Introduction to Laminate Flooring
Laminate Flooring Styles: Exploring Design Options
- Laminate Planks: The hardwood look without refinishing
- Laminate Tiles: Mimicking natural stone and ceramic tile
Laminate Flooring Durability: How Long Does It Last?
- How Durable Is Laminate Flooring?
- Laminate Flooring Construction & Material Composition
- Where Laminate Flooring Works Best
- How Laminate Flooring Durability is Measured
Laminate Flooring Installation: What You Need to Know
- Why Laminate Flooring Is Easy to Install
- Types of Laminate Flooring Installation Methods
- Can You Install Laminate Over Different Subfloors?
- Laminate Flooring Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Laminate Flooring Maintenance: How to Keep It Looking New
- Daily Cleaning Tips for Laminate Flooring
- How to Prevent Scratches and Wear on Laminate Flooring
- What to Do If You Spill Water on Laminate Flooring
Laminate Flooring Costs: What to Expect
- How Much Does Laminate Flooring Cost Per Square Foot?
- DIY vs. Professional Installation Costs
Transform Your Space with Laminate Flooring
- Summary of benefits
- Next steps for homeowners
- Contact Carpet Wagon for Your Flooring Needs
Laminate flooring has recently exploded in popularity! It’s an affordable way for homeowners to achieve durability and style simultaneously. Whether changing the flooring in one room or giving your entire home a makeover, laminate flooring will do the trick.
Today, we will discuss all things laminate flooring! We won’t leave any stone unturned, from styles to durability, installation, maintenance, and costs. It’s time to dive in!
Learning About Laminate Flooring Styles
Laminate style can be whatever you want it to be. What do we mean by that? Laminate flooring has an image layer that allows it to mimic the appearance of natural wood, tile, and stone. Here are some styles to familiarize yourself with:
Laminate Planks
The most popular type of laminate flooring on the market is laminate planks, which have an appearance that allows them to resemble hardwood. Another upside is that laminate planks don’t need to be refinished like their counterparts. This is because they naturally have a protective wear layer.
Laminate Tiles
On the other hand, laminate tiles are just as great! If you’re searching for flooring that resembles natural stone or any other type of tile at a fraction of the price, you’ve come to the right place. They are just as durable as their counterparts because they have the same wear layer.
Understanding the Durability of Laminate Flooring
Although laminate flooring is on the more affordable side, it’s still built to last. These floors can take a beating, which allows them to resist scratches and stains when adequately maintained. Let’s learn more about its properties:
Laminate Flooring Construction
First off, what is laminate flooring made of? As we already mentioned, it has an image and wear layers, but what else is there? Here are the parts:
- Wear Layer: It protects against scratches, stains, and fading.
- Image Layer: This allows laminate to resemble wood, tile, or stone.
- Core Layer: Made from a high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), this layer is built for strength.
- Backing Layer: It offers stability and resistance to temperature changes.
Where Laminate Floors Works
Laminate floors thrive in specific spaces more than others. Consider the following:
- They are great for living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms.
- Keep them out of moisture-prone areas because they can suffer from water damage.
How Laminate Flooring Durability is Measured
How do you find out how durable your laminate flooring will be? You can use the AC rating system (AC1 to AC5), which measures abrasion resistance:
- AC1: These floors are suitable for light residential use.
- AC3: This laminate grade is okay for moderate commercial and residential use.
- AC5: Choose this option for heavy commercial use as it’s the most durable.
All About Laminate Flooring Installation
One of the many advantages of laminate flooring is its simple installation process. This saves you money on installation labour costs since it takes less time.
Installation Methods
There are two different ways to install laminate floors. Both are fairly straightforward. Check them out below:
- Click-and-lock and Floating Floor Installation: This is the most common installation method that doesn’t require glue or nails. The pieces lock together like a jigsaw puzzle.
- Glue-Down Floor Installation: As the name suggests, the laminate planks or tiles are glued down to the floor using an adhesive for extra stability.
Installing a Laminate Floor Over Different Subfloors
You can install your laminate flooring over various subfloors, which makes it fairly straightforward. Here’s some more information:
- They can easily be installed over concrete, plywood, and most existing floors.
- An underlayment is recommended for added stability.
Installation Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re unfamiliar with flooring installation, it’s easy to make mistakes. That’s why you should opt for professional installation. However, if you go the DIY route, avoid the following:
- Never skip the acclimation period, which is giving time for the flooring to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity. This prevents warping.
- Don’t forget to leave expansion gaps. Failing to do so can result in buckling.
- Ensure the subfloor is even and free of damage, or the surface will be uneven.
How to Maintain Laminate Flooring
Like any other floor, there are steps you can take to keep your laminate flooring in top shape. Here’s our expert advice.
Daily Cleaning
While you might not have time to clean your floors daily, there are a few things you can do to keep your floors looking pristine, including:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to avoid scratches.
- Use a damp microfiber mop (no excessive water).
Preventing Scratches and Wear
If you aren’t careful, you can scratch and scuff your laminate floors. Here’s what you can do to avoid this:
- Use furniture pads and area rugs in high-traffic areas.
- Don’t drag heavy furniture across the floor.
If You Spill Water
Laminate flooring does not resist water damage. That’s why you have to be careful with it. Here are our recommendations:
- Clean spills right away to prevent damage.
- Put an underlayment underneath your floors in case of a spill so it doesn’t seep onto the subfloor.
How Much Laminate Flooring Costs
The price of laminate flooring will vary depending on where you live. However, we have put together a set of general average prices. Check them out.
Price per Square Foot
Like its counterparts, laminate flooring is generally charged by the square foot. These are the prices:
- Budget Options: $1.50 – $3.00 per sq. ft.
- Mid-range Laminate: $3.00 – $5.00 per sq. ft.
- High-end Laminate: $5.00 – $8.00 per sq. ft.
DIY Vs. Professional Installation
While you can save a bit of money by installing your new floors, you should opt for professional installation for the best results. These are the costs associated with each option:
- DIY Installation: $2.00 – $5.00 per sq. ft.
- Professional Installation: $3.00 – $8.00 per sq. ft.
Carpet Wagon is Here For Your Laminate Flooring Needs
Laminate flooring is a dynamic option that works in a variety of spaces. It’s durable and offers the aesthetic appeal of natural materials at a more affordable price. If you’re considering laminate flooring, consider shopping at home with Carpet Wagon. We have a variety of laminate flooring options available to suit your needs.
Are you ready to transform your space? Contact us today to get a quote online!
