Floor panel installation in Warsaw — a level floor in one day

Laminate is one of the most popular floor finishes in Warsaw apartments. It is lightweight, practical, and goes down quickly. But “quickly” only works with proper preparation: a level screed, the right underlay, and correct expansion gaps at the walls. Skip any one of these and within a few months the floor will creak, buckle, or gap at the joints. We lay panels across Warsaw — from Ursynów to Białołęka.

How much does panel installation cost

Current prices are in the table below. The cost depends on the area, room complexity (alcoves, corners, thresholds) and panel type. If the screed needs levelling or an old floor needs removing first, that is priced separately. Fixings and consumables are included; materials (panels, underlay) are supplied by the client.

How the installation works

1. The technician checks the screed with a spirit level — tolerance is 2 mm over 2 metres. If the variance is greater, levelling is needed.
2. A vapour barrier film (on concrete) and underlay are rolled out.
3. Panels are laid from the far wall towards the door, leaving an 8–10 mm gap at each wall for thermal expansion.
4. Locks are clicked together — each row is checked for tight joints.
5. Off-cuts are fitted around walls, pipes, and door frames.
6. Skirting boards and threshold strips are installed.

Common mistakes during panel installation

• No expansion gap at the walls — in summer the laminate expands and buckles in the middle of the room.
• Laying on an uneven screed — panels flex, locks break after a few months.
• Skipping the underlay or using one that is too thick — the first makes the floor noisy, the second makes it springy.
• Not acclimatising the panels — laminate should sit in the room for 24–48 hours before installation.
• Laying on a damp screed — buckling and mould under the floor within six months.
• Hammering without a tapping block — damages the locking mechanism, joints separate.

Checklist before the technician arrives

• The screed must be dry (PE film test — leave overnight; if dry in the morning, you are good to go).
• Panels and underlay purchased and stored in the flat for at least 24 hours.
• Room cleared of furniture.
• Skirting boards and thresholds ready (if required).
• Decide on the laying direction — usually along the light from the window.
• Arrange access and parking.

A real case from Warsaw

New-build in Wilanów, 40 m² living room plus hallway. The developer handed over the flat with a screed, but dips reached 5 mm — a self-levelling compound had to go down first. The next day the technician laid 8 mm laminate over a cork underlay. The whole job took two visits: one day to level, one day to lay. The owners saved money by booking both stages with the same technician and avoiding a second call-out fee.

Frequently asked questions

Which laminate is better — 7 mm or 10 mm?
For an apartment 8 mm is the sweet spot. 7 mm is the budget option — thinner means noisier. 10–12 mm is quieter and tougher, but more expensive.

How long does installation take?
A standard room of 15–20 m² — 3 to 4 hours. A 50 m² flat — one working day.

Do I need to remove the old floor first?
Yes, laminate cannot be laid on laminate. The old covering must be taken up.

Can laminate go over underfloor heating?
Yes, but you need laminate rated for underfloor heating and a thin underlay (2–3 mm).

Who supplies the material?
The client buys the panels, underlay, and film. The technician can help calculate quantities.

Why hire a professional for the job

An experienced installer spots what a beginner will miss: a skewed screed, the wrong underlay, defective panels straight from the box. We cover all of Warsaw — get in touch, we’ll price the job and find a time that suits you.