Laminate flooring is one of the most popular materials for houses and commercial floors. It has a wide range of models, manufacturers and types. Like any flooring alternative, this is also going to be a significant investment for your home or commercial space so making an informed decision is important. Anyone can be overwhelmed while making this decision. We are here to help you.

What Is Laminate?

Before diving into the details, let’s get the basics straight. Lamination is a manufacturing technique in which several materials in multiple layers are pressed or bonded, so that the final material achieves improved strength, stability, sound insulation, appearance, and other properties from all the components. You may also hear “waterproof laminate flooring” which is not always 100% accurate. We would call it water resistant. There are many popular brands like Mohawk laminate flooring, Shaw laminate flooring and numerous others. Florida Flooring is an authorised sales dealer for all major brands. This will give you plenty of choices.

What is laminate flooring made of?

Laminate flooring is a semi – synthetic flooring product which is made of several layers bonded together during the lamination process. Usually it has 4 layers. These include the wear, design, core and back layer.

Is laminate flooring plastic?

Contrary to popular belief, laminate flooring is not made out of plastic. In the early years of laminate, it looked as if it were made of plastic due to the appearance and design being sacrificed for affordability. Now, with innovative manufacturing, laminate appears as if it is solid hardwood or stone, and is still much more affordable.

What Are Layers Of Laminate Flooring?

There are the several layers of laminate flooring panels;

• Back Layer: it balances the floor, protects the plank from moisture, and gives structure.
• Core Layer: above the back layer; is a durable, high-density board that protects from indentations and moisture.
• Design Layer: above the core layer; has a quality image of the desired art, appearance or design.
• Wear Layer: top layer; is a clear layer that protects against fading, stains, and surface burns.

How Durable is Laminate?

Laminate makes for an extremely durable product because of its multi-layer construction. Laminate is resistant to scratch, fade, and is easy to clean. Laminate’s durability allows for the absorption of heavy traffic, making it an ideal flooring choice for active families with kids and pets running around.

How Much Does It Cost To Put In Laminate Flooring?

What is the average cost to lay laminate flooring? It depends on many variables. Although there are DIY tutorials on the web, we recommend seeking a professional or expert. That is why we have a testimonials section on our website. Here you can find Florida Flooring reviews from our previous customers. Here is the link: https://floridaflooring.com/reviews/

Cost of installing laminate flooring may vary depending on the type of product or square feet of the project. Also, in some cases installing floors in difficult areas like stairs or larger homes may change the offer. We can say that an average 2 room project would be around $999. We welcome you to check our specials page; https://floridaflooring.com/special-offers/3-room-laminate-offer/

How To Clean Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is easy to maintain and clean. With simple vacuuming and light mopping it will continue looking great. Most laminate floors feature an anti-static coating that will stop dirt from clinging to the surface, making it even easier to remove.

Laminate flooring planks are liquid resistant but not waterproof. We recommend cleaning after any spill happens. Beware of any flooding or leaks. These could destroy your floor and cost more money to repair or replace. Common accidents like a glass of water or spilled baby food jars are not a big deal.

That said, stubborn scuffs and marks may need treating with a spot cleaner. Spills should be cleaned up quickly, but thanks to the impervious resin top surface, laminate is very difficult to stain so makes a great choice for kitchens and dining rooms. Some people ask what kind of steamer is good for laminated wood flooring. Steamers can be good for deep cleaning but avoid frequent use. This will damage the protective layer and structure of planks.

Laminate floor cleaning tips;

• Wipe up wet spills immediately.
• We love pets too. If you keep your furry friend’s water bowl on the laminate, then you place a waterproof cover under the water bowl.
• A similar mat would be great under the baby chair as well. 
• Be careful while choosing floor waxes or any product promises shine. Some of these products make laminate extra slippery and dangerous. 
• Vinegar: it’s a big discussion topic. We understand that warm water and a water/white vinegar mixture would clean grimes and disinfect. But vinegar is acidic and it will wear laminate’s protective cover when used continuously.
• Some furniture legs are still naked wood or metal. Place furniture pads under these legs.
• New smart vacuum cleaners are working like charm. If in the budget, they can be the best way to always clean laminate floors!
• Use a damp mop not traditional wet mop.

Sweep often. It sounds very basic but due to laminate’s anti static nature, hair or similar dust or particles won’t stick to the surface. So with a help of light sweep, you would avoid flying dust balls.

Pros And Cons Of Laminate Flooring

What is better flooring? Laminate? Vinyl? other materials? This is a tricky question and must be answered by experts after evaluating you and your family’s needs. However, here we can offer you some pros and cons to start with.
Pros Of Laminate Flooring

Pros Of Laminate Flooring

• Easy to clean
• Scratch-resistant
• Good for homes with pets and children
• Inexpensive relative to other types of floor coverings

Cons Of Laminate Flooring

• Moisture can swell the laminate floor base
• Chips are possible
• Not suitable for bathrooms

How To Install Laminate Flooring?

Laminate floors can be installed on almost any surface. These surfaces must be even and clean. If there is a moisture or dampness source, you must fix these issues first. Laminate flooring planks are laid over a foam or rubber underlayment. This layer provides moisture reduction and sound proofing. They are tongue and groove planks, that are clicked into one another. Sometimes glue applied for enforcement. A 0.035–0.390 inch gap will be good between planks and walls for expanding. Most of the installation can be done without saws, but for trimming corners, door gaps or similar irregularities, saw cutting is needed. An expert installer will bring a neat and precise look to these details.

Improper installation can result in peaking and gaps!

Improper installation can result in peaking. Peaking means, adjacent boards form a V shape projecting from the floor. Improper installation may also result in gaps too. This means two adjacent boards become separated from each other. There are several DIY websites and these may give an impression of easy installation. While flooring is a crucial step of home decor and it shouldn’t be treated like a hobby project. Your home will host many special memories and must be perfect in detail and engineered for you and your family’s safety.

Where To Use Laminate Flooring?

It is an “install anywhere” material. Laminate flooring is great for entry ways, hallways, and living rooms.  Some install laminate in their kitchens and even bathrooms. This is possible with a moisture barrier but still will be riskier than ceramic tile or waterproof flooring alternatives.