laminatesins

What are laminate floors and how are they made?

Laminate flooring is a versatile, durable, attractive flooring with the appearance of a hardwood floor. Although
laminate flooring looks like wood flooring, there is actually no solid wood used in its construction. Laminate floors
are made up of several materials bonded together under high pressure. Most laminate flooring consists of a
moisture resistant layer under a layer of HDF (high density fiberboard). This is topped with a high resolution
photographic image of natural wood flooring. It is then finished with an extremely hard, clear coating made from
special resin-coated cellulose to protect the laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is perfect for anyone wanting a
durable floor for a fraction of the price and installation time of a hardwood floor, but with the attractiveness of real
hardwood. This construction also makes laminate flooring more environment-friendly as it uses less wood in its
construction and makes more efficient use of the wood fiber that is used.

What is the difference between laminate flooring and hardwood flooring?

Both laminate flooring and hardwood flooring can beautify a home. While hardwood is often thought to be a
superior choice, there are several advantages to laminate flooring. Distinct differences between the two types of
flooring often make laminate a more attractive alternative. Solid hardwood of any thickness (most is 3/8” to 3/4”)
should be installed only above grade. Laminate flooring can be installed above or below grade, and over virtually
any other flooring surface. Some hardwood flooring is engineered, meaning that instead of solid hardwood, it is
made of several wood layers with a hardwood veneer. Laminate flooring, usually 7mm to 8mm (5/16” to 3/8”), is
also made of several layers. These are laminated together which makes for stability and strength. The top surface
of laminate flooring is a photograph of hardwood. High quality photographs faithfully reproduce the grain and color
of natural hardwood, and the surfaces on quality laminate flooring closely resemble real wood. Although many
people insist on hardwood flooring, laminates are a long-lasting, durable, affordable option that are quickly
becoming one of the most popular types of flooring.

How do laminate floor panels lock together?

There are many types of edge joining systems used to connect laminate flooring panels together. Some laminate
flooring connections snap together by hand while others require a light tap with a mallet and a tapping block. Still
others use a combination of a “snap” click edge and a “bang” or “tap” click at the end of the panels.

Where can I install laminate wood flooring?

Laminate flooring is an extremely versatile flooring product. It can be installed in virtually any room of your home,
above or below ground, over wood or concrete. There are several locations that are not recommended for
laminate flooring. Because laminate flooring is a wood flooring product it is not recommended that laminates be
installed in wet locations such as bathrooms, washrooms, saunas, enclosed porches or verandas, or anywhere
that may require wet-mopping. Extended exposure to moisture of this type may cause the core of your laminate
flooring to warp or swell. In some instances, with special installation procedures, it is possible to install laminate
floors in bathrooms where water will not stand on the floor for any length of time.

What are the advantages of laminate flooring over those of solid hardwood flooring?

One obvious advantage is that of price; laminate flooring is typically half the cost of traditional hardwood flooring.
Sometimes the savings are even greater, depending on the types of flooring in question. Laminate flooring is
generally designed to be scratch-resistant and fade resistant, two areas where solid hardwood flooring is known to
be more vulnerable.

Why is a moisture barrier used on concrete?

Concrete floors below ground are capable of storing a vast amount of water. It is crucial to avoid all direct contact
between the laminate flooring and the concrete floor because the soil beneath the concrete can transmit humidity
into the floor. Installing a moisture barrier over all concrete surfaces is mandatory for a successful installation and
for the ongoing health of a laminate floor.

How can I get the shine of my floor to increase?

The shine can not be modified as it is a manufactured characteristic. Therefore, you must never wax or polish a
laminate floor.

Can laminate flooring be installed in my screened in porch or patio?

No, laminate flooring must be installed in a climate-controlled area.

Can we install laminate over carpet?

No, all carpet and padding should be removed completely prior to installation.

How do I repair minor scratches?

Minor scratches or nicks can be repaired with laminate floor repair paste. Please contact us for further details.

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