There's no way to prevent spills, stains and heavy traffic. But you won't have to worry about the damage anymore with new laminate flooring. It would be difficult to find a flooring product that's tougher and more versatile than laminate. Laminate flooring is available in a variety of colors and finishes, and is extremely simple to install.
How Laminate Flooring Is Made
Laminate flooring shouldn't be confused with engineered wood flooring. Both are made of layers of material laminated together for strength. Laminate floors use several materials, such as resin, wood fiber and kraft paper (materials vary by manufacturer) compacted under pressure to create the final product. The flooring is made into planks.
The surface of a laminate plank is actually an image, printed from film onto a thin decorative layer, which is then treated with a wear layer. The high resolution of the film allows an extremely authentic appearance. The finished material is similar in feel to a kitchen countertop. A variety of finishes are available from woodgrain to color.
Most laminates are coated with aluminum oxide, which is where it gets its strength. Laminates are known to be very durable, water-resistant and dent-resistant. They also resist wear better than hardwoods.
When it comes to choosing color for your laminate floor, there's everything from oak to cherry to bamboo. As you’re thinking about a color, consider how your selection will work with your home’s furniture and cabinets. Keep in mind that darker woods tend to make a room feel formal whereas lighter colors create a more casual mood.
Installing Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors are floating floors, meaning that they aren't attached to the subfloor. The flooring is sold as tongue and groove planks where the planks simply lock together.
Laminate flooring can be installed on all grade levels. Because it's durable and easy to clean, it's perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and any room that has a lot of traffic. With proper preparation, installation is possible over concrete, vinyl, tile and even some carpet.
Many homeowners want to learn how to install laminate flooring themselves. If that’s you, great choice. It’s easy to install, if you know what you’re doing. Following a few simple steps, you’ll lay the foundation for a beautiful laminate floor.
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