The Advantages of Laminate Flooring

Laminate is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas of the home, such as living rooms. It can also be used in bathrooms as long as you choose an AC level that is water-resistant. When manoeuvring furniture on your Laminate floor, ensure it is lifted rather than dragged.

The top layer of laminate is a protective resin that makes it almost impervious to moisture damage.

Laminate floors are very durable and can stand up to the high volume of traffic typically seen in homes. The outer layer of the flooring is made from a strong material such as melamine resin or plastic, and this makes it very resilient to abrasions, scrapes, bumps and spills. This layer is usually also treated with an aluminum oxide which adds further abrasion resistance.

The decorative layer that gives the laminate its appearance is a printed design that can be in a variety of colors, patterns and finishes including wood, stone or even non traditional designs like leaves, grass or artwork. The inner core is generally constructed from a high-density fiberboard which provides a great deal of structural strength and resistance to moisture.

Many people may have a prejudice against laminate flooring due to its artificial nature but today’s technology means that it is extremely difficult to tell the difference between laminate and real hardwood. Manufacturers such as Pergo and Mohawk produce water-resistant floors with a textured surface that provides better slip resistance making them safer for households with children.

If you are looking for a cost-effective alternative to real wood flooring then laminate is the choice for you. The resale value of laminate is higher than most other types of flooring and although it will eventually wear over the years, this can be covered by the warranty that comes with the product.

Laminate is easy to install atop structurally sound subfloors and the planks are connected together using either a snap-together or tongue-and-groove system. The installation process is fairly quick and straightforward but it is important that the installer takes their time to ensure a quality finish especially around the edges of the laminate where there can be a tendency for damage.

Although laminate can be used in most areas of the house it is a good idea to put a vapor barrier down before you install the floor in moist or damp locations. This will help prevent condensation from working its way down into the laminate core where it can cause mold and mildew.

Easy to Clean

Unlike real wood floors, laminate doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Its tough top layer protects the core from moisture damage and a hard fiberboard bottom is treated to resist scratches, making it an ideal choice for homes with children and pets. Regular sweeping and dry mopping is all you need to keep your laminate looking great.

A damp mop once a month is also a good idea, especially in high-traffic areas. Avoid saturating the floor with water, as too much can cause warping and damage the laminate top layer. We recommend using a cleaning solution made with water and mild dish detergent (such as baby shampoo) that is specifically designed for use on flooring. Avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool, which can scratch the surface of laminate. Also, avoid oil-based cleaners or waxes, which can leave streaks and damage the protective finish.

Wipe up spills as soon as they happen, because liquid left to stand on the floor can stain laminate. For stubborn stains, try rubbing them with a cloth or sponge dampened with white vinegar. If the stain persists, a mild dish soap can be added to the vinegar solution.

Sweep regularly to prevent dirt and dust from becoming embedded in the grooves of the laminate. If you have a vacuum with a brush attachment, use it to sweep your floors weekly or more frequently as needed. Place doormats at entryways to help keep sand, dirt, and other debris from scratching your laminate. Use furniture sliders or pads under your furniture to prevent the scuff marks that can occur as you move it around the room.

Laminate can be repainted to freshen up your space, but you should only paint over it with flooring paint that is specially formulated for this type of surface. It is important to prime the old paint before applying the new one, and it is a good idea to do a spot test on an inconspicuous area of your floor to make sure that the paint won’t discolor or damage your laminate.

Direct sunlight can fade laminate over time, so be sure to draw the shades or blinds during intense sun exposure and when you’re away from home. Some people even like to add a UV film protectant to their windows, which will preserve laminate and other surfaces in the home.

Easy to Maintain

Laminate is a low-maintenance flooring, requiring only regular vacuuming and dusting with a dry cloth. For spot cleaning, a damp cloth with a mild cleaner or vinegar is often all that is needed. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these may damage the surface of your laminate. Vinegar can be particularly useful for scrubbing dried on food stains or caked mud. Mix 1/3 cup of diluted vinegar with 3 squirts of liquid dish detergent and 1 gallon (4 liters) of warm water to create an effective cleaning solution.

Laminate flooring is not waterproof, so it should be mopped as soon as a spill occurs. This will prevent liquids from soaking in, which can lead to warping and other serious problems down the road. If you find that a spill has had time to soak in, blot the area with a clean cloth with a little acetone (nail polish remover) on it, to break up the stain.

In addition to regular cleaning, you should also sweep, vacuum, or dust the floor regularly to avoid build up of dirt and grit particles that can scratch or dull the laminate’s top layer. Use a hard floor attachment on your vacuum cleaner to eliminate the possibility of scratching or abrasion. You should also place pads and soft castors on the bottom of furniture to protect your laminate and prevent it from scuffing or damaging other items in your home. Finally, you should draw shades or blinds during periods of intense direct sunlight to prevent premature fading or damage to your laminate floors and other furnishings.

You should also use dirt-trapping walk-off mats at all exterior doors to keep grit and sand from tracking onto your laminate flooring. Avoid using oil-based cleaners, wax-based polishes, or any other type of soap on your laminate flooring, as these can cause swelling, warping and delamination. Also, do not attempt to refinish or sand your laminate flooring as this could result in splinters and other damage. Instead, if your laminate is showing signs of wear and tear, refer to the manufacturer guidelines for information about recommended products for deep cleaning.

Affordable

Laminate flooring is a great option for homeowners seeking the look of high-end hardwood floors but don’t want to pay the price. It’s also a good choice for families with kids and pets who want a durable floor that can stand up to scratches, dents and other everyday mishaps.

The cost of laminate varies widely depending on the style you choose, how much thickness you prefer and installation costs. Some laminate options are incredibly inexpensive and others can be more expensive than hardwood. The best way to determine the right cost for you is to visit a local store or contact flooring professionals to get quotes and installation estimates.

To keep your flooring expenses as low as possible, it’s important to shop for the best quality you can afford and consider a variety of styles and brands. There are many reputable manufacturers that offer beautiful, water-resistant and versatile laminate floors. These include Pergo, Mohawk and Shaw.

Before you decide on a brand, check the abrasion class (AC) rating on each sample board to learn about the durability of the product. This is a standardized construction industry rating that helps you compare the durability of different types of flooring materials. AC ratings range from 1 through 5 with higher numbers indicating more durable and expensive flooring materials.

A top layer made of a protective aluminum oxide adds a tough shield against spills, stains, moisture and other daily mishaps. It also provides an attractive sheen and resists fading.

Because of its artificial nature, laminate can’t be sanded and refinished like natural wood floors. However, if a plank becomes damaged, it can usually be replaced with another one from the same batch.

Some wood-look laminate products are manufactured with an image layer that replicates the grain pattern of popular wood species such as oak, hickory and walnut. These styles tend to be more expensive than other wood laminate flooring options because the image layer requires a more detailed and accurate representation of these species’ colors and textures.