Tips Reference

Using Laminate Flooring in your Home

Posted on 22. Mar, 2009 by Mark Coleman in Flooring

Although carpet and hardwood are two of the most popular choices when it comes to flooring, they are sometimes inadequate. Spaces like the kitchen, or garage, commonly require a higher degree of durability and resilience. Carpet absorbs stains and moisture too easily, producing a dingy looking surface that may also attract odors. Hardwood offers a great deal more durability than carpet, but it also falls prey to moisture. A damp hardwood gradually warps and cracks. After several years of expansion and contraction, moisture damage can become very apparent with a hardwood floor.

Places in which water damage and accidents occur can result in scratching or gouging in the flooring as well. Laminate flooring is a wonderful solution for water damage and durability issues. With a laminate floor, designers can have the classic appeal of hardwood if they so desire, while avoiding many of the usual pitfalls. Laminate flooring is very resilient when it comes to moisture problems and will not absorb water. Stains are not an issue, and with prompt clean up, should not leave a mark at all.
Fortunately, laminate flooring is very well priced, and can be found in a great selection of shades, colors, and styles.

Installation of laminate flooring is also relatively simple. When first purchasing a set of laminate flooring tiles, check each to ensure that each tile is intact. Once certain that all the tiles are in good condition, give the tiles a few days to acclimate to their new climate. There may be some contraction or expansion that occurs when the laminate flooring tiles arrive in a new setting.

Be sure to follow all manufacturer guidelines that are included with the tile packaging. Specific instructions on how to glue the tiles are crucial, and can affect the overall performance of the tile. It is also important to ensure that the tiles are placed with a quarter of an inch space between the wall and the flooring. Although a great deal of tools isn’t required for in home installation, you may have to cut the tiles to fit around corners, fireplaces, stairs, etc. A wet tile saw would provide all the cutting power needed for laminate flooring.

Having a level surface for installation is also crucial. Be sure to fill any holes in the subflooring, or sand away any protruding areas that might stick up afterward.