Laminate flooring offers a beautiful look of hardwood, stone or tile at a lower cost and with a high level of durability. It is also easier to install and maintain than other types of flooring. Whether you’re planning a new home, or simply looking to replace your current floor, laminate floors are an excellent choice.
The laminate floor is constructed from a number of layers that are made of different materials and are then fused together to form one solid piece of material. This is referred to as a “lamination process.” The laminate floor can be made in a variety of colors and styles, which makes it a great choice for any home.
Several layers are used to make the laminate floor: The inner core board, often referred to as the “image layer,” is usually made of a wood fiberboard or plywood base. This is then covered with a layer of a photo-realistic image that resembles the desired material and is sealed with a protective coating, called the wear layer (also known as an overlay).
Next, the wear layer is topped off with a clear plastic surface. This wear layer is very tough and acts as a protective coating for the image layer, which gives the laminate floor its durability properties.
This is important because it protects the image layer from everyday scratches and scuffs, such as those caused by shoes, children’s toys, furniture legs, vacuum cleaners and other household items that can cause scratches on the surface of the laminate floor. It is also important to keep the laminate floor dry, as moisture will damage the laminate floor and lead to premature aging of the product.
If you have pets in your home, then laminate is a good choice because it is very durable. It is extremely hard for pet claws to scratch or mark a laminate floor, and it can be easily cleaned.
It is recommended to clean your laminate floor every week or so with a neutral mop. This is especially important if you have a pet, as they are very dirty and can leave a lot of dirt on the floor.
Using the right mop will help to remove dirt, dust and debris from the laminate floor quickly, making it easier to keep your laminate flooring looking its best. You should also use a disinfectant when cleaning the laminate floor to avoid the growth of bacteria, fungi and mold.
Dirt and grit that comes from the bottom of shoes can be particularly damaging to your laminate floor, as it can dull the surfaces and cause abrasions to the planks. To prevent this, you should always place a welcome mat or rug at the doorway of your home to encourage people to wipe their shoes before entering.
Some laminate floors are also glueless, meaning they don’t require the use of adhesive to hold them in place. However, you may need to “tap” the planks back together periodically if they are beginning to separate, causing visible gaps between them.