March 19 2009

Floorings - Information on Laminate Flooring

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Although carpet and hardwood are great options in many areas of the home, they are sometimes inadequate.  Certain areas of the home like the kitchen, or garage, frequently demand a greater level of durability and resilience.  Carpet is susceptible to dirt and stains, producing a dingy looking surface that may also attract odors.  Hardwood offers a tougher surface than carpet, but it also suffers from problems with moisture.  A damp hardwood gradually warps and cracks.  After many years of expansion and contraction, moisture damage can really degrade the appearance of a hardwood floor.

Places in which water damage and accidents occur can cause 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 typical problems.  Laminate flooring is largely impervious to moisture issues and will not absorb water.  Stains are not an issue, and with prompt clean up, should not leave a mark at all.
Best of all, laminate flooring is very affordable, and can be found in a large selection of shades, colors, and styles. 

Laying down laminate flooring is also relatively simple.  As soon as a set of tiles can be unwrapped, check each to make sure there are no broken tiles.  Once sure that all the tiles are in good condition, give the tiles a few days to acclimate to their new atmosphere.  There may be some contraction or expansion involved when the laminate flooring tiles change environment. 

Be sure to follow all manufacturer guidelines that are included with the tile product.  Specific instructions on how to glue the tiles are very important, 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 an extensive set of tools is not needed for in home installation, you may need something to cut the tile around corners, fireplaces, stairs, etc.  A wet tile saw would provide all the cutting power needed for laminate flooring.

Having a level surface for laying down tiles is also important.  Be certain to fill any holes in the subflooring, or sand away any protruding areas that might stick up afterward.