The Merits Of Laminate Flooring
Thursday, November 13th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Although carpet and hardwood are great options in many areas of the home, they are sometimes unsuited. Certain areas of the home like the kitchen, or garage, typically require a higher degree of durability and resilience. Carpet is susceptible to dirt and stains, leading to 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 eventually warps and cracks. After several years of expansion and contraction, moisture damage can really degrade the appearance of a hardwood floor.
Areas in which spills and accidents are frequent can cause scratching or gouging in the flooring as well. Laminate flooring is a great answer to all these problems and more. With a laminate floor, decorators can have the aesthetic allure of hardwood, while dodging many of the typical problems. Laminate flooring is largely impervious 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.
Best of all, laminate flooring is very affordable, and can be found in a large range 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 make sure there are no broken tiles. Once certain 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 that occurs when the laminate flooring tiles arrive in a new setting.
Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions 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 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 definitely be adequate to cut 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.
Learn more on flooring go to Oak Hardwood Flooring
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