In newer homes, securing the subfloor with a nail gun instead of screws could be to blame for the excess noise. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for the thought of avoiding that spot on the floor every time you walk by. Before you can set to work fixing the floor, you must first establish the type of sound the floor is making to help determine how to fix the squeaky floor.

Two Approaches to Fixing Squeaky Floors

When it comes to fixing those noisy floor boards there are two main approaches, fixing the floor from the top or from below.

How to Fix Squeaky Floors from Below

If you have a first-floor squeak and you can access the subfloor and joists from the basement, consider fixing the squeak from below. While under the floor, have a friend or family member walk on the floor above. As they walk, try to pinpoint the area that is squeaking. When a gap between the subfloor and joist is the culprit, use a shim to fill in the space and the noise should stop.

If wood floors are installed above the subfloor, try using a very short screw to secure the subfloor to the wood flooring from the under-side. Make sure the screw is barely longer that the width of the subfloor to ensure it does not poke through the finished side of the wood floor boards.

How to Fix Squeaky Floors from the Top

When the underneath of the floor is not accessible, fixing squeaky floors from the top is the next best option. The strategy for doing so varies based on what type of flooring is installed.

• Under Wood: Many homes feature hardwood flooring because of the natural beauty and sophistication of the material, especially homes with a little heritage.Using a slim finishing nail, Secure the loose floor board to the subfloor by driving the finishing nail through the board at a joint at a 45-degree angle. Driving it in at a joint will help the finishing nail to nestle into place and reduce visibility. Drive a second nail in at a 45-degree angle in the opposite direction to help prevent the nail from pulling out at a later time. Learning how to fix a squeaky hardwood floor will help extend the life of the flooring.
• Under Carpet: A squeak under carpet is a pretty clear indication of a loose subfloor. Test the floor for the space where the squeak occurs. Using a sharp utility knife, cut a small slit through the carpet webbing, wide enough to allow for a screw head. Drive a screw through the subfloor into the joist below and make sure to pull the carpet webbing over the screw head.
• Under Tile: When a subfloor is squeaking under tile, there are really only two options. You can fix the subfloor from below or pull up a tile or a few to fix the squeak from above. Pulling up tiles is a difficult and risky option that could result in damage to surrounding tiles. If you have experience installing tiles, this can be done as a DIY project but if you do not have tile installation experience, calling in a professional is recommended.
• Under Laminate: In most cases, an uneven subfloor is to blame for squeaks that occur under a laminate flooring installation. Laminate flooring is intended to float over a subfloor and should not be fixed to the subfloor with nails or screws. Sometimes, laminate flooring installed too tightly can cause noise when you walk. Remove the trim around the perimeter of the room and check to see if there is still more space available. If so, gently work the boards squeaking apart ever so slightly to allow more space for movement as you walk. That, in itself, may fix the sound.

If that doesn’t fix the sound, the underlayment may be the cause. A quality locking laminate can be easy to unlock and lock back into place. If so, remove the planks up to the spot making noise and re-secure the subfloor. Put the lifted planks back into place and the sound should be rectified. With both solutions, replacing the covering around the perimeter is the final step in the process.

No matter what type of flooring you have in your home, floor squeaks can be a thing of the past. With a few relatively easy fixes, you can make sure the subfloor is secure and boards no longer creak. Keep your newly secured floors protected in high-traffic areas by laying out area rugs in living areas and entry areas.

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Choosing a new floor for your home can be an exciting experience, but actually committing can be a bit nerve wracking. It is a great idea to test flooring samples – several of them – before settling on the one. Engaging with your flooring samples while you’re at home will help you understand how the flooring will look and feel in the space, and whether it fits with your design scheme and lifestyle. We offer up to 5 free flooring samples of many of our flooring options. Whether you’re looking into laminate, hardwood, or vinyl, let’s take a look at how you can test flooring samples to decide on the floor of your dreams.

1. Discover Look and Feel

Experiment With Lighting

Put your flooring samples near a window in the room you want to redecorate. As the daylight changes, look at your flooring samples in every light. When it gets dark, use different accent lighting combinations like overhead lighting and lamps. Consider taking pictures of the floor in each type of light to help you decide. We also recommend that you move your sample around the room as the day goes on to see it in all areas and all lighting.

Use Your Hands and Feet 

Run your fingers over your flooring samples to see how they feel. Put them down and try standing on them in bare feet and in socks. Intentionally stand on them while you get ready in the morning. It’s not the same as walking across an already installed floor, but you’ll get an idea whether you like the feel of the carpet, laminate, or hardwood under your feet.

2. Test Durability

Spray Water

Will your hardwood or carpet react well to moisture? Spray or drip water on your sample twice. The first time, wipe it up immediately. The second time, let it sit.

Create Spills 

Repeat the water experiment with the beverages your family drinks the most, like juice, coffee, or red wine. Use the cleaning products you typically use, whether that means homemade cleaner or bleach wipes.

Drop Things 

Test flooring samples with simple, everyday actions. Drop your keys on the sample. Walk across it wearing your favorite pair of boots or heels. Try scuffing it with your tennis shoes. If you have pets, grab an old fork or a key to mimic the scratches pet claws may leave behind. Get it muddy or sandy to mimic the detritus that’ll track in on your shoes. You want to mimic the wear and tear your family will create to see which flooring holds up best.

3. Assess Style

Compare With Your Curtains

Lay each flooring sample beneath your curtains one at a time to see if they match. Try this in different lighting to see which one matches your window dressings best. If you’re redecorating the entire room, compare the flooring samples with the curtains you’ll be hanging up. Take the samples with you to the store to see how they look with your curtain options.

Match Your Paint

Will your flooring look good with the paint on your walls? Even if you’ve got a neutral color like white or beige, you’ll find that each flooring sample has specific undertones (especially exotic hardwoods), some of which will match better. If you’ll be repainting the room, think about painting a small section of wall near the floor so you can test flooring samples with the new color.

Check Your Accessories 

How do your flooring samples look with your furniture? For example, testing hardwood samples with wooden furniture is essential because you may end up clashing, or you could decide that the room has too much wood in it. Hold your flooring samples up to your accessories, accent pieces, and artwork. You may discover a sample you thought would match clashes with one of your favorite pieces.

BONUS: Explore Your Options

Even if you have your heart set on hardwood, it’s a good idea to test similar options like laminate or engineered. Sometimes what we think we want doesn’t end up working well in a particular space. We offer up to five free flooring samples, so you can try different tones or materials to find out which works best.

The last thing you want is buyer’s remorse for such a large and long-lasting investment. You want to love your new flooring, so if your favorite sample didn’t do as well in the coffee-spill test, that doesn’t mean you have to choose something you’re not crazy about. Keep exploring until you discover the right flooring for you and can make a confident decision.

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You’ve researched your options, pored through catalogs, and examined tile samples. The search is over and you’ve finally found the perfect flooring for your home. The last step before placing your order is to measure the floor. This is a crucial part of the process because an order that’s too small will leave you scrambling to match the product properly, while one that’s too large is a waste of renovation funds. Please follow these steps to measure your floor space properly.

How to Accurately Measure a Floor

Step One: Determine the Shape and Layout of the Room

Square or rectangular rooms are the easiest to measure. If you’re working with a space that’s rounded or triangular, you’ll need a different formula for your measurements. Most spaces, however, are comprised of a series of rectangles when you look at them the right way. If your space isn’t a single open rectangle, break it down into a series of smaller rectangles. Sketch a floor plan of the room and record your measurements for each area.

Remember to account for obstructions like kitchen islands. For these, you can measure a floor as a large rectangle on either side and smaller squares or rectangles above and below. To help you visualize the different areas you’re measuring, lay masking tape on the floor. Just remember to include the width of the tape in your measurements.

Step Two: Measure and Calculate

For each section of the room, you need to measure the width and length. In rectangular areas, you can calculate square footage easily by multiplying these measurements. If your room includes several squares or rectangles, multiply the length by the width for each one and add the resulting numbers to get the total square footage of the room.

If your space is triangular, multiply the length by the width and divide this by two. Circular spaces are more difficult. For a circular room, you can calculate the area of half the circle using the equation (3.14 x Radius x radius)/2.

Step Three: Account for Your Waste Factor

You should add a certain percentage to your order to account for waste. This will give you extra flooring to properly accommodate corners or angles. It also gives you a safety buffer for any errors or breakage that may occur during the installation process. A professional can work with an extremely small waste factor, but if you’re planning on a DIY flooring installation, you should include a waste factor of at least 5 percent.

If your room features a complicated shape with several obstructions to work around, increase your waste factor to 10 percent. For a triangular room you’ll need a waste factor of 15 percent to account for the diagonal lines.

The final calculation that includes your room’s square footage and appropriate waste factor will let you know how much flooring to order. Before you begin any installation process, unpack your entire order, inspect it for accuracy, and lay the flooring out to make sure you have the right fit. With the proper calculations, you should have adequate floor tiles or laminate pieces for your exciting new flooring job.

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When building a new home or remodeling an existing home, flooring choices are everything. With pets in the home, this becomes even more important, because pets are just as hard, if not harder, than people on flooring surfaces. What are the best flooring for pets in the home? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of several types of flooring to help in the decision-making process.

Finding the Purrfect Flooring for Pets

Laminate Flooring

Due to the hardness of laminate flooring, pet owners may turn to it instead of traditional hardwood. While this may work to provide the décor people want, it can be difficult for pets, especially dogs, because they will slip and slide as they walk or run through the home. This will cause their hips to move in unnatural ways, which may cause damage to their bodies. This is pronounced in smooth, high gloss laminate floors and can be mitigated somewhat by choosing a laminate floor with an embossed or textured finish. Laminate won’t show scratches as easily as some other surfaces, but because they are slippery and uncomfortable to lie on it is not a great flooring for pets. Rugs are recommended throughout the home to help the pet if you choose laminate.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is an excellent flooring for pets for many different reasons. It’s harder than the hardest hardwoods, meaning it will stand up to more traffic. It won’t wear out, and it’s completely renewable. This makes it a good choice for those who are trying to be green. Bamboo is stain resistant, so people don’t have to worry about accidents or spills. Bamboo’s hardness will help save money when compared to flooring that will require repairs from scratches. For those who are trying to decide between using wood and vinyl flooring, choosing bamboo floors is a great compromise. If you choose bamboo snap lock flooring, the installation will be easy too.

Stone Tile Flooring

Stone is an amazing flooring for pets because it does not scratch easily, and scratches don’t show as they do in other types of flooring. When pets have accidents on the stone tile floor, there is much less reason to worry about how it will impact the flooring. With these two factors considered, this is a good choice for pet owners, but the floors are hard and cold so they are not very comfortable to lie on. However, you can use radiant heat to make it warmer. Consider using area rugs and pet beds to alleviate this problem.

Granite is the hardest of natural stones and is the best choice for scratch resistance. Softer stones such as marble, slate, and travertine may require somewhat more maintenance than granite, especially if they feature a polished finish.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Flooring

Similar to stone, porcelain or ceramic tile floors are is a good choice in terms of wear and tear for pets. It won’t scratch easily. If pets don’t manage to make it outside before relieving themselves, the urine won’t damage the condition of the floor as it would with hardwood. However, much like stone, the surface is hard and uncomfortable for pets to lie on, but rugs will help.

Vinyl Flooring

While many people wouldn’t think of vinyl flooring for pets, the new luxury vinyl flooring is an excellent choice. It’s great for small children, too! The flooring is scratch and stain resistant, low in allergens, easy to clean and maintain. It’s even quiet to walk on.

Carpet

When it comes to flooring for pets, carpet is likely the worst choice one can make. This is because it is easily damaged by pets. Even normal wear and tear on carpet in a pet-free home happens faster than with other flooring options. If carpet is the only choice because it is the most cost-effective option for home flooring, the best thing to do is choose a carpet without loops as pet nails can snag on the loops and cause the carpet to wear faster.

While budget and ease of installation will be factors impacting the flooring decisions of a home, taking time to consider the best flooring options for pets beforehand may save money in repairs and frustration in the long run. Cutting corners on flooring to save money is not a good choice if the flooring needs to be replaced in a few months or even a year due to the wear and tear from the pets.

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Staining is a popular way to seal and safeguard hardwood floors. Staining is such a common option because it helps bring out the wood’s grain and texture, and it doesn’t peel and chip the way paint does. However, you need to apply stain properly for it to look nice, and there are a sizeable number of stains available. Some stains are crystal clear; others are as white as milk. Certain stains leave a hint of color; others completely change the wood’s color. This in-depth guide will give you a better understanding of the types of stains and how to stain hardwood floors properly.

Different Types of Hardwood Stains

While we usually use the term “stain” to talk about any finish that changes the color of wood, there are actually quite a few categories of stains. These are the most common types of stains:

Oil stains — These are the most popular and widely available because they’re the easiest to use. Some oil stains contain only dye, some contain only pigment, and some contain a combination of dye and pigment.

Varnish stains — These stains are similar to oil stains except they dry hard and they’re a little harder to use.

Water-based stains — These are the easiest to clean up, yet they’re also more difficult to use because they dry so fast.

Gel stains — These are very thick and messy to apply, but they eliminate uneven coloring on the wood.

Lacquer stains — These dry rapidly, so you usually have to work with someone else when you’re applying it.

Selecting the Right Stain Color

The most important aspect to consider when looking for the best stain for hardwood floors is what type of wood you’re staining. Each wood species has different sizes of pores and grains, and that makes a difference in how stains absorb. Oak is the easiest wood to stain, and it takes to many colors without difficulty. On the other hand, pine, maple, and birch have small pores and tight grains, so the stain pigment doesn’t absorb easily, and they’re difficult to stain. Consequently, these woods can often look better when they’re left unstained. If you want to know which stain and color to apply to a certain type of wood, we recommend performing an image search for the hardwood species and the type of stain you’re interested in using (e.g. Douglas fir with water-based stain). That way, you’ll have an idea about which stain to try.

Once you’ve collected a few sample stains to try, select a piece of scrap flooring (or multiple pieces) and apply the different stains. Experiment with each type of stain and color and eventually you’ll find the perfect stain for the rest of your flooring.

How to Stain Floors

Image via Flickr by OlgerFallasPainting

1) Sand the floor

The first step to staining your floor is to sand it. This removes unsightly scratches and gives you a smooth surface for staining. After you’re done sanding, thoroughly vacuum your floors to remove all the dust completely.

2) Raise the grain

Next, use a method called “water popping” to raise the grain on your floor and help it accept the stain better. To do this, run a wet mop over the floor and let it dry for about a half hour before you begin staining.

3) Apply the stain

Once the floor is dry, use a sponge or rag to apply the stain to the floor, going with the grain. Make sure you frequently wring out the sponge or rag so you get even coverage on the floor. After five to 10 minutes, remove the excess stain with strong strokes. Remember, the longer you let the stain soak into the wood, the darker it will turn. Allow the stain to dry thoroughly before walking on it.

How to Stain Hardwood Floors Without Sanding

Whether you have extreme allergies or hardwood floors with unique features, there are times when it’s impractical to sand before you refinish. In these cases, it’s more practical to use a cleaner and floor polish to refinish your floors.

1) Clean the floors

Before you start, clear the room of furniture and rugs, and then vacuum or sweep the floors to remove any dust. Use the cleaning solution to make sure your floors have a pristine surface for the polish.

2) Apply the polish

Once the cleaning solution has completely dried, spray a small section of your floor with the polish, and use a microfiber mop pad to spread it on the floor. Allow the floor to dry for at least one hour before you walk on it, and give it 24 hours before heavy foot traffic and replacing your furniture.

Since you’re not sanding, some scratches will still show up on your floors after you’ve applied the polish. If you notice these scratches on your floor, you can use a walnut to help minimize their appearance. First, take the walnut meat out of its shell, and rub it along the scratch. Then, use your finger to warm the scratch and help the nut’s oils penetrate it. Let it sit for about five minutes, and then use a soft cloth to clean the area. If you have a nut allergy, you can also try using brown shoe polish or a stain marker to conceal the scratches.

Applying a Clear Coat

Image via Flickr by jmrodri

While stains can change the color and bring out your wood’s beauty, they actually do nothing to protect the wood. Even though applying a clear coat is an optional finishing step when staining wood, if you want to protect the wood from water, wear and tear, and chemicals, a clear coat is an important step. Clear coats come in gloss, semi-gloss, and satin sheens. The gloss level only affects the appearance of the wood, not the durability, so choosing a sheen is simply a matter of personal preference.

Alternative Stains to Consider

If you’re thinking about a natural and alternative stain, there are several items around your house you can use. Applying cold coffee to wood can leave a solid brown hue. To use coffee as a stain, let it sit on the wood for around 10 to 15 minutes. The coffee stain works best if it’s fresh, and it hasn’t been sitting in temperatures 180 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Since the color doesn’t extend deep into the wood, it’s important to use a clear coat over the coffee stain. Coffee stain can fade in light, and it’s not good for outdoor use.

Food coloring is another stain alternative to consider. Since food coloring is non-toxic and the colors turn out bright and vivid, this is an ideal stain for children’s rooms. However, to make sure the color doesn’t rub off on hands or clothes, it’s a good idea to add a clear coat once you’re done. To make a food coloring stain, mix one-part food coloring with five-parts water. Let the stain sit on the wood for about five minutes, and then wipe away the excess. Allow the wood to dry overnight before applying a clear coat.

While staining seems like a complicated task with so many options available, once you know what wood you’re staining, the type of stain you want to use, and the best way to do it, staining actually becomes a simple task that can help protect your wood and bring out the beauty of the grain.

Any hardwood staining questions? Ask us in the comments section below.

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It’s pretty difficult to decide between the DIY route and the professional route when you’re changing your home decor or considering some home improvements, like installing hardwood floors. After all, when you do it yourself, you ideally won’t have to spend as much money, you have full creative control, and you get to enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing the task yourself. Then again, the professionals are pros for a reason — they know what they’re doing, they have more expertise, and they can easily tackle common home improvement problems as they arise. So how do you choose?

Consider What You’re Doing

The first thing you need to do after deciding how you want to improve your home is to really think about the scope and level of difficulty of the project you want to do. For instance, if you’ve undertaken similar projects before, or you’re comfortable following an online tutorial on YouTube or this site, then maybe DIY is the way to go. Some beginner-level jobs, for example, include restoring hardwood floors or installing tongue-and-groove flooring. However, if you’re interested in an enormous home improvement project such as a total redesign or green building, then a professional might be the way to go.

Consider the improvements you’re making and the materials you’re using. The tongue-and-groove pieces used in flooring are easy to install, for example, but if you want genuine wood flooring placed throughout your home, and you’re not comfortable with a nail-down installation, go with the professionals.

Think About Your DIY Knowledge

How much do know about home improvement? Be honest. This is not the time to decide you’re an expert in something when you’re really not. Have an honest discussion with yourself and your helpers about your capabilities. Knowing how to plunge a toilet like a pro doesn’t make you a plumber. Similarly, refinishing your floors doesn’t mean that you’re capable of pulling up your old carpet and installing hardwood throughout the house. Don’t try to save money at the expense of your own safety or the structural integrity of your home. You’ll end up hiring a professional anyway and probably spend more money.

Leave the Serious Fixes for the Pros

Are you dealing with electrical issues, plumbing problems, or flooring fixes? In that case, it might be best to look for professionals who can help you fulfill your home improvement dreams. These are areas best left to the pros, because they’re easy to mess up if you don’t know what you’re doing, they’re potentially dangerous to amateurs, and they require a skilled, knowledgeable touch.

By all means, if you know enough to change out your toilet or put down flooring, trust your instincts. But if you’ve never been taught or you’ve never done something before, don’t take the chance. A botched electrical fix can cause a great deal of damage. Plumbing snafus can lead to water damage, not to mention all sorts of nastiness flooding into your house.

Avoid Doing DIY Fixes Outside

The outside of your home or apartment is all about structural integrity. Fixing external issues is almost always better left to professionals who know what they’re doing. You can change your mailbox or your front door or put down some patio landscaping all by yourself — those are easy. Incorporating the latest home decor trends outside is also up your alley.

But if you want to build a porch or a back deck, fix the roof, or add outside lights, don’t rely solely on your own know-how. Look for builders, carpenters, and other professionals who know how to tackle exterior home improvements. You want your house to look lovely afterward. You also want everything to remain safe. Sometimes professionals are the only people who can guarantee those things.

When it comes to installing hardwood floors or doing other home improvements, knowing when to choose the DIY route or a professional typically comes down to trusting your gut. At the end of the day, you’re the only one who knows what you’re capable of doing and who knows which tasks are beyond your skill level. In your quest to save money and maintain your own vision, don’t sacrifice safety or the structural integrity of your home. It’s just not worth it.

Have you tried to DIY and regretted it? Share your horror story in the comments section below.

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Whether this is your first time working with a contractor or you’ve already completed several home improvement projects with professional assistance, knowing what to ask is critical. Before hiring an experienced professional to install new hardwood floors, ask your contractor the following eight questions.

1) What Type of Hardwood Flooring Is Best for My Home?

Image via Flickr by TRAstudio

If you’ve already decided to install hardwood flooring in your home, you might have a good idea about the type of hardwood flooring you want. An experienced contractor can offer expert advice about the type of flooring that will work best with your home’s style. For instance, you might not have considered one of the hardest options, like hickory, or one of the more sustainable options, like bamboo.

A contractor can also recommend the right kind of hardwood for your home’s natural environment. If you live in an area with high humidity levels, for instance, your contractor can help you decide on a type of hardwood that won’t warp due to moisture.

2) What Is Your Anticipated Installation Timeline?

Whether you need new hardwood flooring installed quickly or your timing is relatively flexible, a professional contractor is able to explain the installation process, the timeline, and related expectations. For instance, be sure you understand who’s responsible for moving furniture and other belongings out of the installation area. Also ask whether the contractor will remove the old flooring and other construction materials, as well as if there’s any additional costs involved for this work.

3) How Will You Handle Unexpected Issues or Installation Problems?

Your contractor might have a relatively straightforward plan for your hardwood flooring installation, but it’s important to remember that issues can arise at any time during the process. If your subfloor has some damage, for instance, it might need significant repairs or even replacement before installing the hardwood flooring. Ask whether your contractor can handle these issues and how they might affect the total cost and timeline.

4) What Do You Charge for an Installation Estimate?

You shouldn’t hire a contractor without getting an accurate in-home estimate. Some contractors offer free estimates, while others charge a standard fee. Neither method is better than the other, as long as you know what to expect ahead of time.

5) What Does Your Flooring Warranty Include?

Most contractors offer at least one-year warranties on materials and labor, but some offer more extensive warranties. Find out if your contractor needs certification by the flooring manufacturer or if there are other restrictions in place for the warranty to work.

6) Are You Insured to Install Hardwood Flooring?

Image via Flickr by hnnbz

You don’t want anything to go wrong during the installation, but planning for the unexpected is essential. Make sure that any contractor you hire has the proper contractor insurance in place before starting work in your home. Request specifics or a copy of the policy if necessary.

7) Are You a Member of the National Wood Flooring Association?

A National Wood Flooring Association membership indicates that a contractor is highly qualified and follows industry guidelines for hardwood flooring installation. While you don’t need a contractor who is a member, it’s generally a sign of higher standards and commitment to the industry.

8) Can You Provide References?

Speaking with a contractor’s references is often the best way to get a sense of how your experience with the same contractor might go. Don’t hesitate to ask your contractor for references, and follow up to ask previous customers for details. If they were highly satisfied with your contractor’s work quality and professionalism, that’s a sign you’re in good hands.

No matter where you live, you’ll find many flooring contractors in your area. Make sure you’re hiring the right person for the job by asking your contractor these questions first.

Have you ever used a contractor for a wood flooring installation? Share your experience in the comments section below.

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Do you have questions about the laminate installation process? Contact us directly and we’ll be happy to help. Click here to browse BuildDirect’s wide selection of laminate flooring products.

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Laminate flooring is an affordable, easy-care flooring solution for homeowners. But where does it come from and what are its applications? We’ll break down the details about this popular flooring, plus show you the ways in which laminate flooring history has evolved over the years.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a type of multilayered flooring system. But have you ever asked yourself, “What is laminate flooring made of?” Here’s a brief explanation.

Image via Flickr by BluebearsLair

A backing layer forms the laminate floorboard’s base. This layer works to resist moisture that could cause the board to lose its shape.

An image design layer sits on top of the inner core layer. The image design gives the laminate flooring its distinctive look. A photographic design on this layer typically mimics wood, stone, metal, or another popular material. Some image design layers are also textured to enhance their appeal.

Finally, a wear layer tops off the construction. This layer protects your laminate flooring from scratches, fading, and damaging forces. This layer also typically has aluminum oxide in its finish to reduce wear and tear.

Laminate floorboards click and lock together, eliminating the need for glue, nails, and other fasteners. These floorboards “float” above the subfloor, expanding and contracting with your home’s changing humidity and temperature levels.

Laminate Flooring History

Early laminate flooring arrived on the market in the 1970s. Chemical industry giant Perstorp AB Holdings gets the credit with developing the first modern laminate flooring in 1984. Its product, called Pergo, took the decorative laminate commonly used on kitchen countertops and brought it to floor surfaces.

Pergo floors found their way into Europe first, where they quickly became the biggest flooring innovation since the launch of cushioned vinyl in the 1960s. These floors were most commonly seen in household kitchens.

Pergo floors reached the North American market in 1994 and attracted similar fanfare. People loved that laminate flooring allowed them to enjoy the look of hardwood floors at a reduced cost. However, early laminate floors weren’t fully realistic. Their fake, plastic-looking finish would rarely pass for real wood.

Despite their shortcomings, in 2004, consumers bought more than 750 million square meters of laminate wood flooring, according to the European Producers of Laminate Flooring. The biggest growth in market share came from North America.

Lamton Laminate – 8mm AC3 – Kansas Collection in Sand Gray / SKU: 15192054

New Developments in Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring options have begun to more closely resemble the materials they mimic. Now, you’ll find little differences in appearances between an authentic hardwood floor and a laminate floor meant to look like hardwood. In fact, high quality laminate flooring looks so realistic that flooring experts can get fooled from time to time.

Design Advances and Technology

Design advances include the addition of realistic beveling, grooves, and distressed finishes that take the look of laminate floors to the next level. Advanced embossing techniques add textures to laminate flooring which can make the flooring look like a particular wood grain and feel more realistic underfoot.

Technology has also improved the layers of laminate flooring over the years. Improvements in the fiberboard core, which impacts durability, stability, and resistance, and the under layer, which absorbs noise and absorbs minor imperfections in the subfloor, have helped these layers do their jobs better.

A recent advancement has helped laminate flooring become a more water-resistant flooring product than its predecessors. Laminate floorboards with higher Abrasion Class ratings, made to withstand more wear and tear, are penetrating the market. Corundum and innovative proprietary resin formulas additions on the top wear layer has also made these floors more durable. This is a far cry from the laminate flooring history above.

Installing laminated floors has never been simpler. The locking systems that made laminate flooring so revolutionary have also improved, making them even easier for DIYers to work with.

Sustainable, Certified Flooring

As with so many construction elements, laminate flooring has become more sustainable over time. Understanding consumers’ desires for eco-friendly products, more manufacturers use natural resources like wood chip fiberboard in their laminate floorboards. This fiberboard is free of air-damaging chemicals and can be installed without harsh chemical glues and adhesives.

Official product certification is also a relatively new development. The North American Laminate Flooring Association, NALFA, has developed a certification seal which denotes products that pass 10 comprehensive performance tests. Independent, third-party scientists decide how well laminate floors resist water, light, and stains, for example, during the testing process.

Only the best laminate floors receive NALFA certification, so considering this certification is a great way to decide how to choose laminate flooring that will serve your home well year after year.

Laminate Flooring Today

Laminate flooring history has lead us up to its recognition today as a popular choice for consumers — a low maintenance, durable alternative to traditional hardwood floors. Tongue-and-groove edges fit together with a click-locking system, a process that makes them easy for homeowners to install themselves. You don’t need to use nails or glues: Snap the floorboards together, tap them into place with a hammer or tapping block, and you’re good to go.

Installers don’t need special skills, and the installation process uses tools most homeowners already have. Since installing laminate flooring is easy, some home decorating experts believe this flooring type helped to fuel the focus on DIY around the home.

Considerations for Installations

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While the installation process is relatively simple, you need to keep a few points in mind. First, pay careful attention to the floor design as you install the floor. Experts suggest laying out your laminate floorboards first to make sure you like the look before locking the boards in place.

If you don’t feel completely comfortable installing your own laminate floorboards, you can enlist the help of a professional. In most cases, a contractor will also be responsible for any installation issues that occur after your laminate floorboards are installed. However, professionals can be pricy. Consider your own DIY abilities, the cost of labor, and the time your project might take when deciding whether to use professional floor installers.

Taking Laminate Flooring Beyond the Kitchen

The advantages of laminate flooring have spread outside the kitchen and into other areas of the home. Now, you can commonly see this type of flooring in family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and other areas of the home. Its durability makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Pet owners and parents with small children will also appreciate laminate flooring’s durable nature. However, this flooring is not indestructible. While it will withstand some level of abuse, you can’t refinish the floor, so make sure you’re not too harsh on your floor.

Laminate Flooring Care Tips

While laminate flooring is a water-resistant flooring choice, laminate flooring doesn’t tolerate standing water well. This floor will work in a damp space like a basement, but many people recommend choosing a different flooring material for areas where spills commonly occur, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. If you spill something on your laminate floor, wipe up the spill quickly to prevent longstanding damage.

Once you install laminate flooring, you’ll find this flooring easy to care for. Simply vacuum up dust and mop up spills to keep your laminate floorboards looking their best.

Costs vary depending on the brand and quality of your laminate floorboards, but most flooring products range between 50 cents to $3 per square foot. If you don’t want to go the DIY route, you should also consider the cost of installation when creating your home improvement budget.

Advances in laminate flooring technology have helped make this product a versatile and stylish flooring choice that scores of households choose for their flooring needs.

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Today, engineered hardwood flooring has become more common in homes across the United States and the world. But what is engineered hardwood flooring, and how much do you really know about it? Read on and we’ll help you understand this type of flooring and how it has evolved over time.

What Is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

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Exactly what is engineered hardwood made of? Engineered flooring is comprised of layers of laminated materials, commonly plywood and unfinished white wood, laid out in different directions. Cheap engineered flooring may have as little as three layers, while higher quality products may have as many as 12. These layers are topped with a hardwood veneer and pre-finished with a tough, urethane-like coating.

Engineered floorboards with a thick veneer are more water-resistant and more expensive than those with a thin layer. Those with thin veneers are much cheaper, but they can’t be refinished when they show signs of wear and tear. In contrast, some thick engineered floorboards can be refinished several times.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Beginnings

Engineered flooring was developed in the 1960s for basements and the first floors of properties built on concrete slabs. Traditional hardwood flooring was difficult to install in these areas, so manufacturers created engineering flooring to achieve a similar look without the fuss.

Since engineered flooring was used in just one application, there was little variation in the floorboards. They had a standard thickness ideally suited to this singular purpose. There were also fewer alternatives for the types of woods used and the finishes available.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Today

Today, engineered flooring isn’t just restricted to basements and floors on top of concrete slabs. The product’s popularity has exploded, and you’ll find engineered hardwood floors just about anywhere, including places you wouldn’t expect to find plank floors, like garages and kitchens. Engineered wooden flooring accounts for 30 percent of the wooden flooring sold in the United States today.

Originally, engineered floorboards came in a single thickness. However, engineered floorboards today typically range from three-eighths inch to three-fourths inch thick. Thicker floorboards are better quality and useful in a variety of applications, and they can be nailed over a wooden subfloor, just like you’d install a traditional plank floor.

Engineered floorboards thinner than three-fourths inch aren’t quite as versatile, but they can be glued down much like a vinyl or resilient floor. While builders can do this for you, it’s simple for any motivated DIYer to take on. This is a great way to save money on your flooring project.

The most modern thin engineered floorboards feature an advanced tongue-and-groove system which locks the boards into place. This design makes them easy and quick to install, saving you valuable dollars.

These engineered floors, often called floating floors, work well laid over old floors and cork underlayments. They’re also ideal for laying over radiant heat systems. Engineered floorboards transfer heat more effectively than solid traditional wood floorboards. Since you can just glue them down, there’s no risk of nails or staples puncturing wires or hot water tubes either. Floating floors are the easiest engineered floors for DIYers to install, although laying the boards down still takes some skill.

The different thicknesses of engineered floorboards are also ideal for bridging the transitions between rooms that many renovators struggle with while remodeling their homes. Floorboards of different thicknesses can create a smooth, even floor as you move from a wooden living room to a tiled kitchen, for example. This does away with the need for large transition strips and the effort of trimming down doors.

How to Choose Engineered Hardwood Flooring for Your Taste and Budget

As engineered flooring has become more common, it has also become more affordable. An engineered hardwood floor costs half the price of a new hardwood floor, and the price is comparable if you plan to refinish an existing floor. You can expect to spend between $3 and $14 per square foot, depending on the engineered floorboards you use.

Of course you should consider installation as well as raw materials. This is where engineered hardwood floors really come into their own. A typical house can receive engineered hardwood floors in all rooms in just a day or so. Since these floors are often pre-finished, there may be no need to stain or coat the boards with urethane once they’re down, which can cut days off the installation process. Consider the total expected cost when making your decision.

Furthermore, engineered hardwood floor manufacturers have evolved in response to a growing interest in sustainability. Manufacturers are paying greater attention to their veneer and sublayer woods and selecting products that don’t deplete the world’s precious resources. They may also make veneers thinner when working with exotic trees to achieve an elegant look without devastating forests. The endorsements of official bodies including the Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative are relatively new initiatives helping to guide consumer choices.

And of course it wasn’t too long ago when we had no choice regarding the look of our engineered hardwood floorboards at all. It’s only recently that we’ve seen them made using a range of woods, including exotic woods. These allow consumers to choose engineered hardwood floorboards that suit their budget, tastes, and existing décor. Modern engineered flooring is also available in a variety of new surface effects, including a rustic hand-scraped look or a sleek, polished finish.

Contemporary engineered hardwood floor manufacturers also consider the woods they use carefully to improve the stability of their products. Certain woods are less likely to bend and cup than others. Manufacturers are constantly testing different woods to determine the best ones for their products. As technology improves, long-held misconceptions about the stability of engineered hardwood floors can be disproved.

Do you have any questions about engineered hardwood flooring? Feel free to share them in the comments section below. Click here to browse BuildDirect’s wide selection of engineered hardwood products.

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