What is Laminate Flooring?

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is made of real wood compressed and bonded under high pressure. The result is an extremely hard plank. Laminates are made by bonding decor paper to a wood-based fiberboard with heat and pressure, which is then covered with polyurethane to protect from fading, scratching, and general wear. Once you decide laminate is the best flooring choice for you, you can enjoy the endless style options of laminates - from classic hardwood looks to stone-look laminate.

What are the benefits of laminate flooring?

Compared to other flooring types, laminate is typically more durable, less prone to indent, has better stain resistance, resists shrinkage and swelling due to seasonal changes, and is easier to install. When considering Laminate vs. Hardwood Flooring, another advantage is that water-resistant laminates can be installed below grade, or below ground level, giving a natural wood look and feel in areas that would not permit a solid hardwood.

Can laminate flooring be installed in a bathroom?

Yes! Look for water-resistant laminates that are approved for installation in bathrooms and kitchens. You can choose from many styles that would be a great choice. Each flooring product will have Warranty and Care information to get comfortable with how to care for them in these rooms.

How do I know the laminate I want is a good quality?

There are a few considerations to discuss, from thickness, to AC Rating, to Sound and Impact classes. LL Flooring's laminates are manufactured to stringent quality requirements and most carry an AC RATING of 4 - considered the most suitable for heavy residential traffic, and not so hard as a heavy-duty commercial or public-space flooring. But LL Flooring does have a selection of those products as well.

I have kids and pets. How would laminate flooring perform in my house?

Laminates can be water-resistant, such as the AquaSeal brand, so it is highly recommended for an environment where the "challenges" of children and pets exist! Also, laminates come with excellent durability options to resist dents, scratching, and chips. As far as noise, the underlayment chosen will have the greatest effect in reducing noise from foot traffic. We offer laminates with pre-attached foam backing, or you may want to use Bellawood Platinum or Eco Silent underlayment for additional soundproofing.

What’s an underlayment?

Underlayment or padding is any roll or sheet product designed to be installed between the sub-floor surface and laminate flooring material.

Why do I need an underlayment?

It’s used to improve acoustical properties, smooth out minor sub-floor imperfections, improve insulation properties, reduce walking fatigue, and help to protect the material from sub-floor moisture. Sound suppression can be improved with an additional Cork underlayment. Some laminates come with pre-attached padding, and in this case you wouldn’t need any other underlayments.

Can I install laminate flooring on walls?

Although laminates and wood flooring are primarily used on the floor, many DIY’ers have successfully applied flooring to ceiling and wall applications! When doing so it is best to first think safety and to consult with your local building codes. LL Flooring has a large selection of products that can be applied to walls as a full or partial accent wall. When it comes to accent walls, even a small area can make a big statement.

Can I install laminate flooring in an unheated space (e.g., garage, cabin, porch)?

Laminates, like cork and wood flooring need to be installed in climatically stable environments, avoiding extreme temperature swings and excessive humidity. Ideal acclimation values are between (55°-85°) temperatures and (20% – 70%) humidity.

Can laminate floor be installed in a basement?

Yes, laminate flooring may be installed in a basement in accordance with the manufacturer product specific installation recommendations. Always use a 6mm-8mm plastic href="https://www.llflooring.com/p/delta-protec-basement-slab-underlayment-100-sq.ft.-10049156.html">moisture barrier over cement.

How long will a laminate floor last?

Many laminates come with a Lifetime Warranty when purchased from LL Flooring. Just see the product details to access warranty information and find the flooring with the toughness to fit your needs. Keep in mind that any flooring expert will add that flooring performance always depends on the correct installation, the use the flooring sees, and how well it is cared for.

Can laminate flooring be installed over a radiant heated floor?

Yes. However, there are special installation procedures required for radiant heated sub-floors. The manufacturer’s installation recommendations must be followed to ensure a successful installation! Most laminate flooring can be used in combination with many types of in-floor heating. The heating system can be embedded in a concrete floor or in a thin layer of filler on the surface of a concrete subfloor. It can also be installed retro fitted under a wood subfloor or installed on the surface of a subfloor as matting, electric or hydronic. Note the instructions from the supplier of the floor heating system. Before installation, the heating system must be in operation for at least 2 weeks prior to the installation of laminate flooring, this helps to dry out any remaining hidden residual moisture. The system may be turned off or set to a suitable installation temperature (65 – 72 degrees F.) After installation, the temperature may be increased slowly at the rate of approximately 5 degrees per day, and should not exceed 85 degrees F. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the floor heating system that do not conflict with the above requirements.

Will laminate flooring fade?

Not normally. The patina,' or sunlight-related color change effect that is more typical in solid hardwood flooring is not common with a quality laminate flooring. It is possible that over the years you may find a small difference under rugs and furniture due to UV light or cleaning products.

 

 

Should I be concerned about heavy furniture or appliances being placed on laminate?

Laminate flooring offers better indentation and scratch resistance than most other types of flooring, particularly with heavy loads. However, care and common sense should be exercised when moving heavy objects placed upon the flooring.

Are all laminate floors installed in basically the same manner?

There can be substantial differences in installation methods. Most laminates are held together by a locking system as they float over some kind of padding. Many styles require edge gluing and clamping. We offer glueless laminates with three distinctive locking systems; tap and lock, lock and fold and angle-angle. Always follow the manufacturer’s specific installation instructions.

Can I install a laminate floor by myself?

Yes, most laminates can be a "do-it-yourself" installation. However people tend to have varying degrees of carpentry skills, so call a professional installer if you run into problems or find the DIY installation difficult.

Why is an expansion zone or space needed around the perimeter of a room?

An expansion zone is always needed to allow for the normal movements of the flooring system due to climatic changes. Normally this space is the same as the thickness of your new flooring or from ¼ in – ½ in depending on the total area of the room.

Why must the laminate product be in the room it will be installed in 2-3 days prior to installation?

You and the product will benefit by allowing this acclimation. The laminate and underlayment should acclimate to the conditions of the room it will be installed in. Giving the product time to stabilize to its installation environment will help to minimize subsequent dimensional changes that can result in excessive gapping or squeaks. Think of acclimation as an ongoing process, ideal acclimation values are (55°-85°) temperatures and (20% – 70%) humidity.

Can we install laminate over old carpet?

No, sorry. Carpets will have to be removed because it offers no moisture protection or support to the locking system.

What special considerations may be required for large installations or adjoining rooms?

Depending upon room size, layout, and the manufacturer’s recommendations, transition accessory pieces may be required to allow for proper expansion and contraction of the laminate floor. Normally spans exceeding 27ft in any direction will require some sort of expansion break. Please refer to your specific manufacturer or installer recommendations.

How will the laminate floor attach or transition to adjacent areas which have different floor coverings (carpet, vinyl, etc.)?

To create functional and attractive transitions from your laminate floor to adjacent different floor coverings such as carpet or vinyl, accessory pieces designed for the specific transition are available in matching or coordinating decors, and are usually required to complete a professional-looking installation. Please refer to your specific manufacturer or installer recommendations.

What should I do about an uneven sub-floor?

Underlayment should take care of most minor imperfections. Larger sub-floor irregularities may require sanding, patching, filling or other measures. Refer to manufacturer instructions for tolerances.

Can I glue or nail the laminate to the sub-floor?

Laminate flooring is installed as a "floating floor". To the extent any glue or nails may be used, refer to manufacturer instructions.

How do I repair scratches or other damage to a laminate floor?

LL Flooring and other stores have repair products available to remove, fill or repair minor chip damage. If the damage is severe it may require a qualified installer to replace an individual board.

How do I care for my laminate floor?

Laminate flooring is made to be easy to care for, so no waxing is required. Typically, all you need is sweeping to remove surface grit and occasional spot treatment with a manufacturer’s recommended cleanser. Strong cleaners are neither required nor recommended. "Wet mopping" can be done on occasion with advanced water resistant floors, however use care and not more than recommended. For specific care instructions please contact us. Our Bellawood cleaners are an excellent choice, and quite highly rated.