Laminate Floor FAQ

How Are Laminate Floors Made?

• Laminate floor is available as square tiles and planks. Each flooring type is made by fusing together multiple layers of material. Most laminate floors consist of four layers: wear, photographic image, inner core and backing. The wear layer is essentially the finish that protects the floor from damage. It's usually made of a blend of melamine with aluminum oxide particles, which makes for an extremely strong surface. The photographic image layer is what gives the flooring its near wood-like look and texture. The inner core in comprised of fiberboard that's usually treated with a water-resistant sealer to keep moisture from penetrating. The backing layer provides another layer of moisture protection and stability.

Is a Laminate Floor Difficult to Install?

• Laminate floor is made to be installed as a floating floor -- one that sits above an existing floor. The benefit of this design feature is that you don't have to tear out your old floor before installing your new one. The only flooring surface that laminate flooring can't be installed over is carpet. A floating floor makes installation easier and even an option for do-it-yourselfers to tackle.

How Is a Laminate Floor Installed?

• Laminate isn't attached to subflooring with glue or nails, like hardwoods. It's meant to lie or "float" above the subfloor. Laminate floor boards have tongue and groove edges on all four sides used to connect boards together. Once connected, gently press the two boards down to lock them securely in place. Although most products require no adhesive, certain products come with preapplied glue that you activate with a moist sponge prior to joining two boards together.

How Much Maintenance Does a Laminate Floor Require?

• Laminate floors are available prefinished, which eliminates the need for sanding. After the floor is installed, it can be used immediately. Most floors have a hard-wearing finish that resists most scratches, nicks and stains. Clean laminate floors with an ordinary broom or vacuum to remove dust and debris. You can even clean floors with a specially formulated cleaner available from your local home improvement store.