Things to Know About Laminate Flooring

Basics

• Laminate flooring is an imitation of hardwood or stone floors. It is made of several materials laminated together, usually fiberboard, and topped with a photographic image of either a wood, sand or stone texture to give it an authentic look. The image is then coated with a clear film that gives the floor a glossy sheen. There is no actual solid wood in laminate flooring, which means it is more ecofriendly and costs less.

Benefits

• Among the primary benefits of laminate flooring over hardwood flooring are the cost and ease of installation. Laminate flooring is typically bought in sheets that are much less expensive than traditional hardwood, sometimes by more than 50 percent, according to the Build Direct website. It is also much easier to install and often comes with adhesive backing that requires you only to cut portions out of the laminate sheets and stick them to your bare floor.

Durability

• Laminate flooring is typically more durable than solid hardwood, as it is more flexible and can thus withstand a little bending without breaking. It is also more scratch-resistant than natural wood and does not fade as easily. Scratches may be fixed with laminate floor repair paste, which can be found at most hardware stores and does not often require the expertise of a professional.

Limitations

• Laminate floors are manufactured to express a certain amount of sheen or gloss with photographic images of wood or stone; therefore, they cannot be polished or waxed to increase the shininess. The flooring is sensitive to moisture that can become trapped underneath the panels and create warping, so laminate flooring should never be placed in areas exposed to high humidity, such as basements or bathrooms. They must also never be used in outdoor areas that are not temperature-controlled.

Cleaning

• Never use excessive amounts of water when cleaning laminate flooring, as this may create unsightly warping over time. Use dampened cloths or acetone to remove stubborn spots, and sweep the area regularly to prevent dirt and small pebbles from scratching the surface. Do not use abrasive scrubbers on laminate flooring, such as steel wool pads, and never use harsh detergents that could potentially eat away at the flooring's clear protective barrier.