With AquaGuard’s AC5 rating, their flooring is suitable for medium to heavy traffic. You’ll see floors like this in retail stores, restaurants, and even schools. Armstrong’s water-resistant flooring, Audacity, is hands-down some of the very best when it comes to protective flooring options. Audacity sports the latest designs, down to realistic embossed features that make their floors stand out among the competition. That includes styles like limestone and granite that you just can’t find anywhere else. If you want your laminate flooring to have some unique character, go with Armstrong. Whether you’re looking for beautiful stone tiles or authentic hardwood, Armstrong’s massive selection of styles has you covered. In fact, no other brand comes close to the realism that Armstrong provides.
Carefully wipe around the repaired area to remove any marker or filler that got on the undamaged flooring. Wipe the damaged part of the floor with a clean, damp cloth. Laminate flooring is often made of melamine resin, a compound made with formaldehyde. The formaldehyde is more tightly bound in Melamine formaldehyde than it is in Urea-Formaldehyde , reducing emissions and potential health effects. Thus LEED v2.2’s EQ Credit 4.4 precludes the use of UF, but allows the use of MF. Remember, each floor plan is different, so if you have a complex floor layout, try to budget a little more before starting your Laminate Flooring project. Expect the Laminate Flooring prices to fluctuate between various companies – each and every company have different operation expenses and over-head. For the latest trends and design inspiration, sign up for the Build with Ferguson catalog or browse the online version today. Laminate flooring warranties typically range from 10 to 25 years, but this is dependent on a rigorous maintenance schedule.
It doesn’t fade like stone and hardwood does when exposed to direct sunlight so it’s also a good option for your sunroom. Installing natural floors in certain areas of the house such as bathrooms and kitchens is ill advised but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a hardwood look in the kitchen. Laminate planks feature a transparent top layer which protects an image layer right beneath it. The new floor fits on the existing floor so there is no need for an expensive remodeling project. Simply lay an underlayment material and install the new floor over it. Although we suggest that you get professional help to install, even an amateur DIY can figure how to install. Lastly, the process is quick such that a team of professional installers can complete a whole house in just a few days. Laminate plank technology is advanced such that most people can’t tell the difference between real wood and laminate simply by looking at it.
The national average cost to install laminate wood flooring is $1,581 or $3-$7 per square foot. However, the cost can range from $300-$4,000, including materials and labor. Because of the acclaim and prestige of solid wood flooring, you will have to pay a higher price for it. For materials, the average is between $3 and $13 per square foot — the range is wide due to the variety of wood options available. For installation, you should budget about $4 to $8 per square foot. You can install an engineered wood floor with a nail-down method. Not only will this save you money, but it also means that you can install this flooring as a “floating floor” on top of a concrete subfloor. Laminate flooring is perhaps the most popular choice for those who want the look of natural wood on their floors for half the price at $0.70 to $4.50/SF. With a multitude of looks and colors to choose from, and the benefits of quick installation, durability, and no more carpet stains, it’s a no-brainer.
Some materials used to make laminate flooring are derived from formaldehyde which raises VOC emission concerns. Some models are made to specifically get around this issue so it’s worth looking harder if you are concerned about this. Just as is the case with other types of flooring, there are a few disadvantages associated with laminate flooring. It is important to have a balanced view before making a final decision. Finally, home heating and cooling systems mean that there are constant spikes in temperature. This change means that the floor expands or contracts depending on the temperature. Because natural wood adheres onto the subfloor, it has no room to expand or contract to cause it to crack and stretch over time. The flooring is also UV resistant which means you can install it on a porch or other outdoor space without worrying about wearing quickly.
Instead, cut the planks with a laminate shear quietly and cleanly right where they’re going to be installed. Special thanks to the technology that has now made it possible to have improvements in laminate’s core layer. A manufacturer can now produce the flooring to be able to resist water while still making it affordable for many users. The laminate tiles come in planks which can measure from 12 to 16 inches wide by 3 to 4 feet long, or individual tiles from 12 to 24 inches square. Laminate with a stone appearance describes the beauty and realism of genuine stone. This flooring offers rich colors, unique textures, dimensional depth and variation, ridges and indentations that mimic stone for a completely natural-looking floor. Because it isn’t affected by humidity and moisture in the same way as true hardwood, making it a popular choice for below, at, or above grade. For minor damage, such as scratches, many manufacturers create “touch-up kits” that can help with repair. Laminate Floor Thickness – Laminate floors come in various thinkness from around 7-8 mm to 12 mm thick.
We have the largest range of wood floors in stock across the UK & Ireland. All our floors are direct from the factory to ensure the lowest price. We regularly price check to ensure that we always offer outstanding value. If you see any of our wood floors for less, contact us and we will match that price. Select which room your new laminate floor will be installed in, to see our recommended choices. Reach out to a flooring installation and repair professional near you to see which type you should install in your home. Reach out to your vinyl flooring installer for tips on how to further maintain and care for your vinyl floors.
With the exception of sheet vinyl, vinyl is pretty easy to install for the average homeowner. Most of the options come as tiles and planks with a peel-and-stick or snap-together design. By installing your vinyl flooring yourself, you’ll save some money on the total cost of your flooring. The cost to install laminate flooring in a 15×15 bedroom is $1,223 on average. They offer really excellent protection against scratches, stains as well as surface moisture. Typically, engineered wood flooring is better than hardwood when it comes to humidity — it’s less likely to expand. It’s also easier to install engineered wood, and it can be more moisture-resistant when compared to solid wood. If you have engineered wood, you’ll only be able to sand it maybe once or twice. It is backed by a very solid Lifetime residential warranty and 15-year commercial warranty. This is one of the best waterproof laminate floors available.
If you need to fix minor scratches or chips, purchase a laminate floor repair kit that matches the color of your floor. You’ll need to clean the area around the scratch or chip, then fill in the area with the putty or crayon that comes with the kit. For more serious repairs near the edges of the floor, you’ll need to remove the baseboards or molding so you can lift out the boards closest to the wall. When you reach the damaged board, take it out and put a replacement board in. Replace the other boards and any baseboards or molding you removed. An AC rating is a good representative of the way a laminate floor will handle wear, and where it should be installed inside of the home.
Laminate wood flooring is ideal for high foot traffic areas of the home, kitchens, living rooms, entrances and hallways. It is especially good for areas where there is indoor outdoor flow as less debris is tracked inside than if carpet were laid down. They are laid loose over a moisture resistant underlay; this means there is no specific subfloor it must be laid on. As long as the sub-floor is flat, dry, clean and stable laminate can be laid over existing floors. If you want to have a laminate with a closer look of natural wood, getting a thick board will be the best option. Also, durability can be directly related to the thickness of the board. The least you should go for is a board that 8mm thick; a high-quality flooring will be between 8 to 12mm thick. Originally only available for engineered or solid hardwood flooring, this adds a unique antiqued finish to your laminate.
In addition to that, they offer some truly unique patterns that simply aren’t found anywhere but in real hardwood. Laminate flooring is ideal for high foot traffic areas such as kitchens, living rooms, entrances and hallways. Layer your laminate flooring in the bedroom or lounge with a cosy rug for warmth, texture and noise insulation. CDC/ATSDR found that exposure to formaldehyde in the CPSC-tested laminate flooring sold at Lumber Liquidators® could cause irritation and breathing problems. However, you can take steps to reduce formaldehyde levels in your home. Pergo Defense+ with SpillProtect is a waterproof antimicrobial laminate wood flooring with an authentic look and feel. Floors are protected for life from harmful microbes that can cause odor, mold, and mildew. Pergo invented laminate floors over 40 years ago and still leads the category today with advanced engineering and production. Explore our laminate flooring collections below offered exclusively through your favorite home improvement store. The kind of atmosphere you want in your room should be considered when choosing a laminate floor.
Then, use a jamb saw to cut the trim so the plank is able to slip under it. When you get to the final row, measure and cut the remaining planks to the right width so they fit before installing them. Finally, remove the spacers and install quarter-round molding along the bottom edge of each wall to cover the gaps. If you’re seeking a classic woodgrain aesthetic at a more accessible price point, look no further than laminate flooring. This type of hard flooring has evolved over the years into a smart, durable option that strikes a perfect balance between practicality, style and price. Laminate flooring is available in a range of finishes from glossy to matte, with a wide range of detailed surface options to choose from. A truly timeless choice, timber flooring brings warmth and natural beauty into any space. From wide Tasmanian oak planks to herringbone hardwood timber flooring, timber can create a high-end aesthetic while making rooms feel spacious and luxurious. Hardwood floors require significant time for sanding, staining, coating, and drying, whereas laminate flooring rarely needs even glue for installation.