Why Choose Laminate Flooring?

I have sold laminate flooring from the time it was introduced by Pergo(R) in the mid 1990s. Over the years laminate flooring has evolved into the many beautiful styles of wood design species and the replication of natural stone that are available at flooring stores and on the internet.

Why Select Laminate Flooring?

Hundreds of design choices in Wood styles and the natural stone look.

Wood styles of all the beautiful exotics: Rosewood, Tigerwood, Brazilian Cherry, Mahogany Santos, Olive Tree, Merbau, Teak, Wenge, Bamboo.

The always popular traditional woods: Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Cherry, Hickory, Beech, Ash, Pine, Walnut, Birch.

The Natural Stone look of Marble, Granite, Slate, Travertine, Soapstone, Limestone.

Laminate flooring can be installed anywhere in the house. Over existing glue or nail down wood, ceramice tile, stone, vinyl. Not over carpet or an existing floating floor.

It is extremely tough - abrasion and indentation resistant: high-heels, cigarette burns, lipstick are no problem.

Easy to clean. Wipe away dirt with a damp cloth or dust mop. There Many name brand laminate floor cleaners in the marketplace. All are okay if they are labeled for cleaning laminate floors.

Never add wax. No ammonia, it will dull the service. Also do not clean with excessive water. Prolonged use of water on the laminate can result in the boards buckling at the seams.

Scratch and scuff resistant. Unlike Hardwood floors that can scuff and scratch when dogs and children run and slide across the wood, laminate flooring will not.

Laminate flooring is the healthy choice. Non-allegenic and does not absorb odors.

Fade resistant - the decorator top layer will not fade or change color due to sunlight.

Lasting value with 25 year to lifetime structurial warranties.

No longer is the use of glue essential for installing laminate flooring. The snaplock or snap together system has greatly simplified installation of both wood boards and tile squares. Thus said, some manufacturers of laminate flooring recommend a bead of glue on the tongue and groove when installed in wet areas. (kitchens,bathrooms,laundry rooms).

Manufacturers are now adding a moisture resistant treatment to the tongue and groove for added moisture protection.

Why?

Laninate flooring is constructed of a layer of plastic top and bottom with a wood sustance in the middle. (core) It is laminated together under extreme pressure, thus creating a strong, durable board. As it contains a wood substance, it is susceptible to moisture. Moisture from under the surface, concrete, and the top surface, excess water from cleaning.

How to protect the laminate from excess moisture.

When installed over concrete, a 6 mil roll of plastic is put down on the concrete. Overlapping the plastic 8 inches is recommended. For added moisture protection, tape the overlap with plastic shipping tape. Masking and duct tape are not recommended. Pergo(R) recommended using 6 mil plastic 15 years ago for moisture protection and still does.

Using a 2-in-1 or a 3-in-one underlayment may or may not be sufficient to keep out moisture. I always recommend putting down the 6 mil plastic under the underlayment. Better safe than having the floor buckle because of moisture.

While on the subject of moisture, always use 1/4" spacers between the wall and the laminate flooring. Again, being a wood product, it expands and contracts with humidity changes throughout the year. Not leaving a 1/4" space may result in, when it expands, buckling the planks or pushing out the wall.

Care and maintenance of laminate flooring is simple. Use a laminate floor cleaner. Almost all of the laminate manufacturers have their own brand of laminate cleaners. If buying an off brand, be sure it states on the bottle, for laminate floors. Do not use excessive water and no ammonia based cleaners or vinegar. They will dull the appearance of the laminate.

Use a dust mop or clean, non-abrasive cloth and you floor will look great 25 years from now!

Time to relax and enjoy your new laminate floor.

A note from the editor, Alan. I have no bias for any Laminate manufacturer. I refer to Pergo(R) as they were the first laminate floor manufacturer in the United States.

Alan Grundemeier