt our approach to suit the specific construction and your requirements. Our work across North Kensington spans everything from solid timber to luxury vinyl and laminate, with fitting costs varying depending on room size, complexity and any necessary preparation work.

Frequently asked questions

How much does laminate fitting cost?
Laminate fitting typically costs between £35 and £60 per square metre, depending on room layout, door frames that need adjusting, and underlay requirements. Smaller rooms cost more per square metre because of the fixed time spent measuring and finishing edges. Stairs add to the cost due to the templating and individual cutting required for each step. We provide a detailed quote after assessing the property and understanding your floor condition.

What preparation is needed before fitting?
The subfloor must be clean, dry and level within 3mm across any 2 metre span. We check moisture levels in concrete screed and recommend damp proof membranes where needed. Existing flooring is removed and disposed of, and any protruding nails or debris are cleared. Door frames may need planing or adjusting depending on the new floor height. Old plaster or adhesive residue is removed. We do this work as part of our fitting service, though sometimes customers prefer to handle basic preparation themselves to reduce costs.

How long does laminate fitting take?
A typical living room or hallway takes one to two days depending on size and door frame adjustments. A full staircase takes a day on its own because each step needs measuring and cutting individually. For a whole floor across multiple rooms like this North Kensington project, expect three to five days. We work systematically room by room and leave your property clean and ready to use at the end of each day. Exact timing depends on your specific layout and existing floor condition once we start work.