Laminate flooring was originally introduced in the United States in 1994 by Pergo. They made a deal with Home Depot, and a combined advertising effort then made it extremely successful. Other manufacturers began producing their own versions of laminate flooring, so that nowadays the choice is quite confusing. This article will help you to make a decision.
Laminate flooring is not only durable, it’s easily maintained. Vacuuming and cleaning with a damp mop is all you need to keep it looking good. Laminate flooring is also scratch-resistant, and nearly stain-proof. It is largely unaffected by sunlight and moisture.
Laminate flooring is composed of melamine-saturated fiberboard in between two thin sheets. The surface layer is an image of wood grain which is covered by another transparent layer, a hard one to resist impact and scratching. The bottom layer provides a moisture barrier.
Laminate flooring is easy enough for most do-it-yourselfers to install correctly, with some advance preparation. First of all, plastic sheeting is laid on the sub-floor, and then covered with a layer of foam. This acts not only as a moisture-proof barrier, but adds sound-proofing and smooths out slight irregularities in the sub-floor itself. The floorboards are fitted together using tongue-and-groove, and sometimes need glue as well.
Laminate floors come in many different colors and styles, so you can find just the right look to complement your interior decor. It can be made to simulate stone, hardwood, ceramic flooring, or tile, but at a much lower cost. Laminate flooring is available as square tiles or as thin 8-inch boards in 3/8 inch or even 1/2 inch thicknesses. The planks can be shown as one, two, or three strips per panel. You may also have a choice of square or beveled edges, and a variety of surface finishes.
Laminate flooring also comes in different qualities, although there is no standard grading system available in America. Choose a quality that is recommended for heavy residential use, as anything higher would be unnecessary. Get a 15-year warranty that includes protection against stains, fading, and accidental moisture damage. If there is only a 10-year warranty available, this is an indication that the material is of poor quality, and will likely be easily damaged by scratching — not covered by any warranty.
Another important factor in choosing your laminate flooring is the reputation of the manufacturer. If you buy a well-known brand you will be more apt to get quality service and advice. On the other hand, top brands are also more likely to charge a higher price just for the name, so choosing an unfamiliar brand might be a wiser decision. One useful technique for investigating several possible sources for your laminated flooring is to find them on the internet. You can usually find testimonials from customers, with surprisingly frank opinions about their experience.
When you have finally decided what type of laminate flooring to buy and where to get it, then go ahead. Get your materials, install the floor, and finish your new project. Now when your friends and neighbors compliment you on your new room, you’ll know that you made the right choice.
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