Laminate flooring can be a great investment in time, money and effort. It’s an easy-to-install material that does not require a professional contractor, is highly affordable, can be installed by homeowners themselves, and can dramatically alter a space from drab to fab. Laminate flooring looks super, is comfortable to walk on and has a long lifespan.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a type of flooring that is made up of three layers. Those layers are the core, the top layer and the wear layer. The core is usually made from MDF or HDF. The top layer is usually real wood, vinyl or ceramic tiles. The bottom layer is referred to as the wear layer and it’s usually made from plastic, hardwood or laminate.
The top layer of laminate flooring comes in many different styles and colors, which helps make it easy for you to find one that matches your decorating needs. You can choose from styles like parquet, herringbone and plank, among others.
Laminate floors are easy to clean because they don’t tend to absorb liquids such as water as easily as other types of floors do. They’re also easy to install because they’re much lighter than solid wood planks or tiles would be when installed on your floor.
How is laminate flooring made?
Laminate flooring is made from thin layers of wood or composite materials, called planks, that are bound together with heat and pressure. The top layer is often made from real hardwood veneer or bamboo. The bottom layer contains the core material like particleboard or plywood. A protective wear layer protects against scratches and stains. You can also choose between floating laminate floors (which sit on top of your subfloor) or locking systems (that connect to your subfloor).
When choosing laminate flooring for your home or business, it’s important to consider factors like durability, stain resistance and ease of repair if you have pets or children at home.
Benefits of choosing laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is a great choice for your home. It’s easy to install, and it can provide years of enjoyment. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy from laminate flooring:
Laminate flooring is durable and long-lasting. The lamination process makes laminate floors stronger than wood or tile. Laminate floors also have low-maintenance requirements, making them ideal for busy households.
If you’re concerned about the environment, you’ll love laminate floors. They don’t emit harmful chemicals like many other types of flooring do. That means you can breathe easier when you walk on your new laminate floors!
Laminate floors are easy to maintain because they’re stain resistant and scratch resistant. They don’t need much more than a quick vacuum once in a while to keep them looking their best (and clean!).
How to install laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a great option for homeowners who want the look and feel of wood, tile or stone without the higher cost. Installing laminate flooring is similar to installing other types of floors, but there are several things you should know before starting your project.
Installing laminate flooring isn’t difficult, but it does require some time and patience. Follow these steps to get started:
- Measure the room and determine how many planks you’ll need.
- Remove baseboards or moldings if necessary.
- Install underlayment for extra padding and sound insulation.
- Lay out your planks in the room according to their direction (we recommend using a chalk line).
- Screw down the first row of planks at one end of the room (this will be your reference point).
- Align each plank with its neighbors using an L-square or straightedge ruler as a guide (you can also use a chalk line).
How to Clean Laminate Flooring?
Laminate is a great option for most homes. It’s easy to install and it looks great. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always stay that way. If you don’t have time to clean your laminate floors on a regular basis, they can get very dirty fast. One way to keep them clean is with the right cleaning tools.
The best way to clean laminate floors is with a soft-bristled brush mop or vacuum attachment. You can use plain water or a mixture of water and vinegar as your cleaning solution. This will help keep your laminate floors looking new and fresh without damaging them in any way.
Here are some tips for how to clean laminate floors:
- Use a soft-bristled mop or brush attachment for your vacuum cleaner.
- Use warm water if possible; otherwise cold water will work just as well.
- Mix one part vinegar with two parts water (one cup of vinegar per two cups of water).
- Apply this solution directly onto the floor using a sponge or rag (do not pour it down the drain).
- Mop or scrub the floor thoroughly with this solution until all dirt has been removed.