Laminate Floor Installation is a Breeze
November 10th, 2008 Posted in Kitchen Flooring
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Although carpet and hardwood are two of the most popular choices when it comes to flooring, they are sometimes unsuited. Certain areas of the home like the kitchen, or garage, commonly require a greater degree of durability and resilience. Carpet absorbs stains and moisture too easily, leading to a dirty looking surface that may also attract odors. Hardwood offers a tougher surface than carpet, but it also suffers from problems with moisture. A damp hardwood gradually warps and cracks. After several seasons of expansion and contraction, moisture damage can really degrade the appearance of a hardwood floor.
Areas in which spills and accidents are frequent can cause scratching or gouging in the flooring as well. Laminate flooring is a wonderful solution for water damage and durability issues. With a laminate floor, designers can have the aesthetic allure of hardwood, while avoiding many of the typical problems. Laminate flooring is largely impervious to moisture issues and will not absorb water. Stains are not an issue, and with prompt clean up, should not leave a mark at all.
Fortunately, laminate flooring is very affordable, and can be found in a wide range of shades, colors, and styles.
Installing a Laminate Floor
Laying down laminate flooring is also relatively simple. As soon as a set of tiles can be unwrapped, check each to ensure that each tile is intact. Once sure that the entire package is intact, give the tiles a few days to acclimate to their new environment. There may be some contraction or expansion involved when the laminate flooring tiles arrive in a new setting.
Be sure to follow all manufacturer guidelines that are included with the tile product. Specific instructions on how to glue the tiles are very important, and can affect the overall performance of the tile. It is also important to give the tile a quarter inch between wall and flooring. Although an extensive set of tools is not needed for in home installation, you may need something to cut the tile around corners, fireplaces, stairs, etc. A wet tile saw would definitely be adequate to cut laminate flooring.
Do note that having a level surface for laying down tiles is also crucial. Be sure to fill any holes in the subflooring, or sand away any protruding areas that might stick up afterward.