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Not Wood
What is all the fuss about this flooring? Most
laminate flooring looks very similar to hardwood but is not made from
solid wood or wood strips. In fact only the core of a laminate
consists of any wood product – fiberboard. In fact 87% of
laminate flooring is made from paper, much of which comes from trees
is raised on farms. Therefore you may see what you think is a
wooden floor but it is actually made out of printed paper. This very
feature helps preserve forests thereby reducing the use of fossil
fuels required to ship materials from overseas to local flooring
suppliers.
As well, it is very hard and can withstand knocks
that would scar linoleum, dent hardwood or fracture porcelain tile.
And even if it is damaged repairs can be made from spare pieces.
Preparation Is the Key
Laminate
flooring can be installed on practically any dry surface The tools
needed are basically spacers for the wall ends, various pry bars, a
coping saw and a powered chop saw. A small table saw may be needed to
“rip” or make a few lengthwise cuts.
The pieces usually come in 48” X 8”
strips which mimic two or threes strips of hardwood. Some laminates
give the impression of a single plank while other patterns go down as
a tiled floor.
Basic Tips for Installation
Add
Spaces: Make sure you add in closets and other extra spaces.
Allow a 20% Overage: Anything can
happen to materials through mishaps, incorrect measuring or
discolored pieces so it is a good idea to add 20% to the materials.
It may be an “end of the line” product and there is none
left in that pattern if needed. This also works well for the future.
If a part of the floor is damaged a few years down the road it might
be nearly impossible to get the right pieces.
Foam Underlay: Remember that you'll
need a foam underlay so include that in your calculation.
Cement Floor: You will need a vapor
seal on bare cement. Even in dry climates this will protect the
flooring from any leaks in plumbing that may flow underneath the
floor.
Wall Gap: Flooring expands and
contracts. Use plastic spacers to allow a minimum of 5/16”
between the flooring and the walls.
Starting Out: On the furthest wall
from the doorway start with the groove side toward the wall. Start
with a half panel because you want to stagger each row.
Expansion Joints: For large areas –
over 35 linear feet – expansions joint of 3/8” will be
needed.
Transition Pieces: These last pieces
and the baseboards go on last.
Other Styles
The
styles do not stop at wood and tile. A Canada-based company, Folia
Industries, has some outlandish laminate floor products in trendy
colors like kiwi or orange and designs such as polka dots on a salmon
background or a floor looking like $20 bills. If this doesn't strike
your fancy try photographic images of grass, stones, water, and
coffee beans as flooring patterns.
Maintenance a Breeze
Once the flooring is down very little maintenance
is involved. Cleaning is done with a dry mop and individual stains
can be easily cleaned with a light cleaner. Because of its make up
you cannot get laminate wet.
Your Renovation Experts Flooring expert can help
you choose and then will install your durable floor. This takes all
the guess work out of the formula and you will have a perfect floor
every time.
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