Is Laminate Flooring the Best Choice for Your Home?
Article Written By: EzraPlank
Laminate flooring was first introduced in the United States in 1994 by Pergo. They made a deal with Home Depot, and a combined advertising effort then made it highly successful. Other manufacturers began making their own versions of laminate flooring, so that nowadays the choice is quite confusing. This report will help you to make a decision. Laminate flooring is highly resistant to staining and needs very little maintenance, freeing up your time for more productive activities. Just sweep daily with a soft brush, and damp mop when needed. No waxing is necessary. Laminate flooring will never fade, even in direct sunlight. It is composed of melamine-impregnated fiberboard in between two thin sheets. The surface layer is a photograph of wood grain that is covered by another transparent layer, a hard one to resist impact and scratching. The bottom layer provides a moisture barrier. Almost all laminate flooring today is installed by the free floating method - so called because the flooring is not really connected to the sub-floor. First of all, a layer of plastic sheeting is laid over the sub-floor, which provides a barrier to moisture and makes it easier for the floor to move back and forth with variations in temperature. Then a layer of foam, which not only absorbs sound, but helps to even out any irregularities in the sub-floor. And finally, the laminate boards are fitted together by tongue-and-groove, and may be glued to each other as well.
As to choices, laminate flooring provides such a variety of styles, shapes, and colors that you will certainly have difficulty in making a decision. The planks can imitate just about every wood species you desire, from oak to exotic hard woods. It can also be made to simulate stone or ceramic tile. The planks come with square or beveled edges, and also have a variety of surface treatments and finishes. And you can select a color to complement your decor. If you are choosing European laminate flooring, there is a rating system to help you find the right quality material for your floor. In America, consumers must rely on carefully checking the warranty that comes with the product. Don't settle for anything less than 15-year coverage, which should include protection against wear, fading, staining, and accidental water damage. Warranties with lower coverage are usually an indication of lower quality materials, which will also tend to be less resistant to scratching, one thing that is never covered. Since laminate flooring is such a new material, you should probably purchase it from one of the larger manufacturers. You can be sure that they will offer full support for their product if you have any trouble. Search for a company on the internet. Investigate customer feedback - very useful in giving you insight into what other floor installers have experienced. When you have finally decided what type of laminate flooring to get and where to buy it, then go ahead. Buy your materials, install the floor, and finish your decorating project. Now when your friends and neighbors compliment you on your new masterpiece, you'll know that you made the right decision.About the Author
Would you like to install quality flooring, but don't have an unlimited budget? Ezra's website on cheap flooring will help you to locate good discount flooring for your home decorating project. Find out where to buy quality laminate flooring at the lowest price.
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This Article Has Been Published on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 and Read 141 Times
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