Ask The Expert
EHHOW DO I MEASURE A ROOM FOR LAMINATE FLOORING?
“It’s vital to thoroughly measure your room,” says Paul Bangs, Wickes category director for kitchens, bathrooms, tiles and flooring. “This will help you work out exactly how many floor packs are needed, avoiding spending too much or realising you are short!
“Measure length by width to give the total area; take into consideration any large obstructions such as hearths.
"Add 10% to your measurements to cover wastage or error. So a 3.9m x 3.6m room = 14.04m2. It has a chimney breast of 1.2 x 0.9m so subtract 1.08m2. Add on 10% (1.29) to give a total of 14.25m2. If a pack is
2.22m2, you’d need 7 packs.
“Never place any items of furniture over 115kg on top of laminate, such as kitchen units. These should be floored up to the plinth.” www.myweekly.co.uk
Maximising space is essential in an ensuite. Lee Frost, director of Waters
Baths of Ashbourne, says, “In a smaller space the devil is in the detail therefore intelligent design and quality materials are vital to the overall aesthetic. Compact shower baths, space-saving back-towall baths and freestanding baths in compact sizes combine function and a sense
of sanctuaryy equal to their standard-sizzed counterparts.
“A shower bath offers luxurious bathing with a shower’s versatility or alternatively, consider a freestanding bath within the bedroom, with a separate shower in the ensuite for the everyday. As long as there is adequate ventilation and splash-proof flooring around the bath, it’s a wonderful space-saving fix.”
Sam Baldry, head of design at Swoon, adds, “The most important styling accessory in any ensuite is a mirror for styling our hair, applying make-up, etc. What’s more, it can mimic the role of a window, creating the illusion of extra space.
“A common design mistake is a mirror that is too short, so for a spaciouslooking ensuite opt for a mirror starting at the top of the vanity unit and going right to the ceiling.”