Laminate Flooring -Information and Tips

August 30th, 2009 by granitestonemarble

Although carpet and hardwood are two of the most popular choices when it comes to flooring, they are sometimes inadequate. Spaces like the kitchen, or garage, frequently demand a higher degree of durability and resilience. Carpet absorbs stains and moisture too easily, leading to a dingy looking surface that may also attract odors. Hardwood offers a great deal more durability than carpet, but it also suffers from problems with moisture. A damp hardwood gradually warps and cracks. After several seasons of expansion and contraction, moisture damage can become very apparent with a hardwood floor.

Places in which water damage and accidents occur can cause scratching or gouging in the flooring as well. Laminate flooring is a wonderful solution for water damage and durability issues. With a laminate floor, designers can have the classic appeal of hardwood if they so desire, while dodging many of the usual problems. Laminate flooring is largely impervious to moisture problems and will not absorb water. Stains are not an issue, and as long as they are cleaned up promptly, will cause no lasting damage at all. Best of all, laminate flooring is very well priced, and can be found in a great selection of shades, colors, and styles.

Installation of laminate flooring is also fairly simple. When first purchasing a set of laminate flooring tiles, check each to make sure there are no broken tiles. Once certain that all the tiles are in good condition, give the tiles a few days to acclimate to their new climate. There may be some contraction or expansion that occurs when the laminate flooring tiles arrive in a new setting.

Be sure to follow all manufacturer guidelines that are included with the tile packaging. Specific instructions on how to glue the tiles are very important, and can affect the overall aesthetic quality and durability of the end product. It is also important to ensure that the tiles are placed with a quarter of an inch space between the wall and the flooring. Although an extensive set of tools is not needed for in home installation, you may need something to cut the tile around corners, fireplaces, stairs, etc. A wet tile saw would definitely be adequate to cut laminate flooring.

Having a level surface for laminate flooring installation is also crucial. Be sure to fill any holes in the subflooring, or sand away any protruding areas that might stick up afterward.

Share and Enjoy: