Q. How would you describe laminate flooring?

A. Laminate flooring has the look of real wood flooring at a fraction of the price of hardwood flooring. This is accomplished by bonding a high resolution photo of natural wood flooring to a layer of high density fiberboard (HDF), which has a moisture resistant layer underneath it. This is topped with a hard transparent layer of resin coated cellulose and aluminum oxide is infused into the clear coating for a protective finish over the natural wood look. Due to this protective finish, laminate flooring is durable and scratch resistant.

 

Q. Are there any advantages of laminate over hardwood?

A. Laminate flooring does not contain any real hardwood, so it is very economical and affordable, being about half the price of hardwood flooring. It is also easy to install it yourself without having the skill you would need to install solid hardwood flooring. You can install it quickly and use the room immediately after installation, since there is no glue used in the installation process. Laminate flooring is easy to clean, not prone to fading and scratch resistant so it may be preferable for pet owners.

 

Q. Can laminate flooring be used in a kitchen?

A. Yes. Laminate flooring is a popular alternative to using vinyl and tile flooring in a kitchen, due to its durability and scratch resistance. Just make sure that you clean up any spills immediately and dry the flooring promptly to avoid any moisture seeping between the seams to the HDF core.

 

Q. Can I install laminate flooring if I have indoor pets?

A. Laminate is a great choice for flooring if you have indoor pets because of its hard protective surface, which is very durable and highly scratch resistant. Laminate flooring is also very easy to clean making it ideal for pet owners.

 

Q. Can laminate flooring be used in a bathroom?

A. It is not recommended because the manufacturer warranty will not cover laminate flooring installed in a bathroom due to constant exposure to water, steam and high humidity. Excessive moisture will ruin laminate by causing the fiberboard core to bulk or swell. 

 

Q. Can laminate flooring be used in a basement?

A. Laminate is versatile in that it can be installed above grade or below grade, over wood or concrete sub-floors. Therefore, it can be installed in a basement, providing there are no existing moisture problems and you install a vapor barrier underneath the flooring to protect against moisture. Before installing laminate flooring in a basement, you may want to conduct a moisture test to ensure that there are no issues with moisture that could damage the flooring.

 

Q. Is laminate flooring noisy to walk on?

A. If you choose a quality underlayment such as cork or rubber, it will greatly reduce the hollow sound that you hear when you walk across a laminate floor. If you use a lower quality of underlayment such as basic foam, you will hear more sound when walking on the floor.

 

Q. Are laminate floors easy to clean and maintain?

A. Laminate flooring is low maintenance and easy to clean and maintain. Regular cleaning with a dust mop or Swiffer will remove any surface dust or dirt or vacuum the floor with a wood floor attachment. If you use a cleaning product, use only those that are recommended by the manufacturer. Blot up any spills immediately with a soft cloth or paper towel. You may use a slightly damp mop or cloth for any remaining residue but make sure you dry the floor thoroughly. Never wax, polish, steam clean or use any abrasive products or scouring pads on your laminate flooring as these may damage the surface.

 

Q. How is laminate flooring installed?

A. Laminate flooring is floated over the underlayment and existing sub-floor and the boards lock together through an edge joining system. Laminate flooring is one of the easiest flooring to install and probably why it is a favorite among do-it-yourselfers. Please read your installation instructions completely before installing your flooring to learn how to connect your flooring boards together properly.

 

Q. Why do I have to leave a 10 mm gap around the perimeter of the laminate flooring?

A. This is necessary because the flooring will expand and contract under different temperatures changes due to seasonal and weather conditions. The expansion gap will be hidden by the quarter round or shoe molding which must be glued or nailed to the wall and not the flooring to allow for the expansion of the flooring.   

 

Q. Do I need to order extra material?

A. Yes. Always order 7 to 10% in additional square footage to allow for waste, due to cuts, installation errors or damaged planks and for waste.

 

Q. How do I determine which thickness of laminate to buy?

A. It depends on the manufacturer but generally, the thicker 12 mm laminates will be stronger, more stable and less likely to warp than the 7 or 8 mm laminates. However, with proper care and maintenance a 7 mm or 8 mm laminate can last for many years. If the laminate flooring is going to be exposed to a lot of high traffic and wear and tear, it would probably be best to install the thicker 12 mm laminate flooring.    

 

Q. How do I properly care for my laminate flooring?

A. It is a good idea to use floor protectors under furniture and appliances. Keep a doormat at all entrances to prevent dirt, grit or water from being inside onto the flooring. Use colorfast throw rugs under tables and mats at sinks to protect the flooring from scratches and moisture. Avoid sliding any furniture across the flooring to prevent damaging the surface. Don’t walk on the flooring with high heeled shoes to avoid permanent indentations. Never use wax or sealer on your laminate flooring. 

 

For more information please contact us at 1-877-966-3983 or www.woodwudyshop.com.