Laminate Flooring Guide

Is Laminate the right choice?

If you love the look of hardwood or stone, but don’t what the messy install or maintenance, laminate may be the right choice for you.

Once upon a time, laminate floors seemed fake and easily spotted by your neighbors and friends. Now, technology has advanced so far, that even a design professional may be tricked into believing it’s the real thing. (Well, maybe we shouldn’t go that far.)

Over the past several years, due to a higher demand for laminate materials, manufactures have increased the number of styles, patterns, even textures that they offer. The presses used to produce products have been improved upon for superior quality, and are putting out products with increased durability, stain resistance, and style for an affordable price.

PROS

• Due to increased technology, there are more styles, patterns, and textures available then ever before.
• Quickly and easily installed with a recommended adhesive or floating install system.
• Can be installed below, on, or above grade and over many types of subfloors.
• Tough and durable, laminate flooring is resistant to many harsh household cleaners.
• Stain resistant - Spills can be easily wiped up. Even scuff marks can be easily removed.
• Holds its color and design for years (check your manufactures warranty). Even direct sunlight won’t cause fading in many products with today’s new technology.
• Hypoallergenic – unlike carpet it does not trap dirt or dust.
• Easily cleaned and cared for. Will hold up to most household cleaners, and unlike wood, can be cleaned using water. (See care and maintenance).
• Minimal price variation between different colors and styles.

CONS

• While tough and durable, if not maintained properly, and cleaned regularly, dirt and other factors can start to dull the surface.
• It’s not real wood or stone. Although technology has improved its look, remember that it’s still a photo of wood or stone, therefore the variation and beauty of natural materials will not be as noticeable.
• May chip if an object is dropped at the right weight or angle. Because laminate is layers of material, with one top “wear” layer – when chips occur, the chipped area often stands out as a white or off-colored material.

History

Laminate flooring was invented in 1977 by the Swedish company Pergo, and finally launched in Europe in 1984. It was not until 1994, 10 years later, that Laminate reached the United States. Now a common household name, laminate is often incorrectly termed Pergo, which is simply a brand name such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi. While it is still one of the most widely used manufactures, Pergo is only one of hundreds of brands now competing in this industry.

Laminate – What it is, and how it’s made

Laminate is constructed of a dense core with a glued on layer or layers of material. The material can be either synthetic materials or a combination of synthetic, natural, and/or recycled materials. Each manufacture may use a slightly different construction process or materials. These layers are then pressed with a decorative “picture” and then finished with (typically) an aluminum oxide finish to protect the photographic layer. Laminate also contains a plastic-like backing that helps to provide dimensional stability and guard against moisture.

The actual construction of laminate is done in two different ways – direct pressure and high pressure. With direct pressure, all layers of laminate are fused to the core and the same time, in one step. With high pressure laminates two steps occur – first the layers are glued together with the “print” layer, and then this now single unit is glued to the core. Both methods produce durable products of similar quality.

Styles and Textures

Styles

Laminate is produced in two main styles – wood look or stone look. Both are exactly as they sound. Wood comes in plank form and can depict various species and grains of wood in several color options. Stone or tile look comes in various sizes (typically “planks” or sheets that connect together) to represent actual tiles such as 12”x12” or 16”x16” tiles. Tiled patterns are also available from select manufactures to represent stone Versailles patterns or others.  Because of the advancement in technology, these products have become strikingly representative of actual wood and stone. Find out how many prints are used in a line. This is both the determining factor in how realistic it will look, and how costly it will be. The more prints used, the higher the cost, but the more natural variation you will get in your floor.

Textures

Many manufactures now offer several lines with textured flooring. Most common in wood look, if you’re looking for realism, look for textured looks such as distressed or hand-scraped. These laminates will not only provide the look of wood, but the feel of it.

Installation

Each manufacturer has a recommended install method, and we highly recommend reviewing those procedures before installing your floor.

Most lines today are considered “floating” floors, where the product is not adhered in any way to the sub-floor. The planks will typically interlock and either be glued or glue-less (tightly fitting). Some manufacturers have started to produce “pre” glued pieces – simple remove the wax like protective strip to expose the adhesive and connect the pieces.

Floating floors usually require an underlayment to be put down beneath the laminate. The underlayment will usually come in roll form, and is quick and easy to install. What’s the purpose you ask? The underlayment allows the floor to expand and contract with changing temperatures and humidity, as well as providing moisture and sound control. The underlayment is available in various thicknesses to accommodate all different types of floors.

Installation checklist:

1.) Determine who will be responsible for removing the old flooring. You may choose to do this yourself, or arrange for the installer to do this (be prepared for an additional charge). Either way, make sure to have a plan for disposal of the material.

2.) Make sure your sub-floor is level and clean. Any dips or rises in the floor may present a challenge and produce an uneven floor. Filler may be required for large dips. Be sure the floor is clean and free of dirt and debris.

3.) Give the laminate adequate time to acclimate. The planks or tilesshould be stored in the room to which they will be installed for 48-72 hours – check the manufactures recommended time. This will allow the material to expand/contract accordingly so that once installed, this process is minimized. Make sure that the room is regulated both in temperature and humidity.

4.) Furniture and appliances may need to be removed. Additional charges may be required if the installer is to perform these tasks.

5.) If there is existing baseboard or moldings, check with your installation professional, as these items may need to be removed prior to installing your new floor.

6.) If possible, try and be home the day of installation to oversee the processes and make sure everything goes the way you envision.

7.) Make sure to perform a final walk-thru to address any issues before the crew leaves. This will ensure that you are completely satisfied with your new floors.

8.) If you are especially sensitive to odors and dust, be sure to keep the area well ventilated for up to 72 hours after installation until the scents dissipate.

Accessories

Similar to wood flooring, laminate flooring comes with many trim and molding options to add a finishing touch to your floor. While not all lines have all trim pieces available, you will typically find that reducers, t-moldings, stair-nosings, and quarter rounds are among the most readily available.

Care and Maintenance

• Always lift heavy furniture instead of dragging or pulling them.
• Glides or floor protectors on the bottom of your furniture will prevent possible scratching or abrasion.
• 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, or attempt to refinish or sand it!
• Be careful of high-heels and spiked athletic shoes. Laminate floors are tough, but not indestructible.

For specific care and maintenance, refer to your manufacturer.

Glossary of Terms

Acclimation The adaptation of the laminate floor to its installation environment.

Backing In laminate flooring, the bottom layer, or backing, is a melamine plastic layer that lends dimensional stability to the planks and also helps guard against moisture from the sub-floor.

Decorative Layer In laminate flooring, a decorative layer or print film is adhered on top of the core board giving the floor its hardwood or tile look. This decorative layer is a printed, high-resolution photo-reproduction of wood grain, natural stone or laminate tile pattern.

Floating Floor System 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 subfloor on the bottom but rather are anchored on the edges.

Glued Laminate Flooring These are the original laminate floors that do require a special formulated glue to be applied to the tongue and grooved areas for each plank. Once the glue is dried the planks are almost impossible to pull apart. These floors are offered in both planks and squares.

Glue-less Laminate flooring A no mess installation method where the planks or squares simply interlock together.

Laminate Is a manufactured product that simulates the look of hardwood, laminate tile, natural stone and many other types of flooring.

Peaking - Seams that have risen where the laminate planks or tiles join.

Plank A laminate floor panel that is typically 5 or 6 inches longer than wide.

Pre-Glued Laminate Flooring - A no mess method of installation because the glue is already applied to the tongue and grooves. A thin, plastic underlayment is needed to seal out moisture and prevent the glue from sticking to the substrate.

Screens The quality of the laminate partially has to do with the photography and the number of photographs per style, which is known as "screens". The more screens a product has, the more variation it can offer. And the more “authentic” the laminate looks.

Seams The junction where the panels connect together.

Tile A laminate panel in a geometric shape – square.

T-Molding Commonly used in doorways to join two laminate floors in adjoining rooms. It"s also recommended when making transitions from a laminate floor to another floor that is approximately the same height.

Underlayment A material used between the laminate flooring and the subfloor that acts as a sound and moisture barrier and also allows the floor to expand and contract with changes in the temperature.

Wear Layer The durable, top layer of laminate flooring. It provides protection and stain resistance. Many wear layers also contain aluminum oxide, as well as melamine resin, and that creates exceptional durability.