Laminating work could be done manually. But if that be the case, it is usually best to leave that work in the hands of professionals, particularly if square meter size is of a commercial or industrial scale and size. It would even be too much work for the small business owner with his own property to handle. But DIY exponents on the home front could be having a field day. It also depends on just how well they are prepared to apply themselves.
The level of developed DIY skills differ from one person to the next, but you may just find that a majority of capable hands might have a preference for pre-prepared laminate flooring. Skillsets notwithstanding, time and life and work circumstances may also need to be taken into account. But to return to the commercial environment at least because applying laminate flooring on the heavy industrial scale might be stretching matters a little too far.
Because as hardy as laminate flooring in general is, it may never be able to withstand the utter force of heavy industrial machinery, particularly so if it is mobile. There would be far too much wear and tear and many scratches and dents within a short space of time. But on the whole, laminate flooring may be perfect for all other settings and purposes. With just the right amount of maintenance and cleaning work, these floor surfaces could last for years.
To suggest that it could last a lifetime could also have been a case of stretching matters too far. But then again, it goes back to purpose and environment, so yes, that could be possible. Laminate flooring, provided that it is professionally prepared, installed, maintained and cleaned; could last for a lifetime.