Laminate flooring is one of the most durable types of flooring available. It’s ideal for heavy traffic areas, such as hallways, and dining and living rooms. However, it does need to be cleaned regularly. If left untreated, it may break or buckle. For this reason, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions for your laminate floor.
The most common type of laminate floor is a floating floor. It’s made of interlocking planks. These planks are typically machined to create a beveled edge, a V-groove, or a click profile. Often, they also contain a decorative paper layer that gives the laminate planks a distinctive appearance. This layer can include a realistic reproduction of stone or other materials.
Another common type of laminate floor is embossed. Embossed floors are more textured and can provide enhanced slip resistance. They often feature a pattern of decorative paper that follows lines of the wood grain.
In addition, some laminates can be glued down for a more sound-resistant flooring. But in general, laminate flooring should be laid over an existing subfloor. Some laminates can be made water resistant, but these must be taken off if they’re damaged by water.
Aside from its durability, laminate is also relatively easy to maintain. With regular cleaning, you can keep your floor looking beautiful. You’ll want to avoid using acidic or oil-based cleaning products, though, because these can damage the finish. If your floor begins to fade, you can use a mild soap solution to remove the color. After this, you should vacuum or dry mop the floor. Make sure you clean spills quickly so they don’t cause any damage to the surface.
Aside from being easy to install, laminate floors can be quite affordable. Many manufacturers offer environmentally-friendly options. You can find floors that look like granite or stone, or that mimic bamboo, ebony, or even tile.
You can install laminate yourself, or you can hire an expert. Regardless of who you choose to do it, the process will take about a day, depending on the size of the room. And, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s directions, you should have no problems.
While installing laminate isn’t difficult, you do need to know how to take care of it. You’ll need to avoid placing objects on your floor that could scratch it, and you’ll need to ensure you use the right tools for the job.
Installing laminate can be a rewarding project. Besides the fact that it looks great, it can also add value to your home. Even if you decide not to sell your home, investing in a high quality floor can give it a good resale price.
Before you begin, you’ll need to prepare your room for the installation. Your room should be properly heated. Additionally, you’ll need at least 10 millimetres of expansion space on the sides and perimeter of your room. This area can be covered with skirting, pipe covers, or beading.
What is the best way to install laminate flooring?