This article explains how to choose, install and clean new laminated floors
A New Laminated floors are easily one of the most popular types of flooring available. Laminated flooring has been around for quite some time now and through much technological advancement, new laminated floors have undergone many refinements and is arguably one of the best flooring options around.
New laminated floors are great and is one of the best alternatives to the expensive stone and solid wood flooring. Before going into the details of new laminated floor options, we need to know what is laminate flooring in actual. Laminate is actually made from four layers of material, sandwiched together to make up the laminate. The construction starts with a base layer to keep the flooring firm and rigid during its installation. After the base layer, a solid fibreboard core is present which makes up the most of the depth. Afterwards, a thin design sheet is applied which is the high resolution image of stone, tiles, hardwood or any other pattern. The last component is a protective coating that repels all the scratches and stains and protects the flooring against dust and dirt.
Laminate flooring didn’t use to be the most robust flooring available like stone, bamboo, engineered planks and tiles but it has undergone many improvements including splash-safe finishes, along with scratch resistance and impact protection. While such upgrades and improvements certainly mean that the laminate flooring is easily capable of handling the wear, tear and traffic of a normal family life, it does not mean that it can cope up with the extremities of bathrooms or really busy hallways.
Are you undecided about choosing laminate flooring for your home? This article will help you clear your mind and answer most of your questions. Read on the full article to learn more about this!
What are the latest trends in laminates?
Styles have become much more varied so as well as the traditional look, there are also many more unusual designs. Some designs come in interlocking planks that need no glue and just click together.
Some laminates come in great non-wood effects, perfect for children’s bedrooms, playrooms and hallways. Colors range from whitewashed boards to dramatic dark-wood flooring with texture, and even faux-marble, like this design from Quick-step.
Laminate flooring with V-grooves along the edges of the boards and textured surfaces are worth the extra cost as they look more realistic than a completely smooth surface. However, bear in mind that they will take more cleaning than a smooth surface. ‘The latest ranges also have a less defined groove between planks,’ says Philiep Caryn at Quick-Step. ‘This gives a smoother and more polished finish.’
What should I look for in a laminate?
Some laminate flooring can be noisy, especially if you have pets. An underlay will help dampen sound, but also look for versions with sound insulation. Laminate is also prone to electrostatic discharges, so if you tend to get shocked by car doors and shopping trolleys; it’s worth seeking anti-static laminate. An embossed surface, with the texture of stone or timber, will also boost authenticity.
How much does laminate flooring cost?
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with laminate flooring. Thickness is a good indicator of quality. It is possible to buy 6mm-thick laminate, from £5-10sq m, while 8mm-thick versions are around £10-20sq m, and 10mm-thick laminate will cost in excess of £20sq m. Don’t forget to add the cost of underlay and installation to your budget.
How to care for laminate flooring?
Don’t let laminates get soaked. They’re not usually water resistant so should never be soaked with water. Instead, clean them with a damp mop and a specially formulated cleaning product.
Author: Amy Cutmore
The complete article can be accessed by visiting the following link:
http://www.idealhome.co.uk/project-advice/laminate-flooring-how-to-install-clean-choose-191894
