How is laminate flooring installed?

Laminate floors can be installed easily and quickly thanks to the plank’s tongue and groove system, allowing planks to lock together with “click-lock” or “snap-lock” technology. To cut laminate planks simply mark the plank where it should be cut, then using a table saw, miter saw, or circular saw cut the plank with the finished side down.

How do you clean laminate flooring?

To clean your laminate floors, simply sweep or vacuum up any dust, dirt or debris. Use a damp cloth to blot up spills immediately to prevent damage to your flooring. For tough spots, such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, ink, or tar, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth, then wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue. Just be sure to test the acetone in an inconspicuous spot first, just in case there is a bad reaction with your floor’s topcoat. Using wet-mops, steam cleaners, soap, water, oil-soap detergent, or any other liquid cleaning material are not suggested when maintaining your laminate floors as they can cause irreparable damage. However, Bona hardwood cleaner will not cause warping or swelling.

Are laminate floors waterproof?

Depending on the plank, you can get laminate floors that are waterproof or water-resistant. Unlike vinyl, laminate flooring is water-resistant from top to bottom, not bottom to top. This means that if you get water or a spill on your floor, waterproof or water-resistant floor systems will not allow liquids to seep through the interlocks. But if there are moisture issues with the subfloor and water seeps in from below the plank it could cause issues with the plank’s MDF core down the road.

Where can I install laminate flooring?

Thanks to laminate floor’s tough wear layer and waterproof/water-resistant features, it can be installed on, above or below grade, anywhere in the home. However, if you are installing laminate in water-prone areas, like kitchens, bathrooms or basements, be sure to clean up any water or spills right away.

How long does laminate flooring last?

When laminate floors are properly cared for, they can last upwards of 25 years. By quickly cleaning spills and choosing planks based on the amount of foot traffic the area gets, you can help your laminate floors last for long periods of time. Ultimately, the average lifespan of laminate floors depends on the quality of the flooring, proper installation, regular maintenance of the floor, and the amount of traffic it receives.

Does laminate flooring need to acclimate before installation?

Laminate floors should acclimate to the humidity and temperature conditions for 24-72 hours before installation. This allows the planks to adjust to their environment and either expand or contract before you lock them together during installation. Refer to the flooring manufacturer for the most accurate acclimation and installation instructions.

Why do laminate planks separate?

The two most common reasons for laminate planks separating are the level of humidity and the temperature in the area. Temperature and moisture can make your planks expand or contract, which then allows planks to buckle, or separate. Acclimating your planks before installation, and regulating temperature and humidity will help avoid separation and peaking.

Do laminate floors scratch easily?

Thanks to laminate flooring’s tough melamine wear layer, it is more scratch-resistant than most floors, but not scratch-proof. However, when your laminate floors are being floated over your subfloor and a plank becomes damaged you can replace the board without ruining the rest of your floor in the process.

Can laminate flooring be installed over carpet?

With laminate flooring’s tongue and groove system of installation, it can be floated over carpet. After placing sheets of ¼” thick plywood board over high-pile carpet to create a more stable subfloor, simply lock the laminate planks over the plywood until the room is complete.

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Made to imitate solid hardwood, laminate is one of the more popular wood-look options for busy residential and commercial spaces. Laminate flooring is attractive, easy to maintain, and durable with its multi-layer design, all at a lower price point compared to hardwood floors. With features like DIY installation and water-resistance, you can’t go wrong with laminate flooring.

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About Laminate Flooring

Are you really wanting to dive into laminate flooring but overwhelmed with all the possibilities? That’s okay! We can walk you through the ins and outs and what you need to know to choose the best laminate flooring product for your home or business.

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Laminate Flooring FAQ

Overview

Made to imitate solid hardwood, laminate is one of the more popular and underrated flooring options out there. For a more comprehensive understanding of laminate, it’s important to learn the ins and outs about how each plank is constructed, the testing standards to ensure durability, and how to install laminate flooring with confidence.

Laminate Flooring Layers

Layers make everything good; be it your seven-layered dip or your flooring. Laminate consists of four layers to hang tough against all life has to throw at it. Check it out.

Wear Layer: The top layer is constructed with melamine which helps prevent scratches, wear, and staining on your floor. It’s the protective shield for your floor to live long and prosper.

Image Layer: Where the magic happens! This is the layer that holds the pattern or print giving you the beautiful wood or stone look that is sure to fool your friends.

Core Layer: This layer is a medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which absorbs the stress of footfalls and other impacts.

Backing: The backing layer stabilizes the board, giving it the strength that is needed to provide a sturdy flooring surface. In some cases, the backing layer includes an attached underlayment.

Laminate Flooring AC Rating System

After the product has been made, laminate floors go through a series of tests to determine the durability and appropriate installation areas for the flooring. This series of tests measures the strength of the wear layer and how long it takes before seeing actual wear on the plank which determines an abrasion class, or AC rating. There are a total of five AC ratings for laminate:

AC1: For low foot traffic residential spaces (closets and bedrooms)
AC2: For medium foot traffic residential spaces (dining rooms, living rooms, and family rooms)
AC3: For all foot traffic residential spaces (kitchens, hallways, and living rooms)
AC4: For all residential locations and some medium traffic in commercial areas
AC5: For heavy foot traffic in commercial spaces

Installing Laminate Flooring

Most laminate is installed as a “floating floor” which means you don’t need any glue or tape – you just lay it right on top of your existing floor. Then, with the planks’ tongue and groove edges, you connect and lock one plank to another.

Don’t forget your underlayment! If your laminate floor does not come with an attached underlay, consider using a rubber or cork underlayment on your subfloor below the laminate planks. Underlayment provides more stability for your flooring, minimizes the hollow sound from foot traffic, and helps increase the longevity of your floor.

Laminate Flooring Buying Guide

Does laminate flooring sound like your next big purchase? With so much information on construction, health and safety standards, and all the different laminate looks, there’s a lot to consider. Luckily, we compiled a comprehensive buying guide to help you navigate laminate flooring, and decide what’s best for you!

Whether you’re wanting to know where to install laminate floors, how these floors are tested for wear and tear, or you just want to see the different color options, our buying guide will be by your side! Go ahead, take a peek!

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