Beauty and Durability Minus the Cost:
Laminate Flooring is the Material to Beat
Flooring Materials Fit for the Modern Homeowner
The popularity of wood flooring materials is undeniable,
and it remains to be the top flooring choice all over the world.
The old-world appeal and lasting durability of wood has endeared it
to homeowners over the years.
However, hardwood flooring shouldn't be installed in certain areas
where moisture is an issue. Also, many hardwood floors fall outside
of budgetary constraints for many DIYers. Thankfully, a flooring
material has been developed that provides the look of wood, along
with the added benefit of versatility and ease of installation.
Laminate flooring materials are a hardwood alternative
Laminate flooring has the appearance of wood but it is not really wood.
What you see is actually a highly-rendered photograph of real hardwood
that has been placed over layers of fiberboard and laminated together to
form flooring materials which are in a class by themselves. Over this
image, a protective wear layer keeps the colors and patterns from fading
or scuffing.
Laminate flooring is also an easy-to-install flooring material,
with click joints that lock together in place very easily without the
need for glue or other adhesives.
Once used primarily as a material intended for kitchen counters,
laminates are now a featured flooring material that is as durable as
it is beautiful.
Knowing What Laminate Flooring Grade to Use
Laminate flooring is graded using the AC rating. This is applied to every
line of laminate flooring by the European Producers of Laminate Flooring
(EPLF) to serve as a guide for consumers in determining the hardness and
durability of each type of laminate flooring. The grading is done through
a series of tests such as burning, scratching, and abrasion to determine
the durability of these flooring materials. The results of the test are
then interpreted and the flooring is classified according to its
performance.
*AC1 - laminate flooring graded AC1 is suitable for use in places with light infrequent traffic such as bedrooms.
*AC2 - this type of laminate flooring is suited for general residential use e.g. dining rooms, living rooms.
*AC3 - this can be used for a wider variety of applications like small offices
*AC4 - higher traffic areas and commercial establishments such as boutiques and restaurants
*AC5 - clearly the most durable of the bunch, this type of laminate flooring can be used in areas that have
heavy commercial traffic such as department stores and public buildings.
Caring for your Laminate Floor
Part of having your laminate flooring last a lifetime involves its proper care. Thankfully, laminate
flooring is one of the easiest flooring options to clean, so you should not have any problems with
caring for your laminate floor.
Since dirt is the biggest of enemy of your laminate floor, you will want to keep it off your floor as
much as possible. This can be done by either sweeping or vacuuming your laminate floor to remove any
dust, dirt, or debris that may have been tracked in from outside. That being said, putting door mats
to minimize the tracking in of dirt from outside is recommended. Dirt and other particles may scratch
your laminate floor and dull the finish over time.
Spills should be mopped up as soon as possible to prevent the liquid from seeping into the flooring
and causing a stain. Avoid over-wetting your laminate floor. A damp mop is best for situations like this.
Furniture legs should be outfitted with felt pads to avoid the furniture from scratching or gouging
the laminate floor.