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Ten
things you need to keep in mind when opting for this floor
covering:
1.
BestSelling Brands: This sector of the home improvement industry
is growing at a phenomenal pace and a host of manufacturers are
queuing for your business. There are vast collections of
excellent ranges. It is difficult to determine a winner. Your
choice will be a question of personal taste, the brand's unique
characteristics, your decor needs and the size of your budget.
Some ranges can be used in bathrooms for instance, while others
are not moisture resistant to that degree.
2.
Discount Discontent: Look for a quality range at a good price.
Stay away from a cheap, discount laminates that haven't been
tested properly. A warranty is only as good as the backing
behind it. Make sure that the company has been around for a
while and won't disappear overnight.
3.
Sub-Floor Surface: A major advantage of a laminate flooring
installation is the fact that it can be done successfully over
almost any sub-floor. Real wood, concrete and linoleum are all
fine for this purpose. It may even be that linoleum can provide
enough of a cushion to make an underlayment unnecessary, or you
may be able to use a less expensive material. However, ask your
supplier about this. In most cases you can't install the floor
covering over carpeting or wood on concrete.
4.
Indispensable Installation Kit: Many manufacturers have a
laminate flooring installation kit available. It may be wise to
make use of this. The kit can be a time-saver, ensuring that you
have the right tools and accessories at your disposal during the
project. The kit often includes a suitable underlayment. Check
that this is of a satisfactory quality. Underlayments are a
vital element when it comes to comfort. Laminates can be quite
hard if you are on your feet for a long time. The padding also
helps to dampen the hollow sound that is so characteristic of
this type of floor covering. Of course power tools won't be
included. It is often recommended that you use a circular saw to
minimize chipping. Also be very careful and gentle with the
tapping block or rubber mallet.
5.
Barrier Basics: Find out what kind of moisture barrier you need
to place on the sub-floor. This is usually specified in the
warranty. The right choice will help to maintain the integrity
of the floor, preventing buckling and lifting.
6.
Be Warranty Wise: If you buy from a reputable company and you
are given a warranty of 25 to 30 years, you can be fairly sure
that you are purchasing an upper-class product. Some wholesale
warehouse stores even include lifetime coverage on their lines.
Read the warranty conditions with care and follow the
instructions to the letter. This goes for both installation and
maintenance. If you go against the guidelines, you are likely to
void the protection. It is vitally important that you double
check which cleaning agents are suitable.
7.
Glue Grumbles: The click-together tongue and groove planks are
meant to be used as a floating laminate flooring installation.
In spite of this, there are still many experts who recommend the
use of glue. The manufacturers don't always agree with this, as
it may affect the way in which the floors contract and expand
due to changes in temperature or humidity. Normally glue is only
used on stairs. Glue should also be used to seal the joints
between the planks in the case of a bathroom fitting.
8.
Testing Tactics: In the end you have to be totally comfortable
with your purchase. Test the locking mechanism in the store to
make sure that it gives a tight fit, but is still easy to
manage. Test samples for scratching, denting and scuffing. When
it comes to indentations and moisture resistance, the density of
the core is the vital component. The wear layer determines the
level of resistance against fading and scratching.
9.
Quantity Questions: Normally an error margin of 10% is advised
when purchasing flooring. This makes provision for accidents
during the laminate flooring installation, or factory faults
that slipped through. Another sensible idea is to purchase extra
planks to store in case you need to replace a floor section
after a serious mishap. When that time comes, the particular
shade may have been discontinued. Store the cartons unopened.
Check
the run or lot numbers on the cartons. There are always subtle
shading differences between lots. One way to even out coloring,
is by working from a few boxes at the same time. In this way
variations will no longer be so noticeable.
10.
Clearing The Chore-Chart: These home remodeling ranges are known
for their low maintenance. The smooth, hard surface is easy to
keep spotless. You need only a broom and a slightly damp mop.
Never wash the floor with water. There are many dedicated
cleaning substances on the market for tougher spots. Abrasive
cleaners and waxes are a serious no-no.
Follow
these tips when you head to your nearest wholesale warehouse
store, and your laminate flooring installation is bound to be a
professional, elegant and stylish addition to your decor.
By:
Rika Susan
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Interior-Tip.com
