Laminate flooring is a type of synthetic composite flooring. It was invented in the 1970s. Since then, it has become very popular with DIY enthusiasts. This flooring is an affordable alternative to real wood, stone, metal and other types of flooring. Known for its durability, laminate is easy to clean and maintain.
As its name suggests, laminate flooring is made from composite wood that has been pressed together under high temperatures. Some laminate floors also include an underlayment to add extra protection. These underlayments can be felt or foam. A good underlay will give your laminate floor a smoother, quieter surface. If you want to make your laminate floor more water resistant, you can use a vapor barrier.
Another feature of laminate flooring is that it is easy to install. The flooring comes in a variety of sizes and plank lengths. When installed, it “floats” over the top of the subfloor. However, it is not recommended for areas where there is a lot of moisture. To avoid the danger of swelling and splintering, you should never leave water on the floor. Always wipe up spills as soon as possible. For minor stains and dirt, you can easily remove them with a mild soap solution.
Depending on the manufacturer, the top layer of a laminate floor can be embossed or smooth. Embossing can create a more realistic, wood-look floor. An image layer is often used to depict wood or other materials, and includes natural-looking scrapes, knots and other texture. Many laminates are also embossed in a register, which makes the surface appear more realistic.
Laminate floors can also be installed in a glue-down style. Glue-down installations will allow your floor to be more sound-resistant. Also, this type of floor is a great choice for people with allergies. Despite its benefits, installing this kind of flooring is a DIY project.
To install a laminate floor, you will need an expansion space around the perimeter of the room. Normally, this space is 10mm wide. You can cover the space with pipe covers or skirting.
Before you begin, you should determine if your laminate floor will need to be covered with an underlayment. Using an underlay will make your floor less likely to suffer from fading, buckling, and scratches. Underlayment is also helpful if your laminate floor is not waterproof. There are different varieties of underlayment, so make sure you choose one that will work for you.
You can install a laminate floor yourself, but you will need some technical knowledge. Unless you have a background in flooring installation, you may want to hire a professional to do the job for you. Your costs will depend on the difficulty of the job, the flooring type you choose, and the labor.
Laminate flooring has come a long way from its early plastic looks. Nowadays, it is an attractive, stylish, and durable floor that can add value to your home.