Laminate
Introduction…
Understanding Laminate Flooring is Easy, with Our Know-How
We have a lot of experience with laminate flooring. We’re familiar with all of its characteristics and capabilities.Concept Flooring serves Atlanta, Milton, Alpharetta, Marietta, Johns Creek, Cumming GA.
We want to build your understanding of laminate flooring; increase your information about it and decrease any concerns you may have about it. We want you to know.
We want you to know all about the world of laminate flooring. Whether it’s at our store or here within our website, we want you to understand, learn, experience — know — as much about laminate products as you need to.
So if laminate flooring is a possibility, you’ve come to the right place and the right people.
You’re certainly in good company. Laminate flooring is the choice for many homeowners.
There are many good reasons why laminate flooring is a popular choice in today’s homes.
But if it’s going to be a possibility for your home, then you need to first understand what laminate is.
Laminate is a manufactured product that simulates the look of hardwood, ceramic tile, natural stone and many other types of flooring.
Now, in the past, laminate floors have been easy to spot, but today’s technology allows manufacturers to create realistic visuals and textures for an elegant and quality floor.
We think you’ll be amazed – maybe surprised — at how beautifully laminate flooring resembles other premium flooring.
In fact, many of today’s laminate styles consist of extremely authentic wood or natural stone visuals to accommodate any room in your home.
Laminate is well suited to those shoppers who want the look and feel of real hardwood or stone but without the cost or maintenance that can be associated with natural products.
It’s a fact. Laminate flooring costs significantly less than hardwood floors or natural stone tile.
So, laminate seems to be popular among buyers who are looking for a beautiful, durable, yet cost-effective flooring solution for their home.
And laminate floors function well in any space with their many different styles and colors.
You can choose from natural colors and dark wood grains as well as warm or cool color tones to compliment any room décor in your home.
And if the “plank” look interests you, many hardwood plank designs are offered in laminate, including rare, exotic wood species.
Laminate stone and tile patterns will give you the elegant look of tile, but without the concerns of grout cleaning or cracking tile. Something you might want to consider.
And if yours is a busy household or a home with children, a durable, low maintenance product like laminate flooring is a great choice for your active lifestyle.
Because laminate flooring is stain resistant, it doesn’t need to be varnished or waxed. A good thing to know.
Laminate floors are also less likely to fade in direct sunlight, unlike aging hardwood floors.
And don’t worry if you feel a little unfamiliar with this product. Laminate floors are relatively new to this country, but have been used in Europe for more than 25 years.
Which may explain why, today, laminate flooring has become one of the best selling floor coverings in the United States.
To recap, you should know that laminate floors offer many benefits to you and your home, including:
- Exceptional durability
- Easy to clean surface
- Superior stain resistance
- Superior fade resistance
- Install in/on all grade levels, even below grade
- Install over many different types of subfloors
- Great impact and indentation resistance
- Exceptional realism at affordable costs
- Easy to replace later on, if desired
We invite you to investigate the other laminate sections to get “in the know” and learn if durable, versatile and cost-efficient laminate flooring is the answer for your home.
Before you buy…
own this knowledge
Whatever your flooring budget, you need to be assured that once you make your purchase you know all the basic facts about your flooring choice.
Buying laminate flooring is no exception.
It pays, today and tomorrow, to know not only the basics but also some of the specifics.
That’s why we offer you this section.
It’s a summary of many of the things you should know about laminate before you buy.
That way your final decision not only creates a warm, inviting environment in your living spaces but also delivers what laminate floors are noted for: excellent durability and easy maintenance.
This Flooring Stands Up and Stands Out
Laminate flooring is a remarkably durable surface, stain resistant, and does not need to be varnished or waxed so it’s very easy to maintain.
These are floors for busy households, especially homes with kids and pets.
Today’s laminate styles consist of authentic wood visuals, rich ceramic looks or natural stone designs with different surface textures to beautifully accommodate any room in your home.
Understand This About Pricing
When considering laminates, you will notice that there is not much price variation in styles.
This is due to the relatively uniform manufacturing process for all laminates: no matter what the style, color or type, it is still a photograph that provides the decorative surface.
The more expensive laminates include those with a textured and more natural looking surface with a greater number of screens.
Laminate floors that simulate the more exotic varieties of hardwood flooring quickly rise in price. So keep that in mind.
However, higher-end laminates are more durable and have extended warranties.
What You Should Know About “Floating”
Laminate floors are installed using a “floating floor system” in which a padded underlayment sits between the subfloor and the laminate planks.
The planks sit directly on the underlayment and are not anchored to the sublfoor on the bottom but rather anchored by the edges.
When walked upon this type of installation can produce a hollow sound and have a slight give.
Slight ridging or peaking where planks are joined together may also occur. This is considered normal and nothing for you to be concerned about.
Some laminate floors lock together without the use of adhesive on the sides of the planks. These are glueless installations.
Glueless laminate floors have planks that simply interlock together. These floors make for easy repair if that is ever necessary for you down the road.
Get on Top of The Bottom Line.
Know The Entire Cost of Ownership
The “cost per square foot” of your laminate floor is just one component of the entire project cost. To ensure there are no surprises, and the laminate you select fits within your overall project budget, be sure to ask us to calculate the total cost of your floor covering project.
Here’s a list of potential additional expenses you may incur:
- Furniture removal/replacement.
- Demolition/disposal of old floor covering. Depending on the existing floor covering, this can be an expensive item; also, be sure to include the cost to dispose of the old floor covering.
- Subfloor preparation. Depending on the condition of the subfloor, it may require additional work.
- Product delivery.
- Laminate installation. Determine the cost per square foot to install it.
- Materials required to complete the installation. Your new laminate floor may require additional materials to install it properly.
Be sure to also consult the manufacturer’s warranty and care guide for directions on how frequently the floor should be cleaned and the cost to clean it.
There’s a lot to know and keep in mind before buying a laminate floor, but it’s well worth the effort. If you’re a smart and knowledgeable shopper it will show where it counts – in a beautiful, durable and easy to care for floor.
Maintenance
Knowledge About Laminate Upkeep
There’s no getting around it, life and living are hard on any flooring and even durable laminate will eventually start to show the effects of stains and spills, time and traffic.
You need to know the best practices for taking care of it so you’ll be better able to keep your laminate flooring in its beautiful, inviting and valuable original condition.
Plus, knowing what’s expected of you regarding upkeep can be a determining factor in your purchase choice.
So read on and get to know exactly how to take care of your investment.
Use These Tools to Take On Dirt
Laminate floors are beautiful and very durable but not indestructible. Floors can dull when unattended dirt acts as an abrasive on its surface.
This can be avoided by sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming regularly to remove loose dirt and grit.
You can use a broom or, to make the job faster, a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar is also recommended.
Vacuum cleaner attachments are useful to pick up dirt from between planks, tiles or along edges.
An occasional damp mopping is also suggested. However, your laminate flooring can expand if excessive water is used while cleaning.
After damp mopping, a clean dry cloth should be used to wipe your floor thoroughly.
Placing doormats or walk-off mats at each entryway will collect excessive moisture and dirt before they enter your home.
Do’s and Don’ts You Should Know About
Glides or floor protectors on the bottom of your furniture will prevent possible scratching or abrasion.
It’s important to lift heavy furniture instead of dragging or pulling them.
Use pieces of carpet face down under heavy objects when moving them across your floor.
Spot cleaning and occasional complete cleaning of your laminate floor can be done using the manufacturer’s recommended products.
Never use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring powder.
Do not use soap-based detergents or “mop-and-shine” products.
Never flood your floor with water or cleaner.
Do not wax or polish your laminate floor.
Never try to refinish or sand your laminate floor.
Durable but not indestructible, your laminate floor can be damaged by stiletto heels.
But the good news is that the finish on your laminate floor can help protect the floor from sunlight and the typical fading you find with aging hardwood floors.
Keep in mind that if a repair is necessary in the future, the replacement product may be a slightly different dye lot and/or texture than the initial installation.
However, with time and usage, the repair will blend in with your original product.
For additional care procedures please refer to the manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions and recommendations.
Knowledge Assures Longevity
By understanding and following these basic care guidelines you can be confident that your laminate flooring will provide you with many years of beauty and lasting performance.