Why laminate floors

Oversaturation of any liquid, not just water, can cause the planks to buckle, stain and break down if left untreated. Though waterproofed laminate floors are becoming the norm, it is still important to exercise caution, especially if water gets underneath the floor.

Water-damaged planks or tiles must be removed and replaced entirely. Cannot be refinished: Due to its composite construction and wear layer, a laminate floor can never be refinished. Once it has been damaged or worn out, laminate flooring must be replaced. Artificial appearance: Unfortunately, no matter the quality, laminate flooring will not pass for its real counterpart when closely examined.

Everything from pattern repetition to how the floor sounds and feels underfoot a laminate wood floor will be noisier, for example, than a hardwood floor are indicators that a laminate floor is, well, laminate.

Non-wood laminate floors will be within the same range. For any additional features or qualities, such as waterproofing or customized designs, expect to pay more. Laminate floors are easy to maintain. Most floors will come with instructions from the manufacturers, since the best method of care can vary depending on the materials used in construction. Otherwise, take the same precautions you would for any other floor: clean up spills and messes as soon as possible, put down rugs or mats in areas of high traffic, add pads to the bottom legs of furniture and try to avoid any activity or object that might scratch your floor.

Laminate floors are sensitive to water, so unless your floor has been waterproofed, try to avoid mopping regularly and stick to a once-a-month or every-other-month schedule. A damp mop is typically sufficient. In order to preserve and protect the wear layer, make sure any cleaning product you buy or DIY is safe for laminate flooring. Products that are oil-based, acidic or abrasive can damage the surface.

Similarly, never polish or wax your floor. Remember, laminate flooring cannot be refinished if it is damaged. Since laminate floors use printed designs for their image layer, it is possible to highly customize your flooring though you are guaranteed to pay more.

Most traditional flooring types, colors, patterns and styles can be mimicked by laminate floors. While wood floors are the most common, stone and tile laminate floors are growing increasingly popular.

Beveling, embossing and gloss effects are also possible. Because laminate flooring is so versatile and affordable, it is possible to use a different type of laminate flooring in every room in your house. A kitchen could have ceramic tiles, for example, while the dining room next door could have a classic oak appearance. Laminate floors are typically installed as a floating floor, meaning it consists of interlocking planks that are laid across the existing sub-floor. No adhesive, nails or staples are necessary.

This makes installation a very easy project to DIY. Expect the actual plank-laying process to take around a day, depending on the size of your room, though more time may be necessary if you have to prepare the subfloor or encounter any damage in your purchased planks. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the manufacturer and to respect any safety guidelines when using power tools. Installation prices will vary depending on the difficulty of the project and the type of flooring.

The quoted labor price will typically include any required underlay and trim, but check with the installation company for exact details. Laminate flooring lasts between 15 to 25 years on average. The exact lifespan will vary depending on the product quality of your floor, how well you maintain and care for it and the overall wear-and-tear it receives. In some cases, laminate floors can last over 25 years. So while the upfront price might be right for laminate, know that in the long run, wood might be a better buy.

And if a piece does get damaged, you can often replace the individual plank. The higher the AC rating, the more durable the product will be. Keep these numbers in mind when shopping to choose a product that can tolerate the demands of your household and get the longest life possible:. Excess water can cause laminate flooring to warp or stain, so aside from sweeping and vacuuming as needed, it should be cleaned carefully , generally with plain water.

Use a flat mop and wring out the water before each pass. For tougher cleaning jobs, use a commercial laminate cleaner. An acetone-based solution like nail polish remover can help tackle tough stains.

Laminate is popular with DIYers because it can be installed fairly easily atop structurally sound subfloors. Rather, the laminate rests atop the necessary underlayment and connects to adjacent pieces using snap-and-lock or tongue-and-groove joinery. This was my first time using them. I heard about them from a co-worker. I went to the store to purchase some materials. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They helped me locate the materials and pick what would work best for me.

They were knowledgeable and informative. They answered questions and got me in and out quickly as I was in a bit of a hurry. The pricing was very fair. They had a wide selection of products which made it a great shopping experience. Joanne A. Download the Floor Decor Project Checklist! Get Checklist. Michael's Floor Talk Blog. Wednesday, June 10, AM. An Overview of Laminate Flooring In this overview, let's explore how laminate is made, what its benefits are, and whether it's a good flooring choice for your home.

The second section of this article will focus on cost. How is Laminate Flooring Made? It consists of four layers as follows that are fused together for durability: The top layer or Wear Layer 1 provides strong protection against scratches, stains and fading. The Inner Core 3 provides stability, sound absorption, durability and even moisture resistance. It is made of high density pressed wood fiberboard.