Laminate flooring: a timeless beauty

Since the introduction of laminate floors, it has shown a consistent growth every year at the expense of other floor types, making laminate the fastest growing floor type. No doubt the traditional look of hardwood is timeless and has unmatched sense of comfort and elegance.

But hardwood floors are quite expensive and not very durable as it requires a fair amount of routine maintenance and care. This has lead to the invention of laminate wood floors.

This floor is the perfect solution for the look and appeal of real hardwood that is more durable and requires less maintenance. In addition to that laminate wood flooring offers the best combination of quality and value in a wide range of colors, styles and designs and is also engineered for outstanding strength which ensures that it will last for years to come.

Laminated wood flooring consists of several layers of hardwood glued together, with each layer laid in a different direction. All laminated wood flooring is glued, not nailed, to the floor and used in above/below grade installation.

The laminated flooring does not warp when laid on concrete. It will, however, warp when exposed to extreme moisture such as flooding. Unlike hardwood, laminate floors will not stain, fade, dent and are far more scratch and moisture resistant.

Laminate floors are very durable--about 10 times stronger then kitchen countertop-and water-resistant, so it can be used in a bathroom as well as a kitchen/hallway. Many types of laminate flooring simulate wood, some look like marble or granite. A thicker core is more stable, less vulnerable to buckling and will sound more like real hardwood when walked on.

There are several things to consider before you begin to install a laminate floor. Careful preparation before beginning will make installing your laminate floor a trouble free and nippy process. Ensure that the sub floor is flat, dry and smooth. Inspect each laminate flooring panel carefully for defects/damage before installing it.

Allow your flooring to acclimatize to the room where it will be installed for as long as possible (generally 48 hours). Because laminate flooring is derived from wood, it is subject to expansion caused by room temperatures and humidity levels.

An expansion gap is a necessary part of any successful installation because it allows space for the expansion of the floor as it responds to these external influences of temperature and humidity.

In an average installation, approximately 7% to 10% of the total area to be covered will be wasted for several reasons, typically cuts, planks damaged during installation or errors. Minor scratches or nicks can be repaired with laminate floor repair paste. This can be purchased in most retail flooring stores.