Why is Laminate Floor Better than Hard Wood Flooring?
in Laminate vs Hard Wood
as DuPont, laminate floor, laminate floor planks, melamine, synthetic material
Laminate floor is made from a number of materials which are essentially synthetic. It however has a close resemblance to real wood and it is very visually pleasing. Common companies that manufacture this type of floor include Dupont, Armstrong, and Mannington among others.
The floor is made of a thin piece of paper which is a photograph natural wood. This is then combined with a very strong material such as melamine. This is used to strengthen the flooring material by making it resistant to damages from effects such as heat, scratches or cuts.
The base of laminate flooring planks is made of compressed wood composites which make look like real natural wood material. The planks are available as snap together or glue on. Adhesive material holds together the glue on laminate floor pieces and they are structurally stronger. This makes them durable than the snap on pieces.
Hard wood material and laminate floors are some of the most commonly used types of hard surfacing materials. The reason is that they have additives in their structure that make them suitable for this purpose. Hardwood material is strengthened by addition of a layer of aluminum oxide during its manufacture. Laminate floors are made more durable by including synthetic material to protect them from damage.
Lasts Longer
One of the benefits of laminate floors is that they are very durable. This is made possible by their structural composition which makes them very strong. The type of synthetic material used to manufacture the floor prevents damage such as scratches, heat, stains heavy traffic or cuts.
Resistance
The materials used to manufacture the floor make it resistant from effects that easily affect other kinds of surfaces. Laminate floors can withstand heat, stain, and scratch effects very well. This makes them favorable for use in high traffic areas in the house as they don’t wear out easily too. They are commonly used in kitchen and bathroom surfaces as they can withstand effects from moisture too.
Maintenance
Laminate floors are very easy to clean and look after. They are also easy to maintain as simply cleaning and periodic polishing keeps them in their best condition. The cost involved in taking care of the floor is very minimal as soap and water cleans out any kind of dirt or mess.
Easy Installation
Installing a new laminate floor in your house can take only a weekend and the job is done and is virtually the same as your typical hardwood floor installation. The material involved is easy to use and you can do it for yourself without the need to hire out labor. You can use either glue on or snap together laminate floor planks. As soon as the laminate floor is fixed you can start using it without causing any kind of harm to it.
Cost effective
The fact that the floor lasts for duration of ten to twenty five years makes it one of the most economical to use in the house. The type of material used to manufacture the floor makes it easy to install and maintain it. This helps to cut costs involved in using it as flooring material.
How to Install Laminate Floor
in Installing Laminate Floors
as concrete floor, installing laminate, laminate floor, laminate planks
Laminate floor is one of the most commonly used finishing in many homes today. The reasons are that it is very easy to install and the job can get done in a short time frame. It provides a high quality finish and attractive surface as it almost looks hardwood. The floor is easy to clean and maintain. With proper maintenance it can last for a very long time.
Buying high quality laminate floor to install in your house is advisable as it guarantees to last for long duration. If you are planning to live in the house for a long time then this is a wise idea. It is also a cost effective measure as it saves you costs that would have gone on future repairs or replacing the floor.
Start by assessing the needs of your house before buying the floor. Kitchen and bathroom areas might need a different type of laminate floor from other areas. Check out for durable material to use on high traffic areas too. You can also choose different designs or colors for your living areas or private rooms. You also don’t have to spend so much on the floor as your house might not have extensive needs.
You can easily install the floor by yourself. Alternatively outsource labor to help you out with the job.
Clean the Floor
This is the first step when installing laminate floor in your house. Make sure you remove any trace of solid dirt, moulds, particles that may be lying around the surface. This might affect how fast laminate planks get fixed on the floor. Consequently you might consider repairing surfaces that are uneven or cracked. This allows you to work with an even surface.
Install
The next step is to fix laminate planks on the floor. If you are working on concrete floor, make sure you place a vapor barrier first. You can use suitable plastic material for this purpose. You can then layer the floor with the underlay. Place it out flat in rows without it overlapping in any place. Follow this by sealing the seams with duct tape
Lay the Planks
The best place to start is at the far end corner of your room. Lay the first plank by fixing the groove side towards the wall. Make sure the planks fit properly by cutting off the groove side if you see the need to. It is advisable to leave some space, about ¼ inches perimeter from the flooring to the wall. This is important as the floor expands and contracts during different seasons.
Joining the Planks
The easiest way to fix the planks together is by inserting the tongue in the groove at a high angle and then pushing them together. This allows them to click together and remain fast. You can use a hammer and a tapping block together to make sure the planks lock together.
Useful Tips
Do not use a hammer directly on the planks. Use a tapping block together with a hammer to avoid damaging the planks. It is advisable to use a saw with a fine blade to size down the planks to a desirable fit.