Laminate flooring has become one of the most popular types of flooring for use in the home. In just ten years this product has become the trendsetter among floor coverings. The first laminate flooring product came on the market in Sweden in 1989. Pergo brought laminate to the US in 1994 and now shares the market with hundreds of other brands. This article will provide an introduction to laminate floors, so that you can decide whether it's the thing for your home.
Laminate flooring is not only durable, it's easily maintained. Vacuuming and wiping with a damp mop is all that is needed to keep it looking good. Laminate flooring is also scratch-resistant, and nearly stain-proof. It is usually unaffected by sunlight and moisture.
Laminate flooring is composed of several layers. The layers include a bottom layer of moisture-resisting material, then an inner core of fiber-board impregnated with resin. Then comes the decorative design layer which shows the pattern, and finally the wear-layer on top.
Unlike other flooring products, which are nailed or glued to the sub-floor, laminate flooring "floats" on the sub-floor. Well, not directly on it - a plastic sheet covered with foam is first laid down, for sound-proofing, insulation, and to cover irregularities. The individual strips snap together, and in some cases require some glue along the joints.
A laminate floor simulates the realistic look of wood, tile, stone and other more expensive options, but often at a lower cost. Laminate flooring is made mostly in rectangular 8 inch planks, but some square tiles are available as well. There are single-strip, two-strip and three-strip designs, with square or beveled edges. You'll also find a variety of surface treatments and finishes,
Laminate flooring also comes in different qualities, although there is no standard grading system available in America. Choose a grade that is recommended for heavy residential use, as anything higher would be a waste of money. 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 low quality, and will likely be easily damaged by scratching -- not covered by any warranty.
A final factor in making a decision about your laminate flooring is the reputation of the manufacturer. If you choose a well-known brand you are more likely to get quality service and advice. On the other hand, well-known brands are also more likely to charge a higher price just for the name, so choosing an unfamiliar brand might be a better decision. A useful technique when investigating several possible sources for your laminated flooring is to look them up on the internet. You can usually locate testimonials from customers, with surprisingly frank opinions about their experience.
If you have used this information to help you decide about what kind of laminate flooring to buy, and where to get it, then it's time to get to work. Buy the flooring, and either put it in yourself or hire an profesional to do it for you. Then finish your decorating scheme, and invite your friends and neighbors in to show them your new masterpiece. - 15266
Laminate flooring is not only durable, it's easily maintained. Vacuuming and wiping with a damp mop is all that is needed to keep it looking good. Laminate flooring is also scratch-resistant, and nearly stain-proof. It is usually unaffected by sunlight and moisture.
Laminate flooring is composed of several layers. The layers include a bottom layer of moisture-resisting material, then an inner core of fiber-board impregnated with resin. Then comes the decorative design layer which shows the pattern, and finally the wear-layer on top.
Unlike other flooring products, which are nailed or glued to the sub-floor, laminate flooring "floats" on the sub-floor. Well, not directly on it - a plastic sheet covered with foam is first laid down, for sound-proofing, insulation, and to cover irregularities. The individual strips snap together, and in some cases require some glue along the joints.
A laminate floor simulates the realistic look of wood, tile, stone and other more expensive options, but often at a lower cost. Laminate flooring is made mostly in rectangular 8 inch planks, but some square tiles are available as well. There are single-strip, two-strip and three-strip designs, with square or beveled edges. You'll also find a variety of surface treatments and finishes,
Laminate flooring also comes in different qualities, although there is no standard grading system available in America. Choose a grade that is recommended for heavy residential use, as anything higher would be a waste of money. 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 low quality, and will likely be easily damaged by scratching -- not covered by any warranty.
A final factor in making a decision about your laminate flooring is the reputation of the manufacturer. If you choose a well-known brand you are more likely to get quality service and advice. On the other hand, well-known brands are also more likely to charge a higher price just for the name, so choosing an unfamiliar brand might be a better decision. A useful technique when investigating several possible sources for your laminated flooring is to look them up on the internet. You can usually locate testimonials from customers, with surprisingly frank opinions about their experience.
If you have used this information to help you decide about what kind of laminate flooring to buy, and where to get it, then it's time to get to work. Buy the flooring, and either put it in yourself or hire an profesional to do it for you. Then finish your decorating scheme, and invite your friends and neighbors in to show them your new masterpiece. - 15266
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Are you interested in installing a quality floor, but you have a limited budget? Ezra's website on cheap flooring will help you to locate good discount flooring for your home. Discover where to buy quality laminate flooring at the best price.
