Want a farmhouse or rustic kitchen, but faint at the price of real wood floors? No problem, just go for the wonderful alternative, wood-look laminate.
Decades ago, laminate was seen primarily as an economy product, but with today’s modern technology, it has incredibly realistic imagery and high-design. This makes it difficult for even the most discerning to tell the difference and it is now considered premium flooring.
You’ll often see laminate in top-of-the-line, sophisticated homes.
Although it’s also available to resemble in tile or stone, we’re going to focus here on wood impression, because at Dragon Scale Flooring sales of this product are going through the roof. It’s now one of the most popular flooring coverings.
Even the real estate community is talking about how it raises the value of a house.
This flooring comes in planks with hand-scraped or wire-brushed textures; there’s an assortment of species and colors. Speaking of color, one of today’s hottest trends is a pale floor, beige, white or gray, so that would be a great upgrade to your house’s look.
Three Important Layers
What is laminate? First, there’s the core, which is usually tough fiberboard. Second comes the photographic image, and third is a clear plastic wear layer that makes it scratch and moisture-resistant.
Underneath it all is the underlayment, which lies between the sub-floor and surface floor. The product usually comes with it attached; if it doesn’t, buy one because, like carpet padding, the underlayment will set the foundation for the floor. It also makes it softer and less noisy.
What About the Installation?
What many don’t realize is that installation is as important as the initial purchase. It affects how all flooring feels, looks and performs. Laminate is no exception to that rule.
The planks just snap and click together, making it easy for the do-it-yourself enthusiast to install. Because the planks attach to each other, and not to the sub-floor, it’s called a “floating installation.”
Although the sub-floor doesn’t really need any special preparation, it does need to be firm, meaning no gaps and not hollow. Concrete is fine, but just be sure it’s dry.
Make sure the planks are tightly seamed, because water can damage the flooring if it gets between the seams. Most products already come with an underlayment, but if it doesn’t you should definitely get one; your flooring expert will advise you.
If you’d like to learn more about this incredible product, feel free to come into the Dragon Scale Flooring showroom in Laurel, MD.
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