Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is gaining ground as the most popular flooring choice in the country. After enjoying years of popularity in Europe, laminate floors are making a mark in the American market. These floors are inexpensive, easy to install and offer the good looks of a hard wood floor with none of the high maintenance features. Laminate floors don't use any solid wood in construction, but instead are made of a number of materials that are joined together strongly, and finished to give a wood-like appearance.
Installing laminate flooring is simpler, and is often done through the free floating method. Here, the laminate floor is not attached to the sub floor using glue or staples. Instead, the plants are locked together tightly, and a special locking mechanism is used to hold the plants in place. This is especially beneficial if you don't intend to tear out your old floor. Laminate floorings are classified on the bases of AC ratings. This refers to the laminate's ability to resist stains, dents, scratches etc. Failure in even one test criterion will disqualify the product. Ratings extend from AC1 to AC 5. Laminate floors are installed using a tongue and groove mechanism that locks the planks together without the need for gluing or nailing the planks to the floor. Make sure your sub floor is even, before installing your laminate floor.
Look for AC ratings to guide you in your choice of laminate floors. For high pressure areas like foyers and kitchens, laminate floors should have an AC 3 rating. Low pressure areas like bedrooms can get by with a lower rating. These ratings ensure that your laminate has passed all tests relating to staining, swelling, abrasion etc. Even so, a little maintenance will go a long way in keeping your laminate floor good looking for years to come. Protect your floor using rugs and mats, and make sure that all carpets used are made of color fast materials. Use furniture protectors to prevent your furniture legs from scratching your floors. Don't leave water standing on your laminate floor.
Recent Requests
I need commercial-grade flooring for a total 1920sq.ft. space consisting of four areas: 981sqft. dining area of synthetic, durable, commercial-grade birch-wood flooring ~650sqft of kitchen area: vct or substitute 88sqft of bathroom: durable, simple vinyl tile or imitation remainder: offices: simple, cheap, durable carpet or substitute
Prakash K
want to find out options to repair or replace current laminate flooring, including radiant heating elements beneath
Ken K