The Benefits of Laminate Flooring – Why It’s a Smart Choice
Laminate floors are a great flooring option for many reasons. Here are just a few of them:
The top or wear layer provides strong protection against scratches and stains. This layer also shields the decorative paper sublayer from harmful ultraviolet rays that can fade colors.
Easy to Clean
Laminate flooring, just like laminate flooring Ottawa, is a great choice for your home because it’s easy to clean and maintain. Regular vacuuming and dust mopping can help remove surface dirt, pet hair, and other debris that can scratch or scuff laminate floors over time.
Sweeping with a soft-bristle broom or dry vacuum can also pick up loose debris, such as dirt, dust, and sand, that may be tracked into your house by pets or heavy furniture. Be sure to sweep the floor in the direction that the laminate was laid to get better access to nooks and crannies.
Light-damp mopping can keep your laminate floors looking great if you need more time or energy to do a thorough sweeping job. However, water can bubble or swell the laminate, separate seams, or fade color if water gets too wet.
The best way to clean your laminate floors is by using a product specifically made for laminate, according to The Home Depot. Don’t use wax, acrylic, or bleach because they can damage the floor’s finish and cause streaks or streaky spots.
Durable
Laminate floors are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to scratches, stains, and fading. This makes them great for busy homes with children, pets, or frequent guests.
Most laminate flooring manufacturers offer extensive warranty protection against stains, fading, and moisture damage. They also provide a variety of designs and styles, many of which are GreenGuard certified.
They are straightforward to clean and require little or no special cleaners. Plus, they are very affordable.
A laminate floor starts with a thick protective top layer and is then covered by a design layer or image layer printed to mimic different wood styles.
Next comes the high-density pressed wood fiberboard or plywood core that provides structural strength and durability.
Finally, a melamine resin layer seals the product’s base and adds stability. This allows the floating floor to be installed over most existing floors without removing them. Some manufacturers even include underlayment with their products.
Affordable
Laminate flooring is a budget-friendly option that can last for many years. Many laminate floors are more affordable than hardwood floors.
Laminate floors are easy to maintain as long as they’re installed correctly and you keep them clean. Scratches, stains, and dents should be easily wiped away with a soft cloth or a damp sponge.
A little extra care will go a long way toward ensuring your floor looks and feels suitable for years. For instance, add furniture pads on the bottoms of heavy pieces like pool tables or large cabinets to prevent scuffing and buckling.
In addition to looking great, laminate floors are durable and withstand heavy traffic. Some products can last for 25 years or more with minimal maintenance.
Easy to Install
Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for many homeowners because it’s easy to install and maintain. It’s also available in a variety of colors and designs.
If you’re installing laminate yourself, have the proper tools and equipment. Wearing eye and ear protection and kneepads is also a good idea.
Start by laying the first row of planks along one wall, maintaining a 3/8-inch gap between the wall and the floor. Next, place the second plank next to the first and align the tongue with the groove of the installed row.
Continue snapping the second-row plank into place until you’ve completed the entire row. Be sure to stagger the seams, adding stability and giving the flooring a more natural look.
Floating laminate floors are straightforward to install, but preparing the subfloor before you begin is essential. This step helps to eliminate any uneven surfaces and prevents bumps from forming under the floorboards.
