Flooring

Laminate flooring is a good choice, especially if you are planning on replacing new flooring over old resilient flooring that may have asbestos components. Laminate flooring is also ideal for covering up old and beaten up floors without adding an inch to the floor level.

Laminate flooring comes in either plank or tile form. Stone and wood can be mimicked by laminate plank. Planks usually measure 8 inches wide and 4 feet long. Laminate tile, on the other hand, can imitate most other kinds of flooring like stone and real tiles. Laminate tile comes in small and large squares with imitation grout lines.

It is easy to mix and match different patterns of laminate floor, which makes designing easy. Designers suggest that you should stick with one brand. Each manufacturer uses the same size of laminate tile and planks with tongue and grooves that fit well together. This will enable you to mix and match patterns more easily.

Your choice of laminate planks and tiles depends largely on your design scheme. Planks are often favored if you want to have the classic wood look. Tile, on the other hand, will be a better choice if you are interested in bold and colorful appearance.

Generally, laminate flooring is made of four component layers. These include the topmost wear layer of clear resins; which provides protection against stain, scratch, dents and water. Next is the design layer, which is a printed pattern of real floor materials. The third layer is a core of fiberboard and resin. Finally, at the bottom is a melamine or paper for a stable base. These four layers are combined together either by high pressure or direct-pressure construction. Of the two methods, high pressure construction provides for a very durable and expensive laminate. Direct-pressure laminates cost less, but should be about the same quality as with high pressure laminates.

Laminate flooring is pre-finished by the manufacturer and requires no coating once installed. Extra care should be taken, especially if it is installed in areas that are often exposed to water like the bathroom. This is because there is no finish in between planks, which render it vulnerable to moisture. It is therefore important to wipe away any spills on the floor to avoid moisture seepage on the uncoated portion of the laminate.

Finally, when you are ready to buy laminate flooring, be sure to ask your dealer about trim pieces that will match your laminate. These are used for finishing the edges, and as floor moldings. Allow the laminate flooring to be stored in the area where it will be installed for at least 48 hours. This will enable the laminate a chance to adjust to the room’s humidity and temperature.