Laminate floors offer various design options and are ideal for high-traffic areas. They’re water-resistant and come in a wide range of styles.
They’re easy to clean, and their moisture-resistant surface coating stops spills and dirt clinging to the floor. They’re also durable and affordable. However, they do lack the authenticity of natural wood floors. Contact Flooring Fairfield NJ for professional help.
Laminate is easy to clean and durable, but it does need some special care. It’s best to sweep or vacuum daily to remove grit and dirt, and dry mop your floors weekly. This will keep debris from grinding into the laminate’s surface and scratching it. Vacuuming or sweeping in the direction of your floor’s seams helps catch the debris that can get stuck in between the interlocking boards.
Regular sweeping or vacuuming also prevents mold and mildew on your floors. Mold and mildew occur when there is excessive moisture on your floors. The most common cause of excessive moisture is a leaky roof or poorly ventilated rooms.
Spills and stains on your laminate floors are easy to wipe up, but it’s important to avoid getting the surface too wet. Laminate is not waterproof, and if the laminate becomes too wet it can warp or damage the surface.
A mild vinegar solution is a great choice for cleaning and sanitizing your floors. Mix a solution of water and vinegar to a ratio of 3:1 and apply it to a cloth or mop. Use the solution on a small section of your floor at a time, and blot up the excess liquid with a clean towel.
You can also clean your laminate with a standard broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hard-floor setting. But it’s not a good idea to use a traditional vacuum with a rolling brush, because the brushes can scratch and pit the surface of your laminate flooring over time.
Never use abrasive cleaners on your laminate floors, as they will dull the protective layer and leave scratches behind. Also avoid steam cleaning your laminate, as hot wet steam being forced into those seams and crevices between the boards will work its way into the particle board and swell it, causing damage that can’t be repaired.
Keep in mind that laminate is not 100% waterproof, and it’s best to try to maintain indoor humidity levels at 35 to 65 percent. This will help prevent shrinkage and warping of your laminate, and it will also make the floors more comfortable to walk on.
Durable
Laminate is an affordable, durable floor covering that can be used in most homes. It is available in a wide range of colors, styles and finishes to complement your décor. It is also easy to install. Some of the most popular brands include Shaw Laminate, Pergo and Armstrong Laminate. These floors are water-resistant and have high abrasion resistance. In addition, they are GreenGuard certified. Many of the largest home centers sell these floors, and you can find them at a convenient store near you.
The durability of laminate flooring depends on the type and quality of the material used to make it. The most popular type of laminate is manufactured with a core layer made from HDF, which is recycled and renewable to help conserve forest resources. This type of laminate is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and other areas that are exposed to moisture. However, it cannot tolerate direct exposure to water for extended periods of time like wood-based floor materials can.
In the past, laminate flooring looked like plastic, but thanks to advances in manufacturing, new technologies have allowed it to look more realistic and offer a wider selection of design options than ever before. In fact, some of these floors have a photographic image that is sandwiched between dense fiberboard and a clear-plastic protective wear layer. This makes them more scratch resistant than traditional hardwood floors, and they can be cleaned with a mop or vacuum cleaner without damaging the surface.
When choosing a laminate floor, consider your lifestyle and the amount of use it will receive. If you have children or pets, look for a floor that is more scratch-resistant. Also, choose a floor with a low gloss or distressed finish that will hide scratches and scuff marks. If you have a lot of sunlight, opt for a floor with a UV-resistant finish, which will protect the decorative paper layer from harmful ultraviolet rays that can fade the color over time.
Another thing to consider when choosing a laminate floor is its resale value. If you plan on selling your house soon, it is important to choose a floor that will add resale value and last a long time. Authentic hardwood floors can be refinished, renewed and repaired more easily than laminate floors.
Affordable
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its affordability. Compared to natural materials such as stone or hardwood, it can be up to half the cost. The affordability of laminate also doesn’t compromise its visual appeal or durability. It’s resistant to dents, scratches, and daily wear and tear, meaning you can save money on costly repairs or replacements in the long run.
Another advantage of laminate is that it requires minimal installation time and costs. It can be installed without removing existing materials, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to get a quick renovation project underway. It can also be installed on a pre-prepared subfloor, which can save time and labor during the installation process.
While laminate is an affordable flooring material, it can lack the authenticity and warmth of real wood floors. This can be a deal breaker for some homeowners, especially those who are looking to achieve a more traditional or high-end aesthetic.
Additionally, the use of non-renewable resources in the manufacturing of laminate can be a concern for some homeowners. This can contribute to the depletion of natural resources and environmental pollution. However, there are sustainable options for laminate flooring that can be a more environmentally friendly choice.
Depending on the type of laminate used, the look can be very similar to natural materials like hardwood or stone. Choosing the right style can make your home feel more warm and inviting. Additionally, laminate is an affordable option for homeowners who are undergoing a remodel to improve the resale value of their home.
After installing your new laminate floor, it’s important to let it “cure” for at least 24 hours before walking on it. This allows the floor to settle, which will prevent it from becoming uneven. You should also avoid using spike heels or cleats on your new floor. Stick-on felt pads can help protect the surface against abrasions and dents. You can purchase these pads from most home improvement stores or online retailers.
Versatile
If you want the look of natural wood or stone floors but don’t have a lot of money to spend, laminate is a perfect option for you. It’s durable, tough, and easy to look after – ideal if you have children or pets! It’s also very versatile and comes in a range of colours, finishes, and thicknesses so you can choose the best one to suit your space.
Laminate floors are made from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures. Its core layer is treated to prevent moisture damage and it’s topped with a hardwearing layer that is designed to resist scratching, making it a great choice for busy homes.
While it’s not as waterproof as real wood, the surface layer of laminates is moisture resistant and can easily tolerate a mopping. However, it’s important to keep in mind that laminate is a floating floor, which means that the individual planks are not bonded to the subfloor. This can cause warping and swelling if the laminate is exposed to copious amounts of water for a long period of time.
In order to maintain the beauty of your laminate floors, you should sweep or vacuum regularly and use a microfiber cloth or spray mop for weekly cleaning. Avoid using vinegar or any other acidic cleaners, as these can damage the laminate if used in excess. Also, avoid placing heavy furniture on your laminate floor as this can cause scratches and damage the underlay.
Another important consideration is that, while laminate is a hard flooring material, it is not as sound-absorbent as real wood. This can create a hollow sound underfoot. If you’re concerned about this, we recommend putting down a cushioned underlay that will help to absorb the sound and vibrations of footfall.
It’s also a good idea to place rugs or mats inside and outside of your doorways to prevent dirt, rock, mud, grass, and other outdoor particles from being tracked into the home. You can also place a mat under your pet’s water bowl and use a nonslip mat or rug pad under high furniture pieces like tables.