How to Buy Laminate Flooring Materials
Laminate flooring is a great alternative to stone, tile or hardwood; it offers a similar look at a mere fraction of the cost. The laminate floors on the market today are next to impossible to distinguish from more expensive floors, due to the photographic printing process that adds the top layer. Not only that, laminate is very easy to install- in most cases, pieces are snapped together. There are so many different types and styles available, that finding the right type can be difficult. Here are some tips on how to buy laminate flooring materials.
1. Pick the correct flooring for your room. If the area is high-traffic (such as a bathroom, kitchen, or family room), you should buy a laminate with a thicker core due to its stability and durability. Also, the locks on laminates with thicker cores are stronger, and far less likely to break. Laminate flooring cores can be anywhere from 6-12 millimeters thick, with an average of eight millimeters.
2. Select a finish that works with your home's decor. You will need a finish that works with a variety of paint colors, in case you decide to redecorate sometime in the future. If the laminate is for a high traffic area, consider buying in a darker finish because it won't show dirt as plainly as a lighter color. If necessary, ask for a sample to take home for comparison.
3. Look at the laminate's backing. This type of flooring is usually backed with either resined paper or melamine. The latter is usually more expensive, but it provides greater stability and it lasts longer. Look at the laminate's locking mechanism; most makers use a tongue and groove. The tongue on one plank connects with the groove in the next piece, creating a strong joint. Look at some test pieces to see how easy it is to connect one piece to the next.
4. Check the flooring's warranty. These can range from one decade to as long as you own your home. Ideally, you should buy a minimum of a fifteen-year warranty that covers staining, wear and fading. Be sure to read the warranty's terms and conditions carefully, so that you aren't liable for damages that arise from not using the laminate in the correct manner.
Hopefully, this guide has taken some of the mystery out of buying laminate flooring for your home. When selected and installed properly, it can add the beauty of stone or hardwood at a lower price.