Before you buy laminate, own this knowledge

Whether your flooring budget be high or low, it is important that you be assured that whatever you choose to purchase, you know all of the important and basic facts about your choice. 

This section is a summary of the several things you should know about laminate before purchasing.

We want your final purchase decision to create an inviting and warm environment to your living space.  We also want to make sure that your purchase delivers what laminate floors are famous for, which is easy maintenance and excellent durability.

This flooring stands up and stands out. Laminate flooring has a remarkably durable surface, is stain resistant, and does not need to be varnished or waxed; moreover, it is very easy to maintain.

Laminate is an excellent floor for busy households, especially those with pets and kids. 

Today, laminate styles vary from authentic wood visuals, natural stone, rich ceramic looks and are offered in several different textures.  All of these combined will beautifully accommodate any room in your home.

Understand this about pricing.  Most styles will not vary in price as there is a relatively uniform manufacturing process for all laminates.

Laminates that are more expensive will be those with a more natural looking and textured surface.

Keep in mind that laminate floors that simulate the more exotic varieties of hardwood flooring quickly rise in price; 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”.  This is where a padded underlayment sits between the laminate planks and the subfloor.

The planks sit directly on the underlayment and are not anchored to the sublfoor on the bottom, but rather anchored by the edges.

When this type of installation is walked upon, it produces a slight give and a hollow sound.

A slight ridge or peak can appear where some planks are joined together; however, this is considered normal and is nothing to worry about.

Some laminate floors can be installed glueless.  This is where they lock together without the use of adhesive on the sides of the planks.   This type of laminate flooring has planks that simply interlock together. These floors make for easy repair if ever necessary.

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.

It is also important to consult the manufacturer’s warranty and care guide.  This will provide with you helpful tips, such as how often the floor should be cleaned.

There’s a lot to know and keep in mind before buying a laminate floor; however, it will be well worth it.  More knowledge and experience will assist you in making the right decision for you and your home.