Laminate Flooring

Sleek, Smooth, Impressive

Laminate flooring - Do you love the look of hardwood, stone or ceramic floors, but not the price?

Man-made just in time for the 21st Century, worldwide it is the fastest growing sector of the floor-covering industry. Often referred to as the "not to worry" flooring because it's relatively easy to install and maintain.

Not to be out-done it wasn't long before other flooring companies (like Mannington & Dupont) followed suit and the rest is history!

Creating Laminate Flooring- The Process In A Nut Shell

What happens! Using high-density fiberboard (HDF) for backing, simulated effects (images) of hardwoods, natural stones and ceramics are produced on thin sheets of paper then attached to the HDF board and covered with a clear layer of aluminum oxide coating, known as the "wear coat", that protects the image.

Often times a thin sheet of melamine is put underneath the HDF as a moisture protection layer.

Laminate flooring "simulations" is available in nearly every type of wood imaginable and hard-tile floors of ceramic or natural stone.

Durability & Resistance

Most types of flooring have high and low quality ratings. For laminate flooring it is called AC, an industry-wide rating system from AC #1 to AC #5. After the flooring has gone through a battery of testing it is given a number based on test results.

The best all-around AC rating for residential use is AC 3. AC 1 & 2 are good for low traffic areas like bedrooms or dens. Anything above a AC 3 is best for high-traffic areas such as department stores or industrial properties. You could install it in your home too, but it would be much more than needed.

Stay away from any flooring that is not rated.

Built to withstand impacts, stains, small burns, water- absorption and swelling, laminate flooring is tough!

Sensitive to friction and abrasive particles, it may scratch more easily than other types of flooring.. keeping it free of dirt and grim will help eliminate the chances of this happening...

Most high-end laminate flooring have a life-time warranty and can handle high traffic areas. They are hard-wearing, and more durable than hardwood, linoleum and top-end vinyl flooring.

Quality means everything when it comes to laminate floors, and never more so than for areas where water can be an issue.

For wet areas like a bathroom or kitchen, the most suitable laminate will have water resistant cores and wax impregnated edges. Beware of low quality laminate for these areas because they are not designed for "wet" areas. Also follow any advice given on ways to prevent water from seeping into the joints or under the flooring.

Laying waterproof sheeting underneath the flooring is another barrier against moisture and is highly recommended, as is an underlayment of foam to give it bounce and increase the life of the flooring.

Waterproof sheeting with a foam underlayment is available as one unit, so no need to buy them separately...

Affordable

Depending on the quality laminate can be found for as low as $0.69 sq/ft to as high as $2.50 sq/ft or more. It all depends on the quality of the material.

As with any flooring material, the more expensive it is the better the quality. Compared to the cost of hardwoods, natural stones or ceramics, laminate will save you a bundle and give you a great, modern looking floor!

Cleaning & Care

Sweeping frequently will protect the floor from abrasive grit that causes dullness and damage to the floor, and placing door mats at exterior doors will eliminate most of the dirt and grit that is tracked inside.

For mopping, always use a VERY damp applicator (sponge mop or a soft cloth like a towel) and a liquid cleaning agent like Swiffer made just for laminate floors. There are many laminate floor cleaning products/brands on the shelf to choose from. Plain water works, too,, but not on a regular basis. No laboring over waxing, either, just sweep often (keep the dirt and grim away) and mop when needed and you're all set! Very easy, no fuss, no muss. Enjoy...

Installation

Installing laminate flooring is one of the easiest types of flooring to install on the market today! It is the built in "snap/lock" joints, or floating floor system laminate is noted for that makes it easy to put the flooring together.

However, difficulties may crop up when it comes time to install the flooring material, especially if there is lots of cutting or stairs involved, so you may want to find a professional installer just in case you need some help.

Planks and tiles come from the factory pre-finished, so there are no glues or coatings to worry about.

For the "stone and ceramic" tiles there is no grouting involved, so you'll love that!

The Environment

Yes, there are wood particles used to make the high-density fiberboard (HDF) backing, but the source for these particles come from other types of wood productions, which means there are no additional trees being felled for the sole purpose of creating laminate flooring.

Compare laminate with other types of flooring materials and you be the judge... I think you're going to like what you see... When properly installed it looks like the "real" thing!

Thanks for stopping by, and come back soon!

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