HARDWOOD
Timeless, elegant, and beautiful.
We’ve done the research for you. Just tell us your needs, and we’ll satisfy them beyond your expectations. With one of the largest selections of carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, area rugs and more — and you’ll always find the best products and great savings … every day.
We’ve done the research for you. Just tell us your needs, and we’ll satisfy them beyond your expectations. With one of the largest selections of carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, area rugs and more — and you’ll always find the best products and great savings … every day. We’ve done the research for you. Just tell us your needs, and we’ll satisfy them beyond your expectations. With one of the largest selections of carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, area rugs and more — and you’ll always find the best products and great savings … every day.
GENERAL INFO
Laminate flooring is a synthetic product, designed to mimic the look of natural wood, stone or tile. To manufacture laminate, four layers of different material are fused together, creating a versatile, durable product. The process begins with a bottom layer, designed to stabilize the flooring and resist moisture. Next comes a high-density fiberboard for the core, providing stability and impact resistance. The third layer consists of a detailed image which, with modern technology, can look like realistic wood grain or stone finish. The final layer is a protective one, helping to prevent scratches, gouges and stains. These layers are fused together with high temperatures and pressure, resulting in laminate planks or tiles. Laminate is an exceptionally easy product to install, using a “lock and click” installation method and “floating” above the subfloor, often requiring no glue, nails or staples to hold it down.
INSTALLATION
What To Expect During Your Installation
Laminate flooring is a versatile material designed and engineered for easy installation. You can install laminate floors in almost every room in your home, both above or below ground. Laminate flooring installation is 30% – 50% faster than other floors because there’s no need for adhesives or special tools. It’s a great weekend project for DIYers with intermediate experience.
Before Your Installation
Laminate flooring is designed for a “floating floor” installation method that doesn’t require glue, nails or staples. Instead, laminate boards have a unique tongue-and-groove profile that connects by simply locking edges into place for a firmly fastened surface. Once complete, the entire floor “floats” above the subfloor, expanding and contracting with the temperature and humidity changes in your home.
During Your Installation
The versatility of floating floor installation allows it to be installed easily and without stress. By making sure the subfloor is structurally sound, dry, clean, and flat, you can ensure the process goes smoothly. Underlayment is also recommended for laminate installation. It will serve as a moisture barrier and will help quiet floors in areas with heavy foot traffic.
After Your Installation
After installation, if you are sensitive to dust and odors, good ventilation should be established for 48 to 72 hours after installation to make sure that dust from the installation settles. From there, routine care and maintenance are up to you!
CARE & MAINTENANCE
How Do I Keep My Laminate Floors Clean?
The beauty and life of your laminate floors depends on how you care for it. Follow a proper cleaning routine to keep it looking great over time. A few easy steps can extend the life of your laminate flooring solution.
How Should I Clean My Laminate Floors?
Even though they are known for being durable, laminate floors must be maintained. Regular sweeping or vacuuming is recommended to remove dirt and dust. Damp mopping will also help to keep floors clean, though excessive water should be avoided and floors should be wiped dry after mopping is complete. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or soap-based detergents that can dull or damage laminate. When in doubt, follow manufacturer recommendations on cleaning products.
How Do I Repair Scratches and Stains?
For minor damage, such as scratches, many manufacturers create “touch-up kits” that can help with repair. Because of the ease of installation with laminate, severely damaged planks can often be replaced with new ones, posing little inconvenience and no damage to the surrounding flooring. If you’re concerned about damage to an existing laminate floor, feel free to contact us and a Floor Store associate can help answer your questions.
Can I Refinish My Floors?
No. Unlike real wood, laminate floors cannot be sanded and refinished. However, laminate flooring is designed to be extremely durable and is less likely to show scratches and dents than hardwood.
FAQ’s
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a man-made product, designed to look like a natural material, such as wood, stone or tile. It’s made by fusing together four, thin layers with different properties, resulting in an attractive, durable flooring option.
Where Can I Install Laminate?
Generally speaking, laminate can be installed in any room in the home. It can also be installed over a wide variety of subfloors, including wood, tile, ceramic, concrete and more. If you have questions about a specific room in your house, feel free to consult a Floor Store expert for advice.
How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?
This will largely depend on the quality of the flooring. Not all laminates are created equal. But, a high-quality laminate floor, with proper care and maintenance can last many, many years.
How Would I Choose Laminate Flooring over Real Wood?
Laminate flooring offers home owners the look of real wood at a more affordable price. Laminate is also more durable than wood, better at resisting dents and scratches. In addition, laminate can be installed in rooms of the house where hardwood floors are not an option, such as in a bathroom or basement. Stop by one of showrooms, or browse through our online catalog, to see the variety of laminate products available to you.
How is Laminate Installed?
Laminate planks are usually designed to interlock with each other, for ease of installation. Unlike wood, ceramic tile or stone, laminate flooring can be “floated” over almost any subfloor, installed over a padded underlayment that sits between the subfloor and the laminate planks or tiles. This method requires no glue, nails or staples. Our installation experts can answer any questions you have about installing laminate in your home.