Buying Tips for Laminate Flooring
Why has this new product category been
such a hit?
Laminate products feature a newer type
of wear surface that resists scratching, denting, and burns better than
many existing products. They also offer extended product warranties to
back up these claims for superior performance.
Much of the styling is done in wood grain patterns taking advantage of
popularity of hardwood. Still other styling resembles natural stone like
you would find in ceramic tile. Laminates offer a popular trade-off for
people wanting wood or ceramic. Laminate floors are more scratch resistant
than most regular hardwood finishes and easier to clean than the grout
lines associated with ceramic tile installations. Laminates also require
less demanding preparation of the subfloor because they are not glued directly
to the subfloor. Most of these products are glued or snapped together over
foam padding. This feature has made laminate flooring popular in areas
where vinyl flooring traditionally was installed.
Custom
floor design is also very easily done with products that offer planks and
squares that mix and match together.
High
pressure laminate vs. direct pressure laminate
You’ll
hear conversation on this difference but both products perform equally
as well in most situations. The high-pressure products have greater chipping
and impact resistance. High-pressure laminates also have a separate wear
surface protecting the pattern, where as the pattern and the wear surface
is the same with direct pressure products.
Laminate
flooring in wet areas
Many of the products are okay
for wet areas, but the core is made of wood fiber. Look for products that
have warranties, that cover water damage. All of them will insist on proper
installation.
Finishing touches are
important
Look for products that can provide the needed
accessories like reducer strips, stairnose, and even air vents that either
match or coordinate with the flooring.
