Laminate is a flooring material you’ve seen and walked upon a thousand times or more. From residential spaces like busy kitchens to lobbies, waiting rooms and offices, laminate is a true leader when it comes to flooring.

That’s because laminate is a cost-effective solution that’s downright durable compared to some of its common competition. Add in the fact that modern laminate comes in tons of looks that can mimic more expensive materials like natural hardwood and stone and you may be singing the praises of laminate to anyone who will listen.

 When it comes to choosing laminate flooring though, understanding the thickness required for your space, as well as how it can impact your installation, long-term durability and maintenance routine is vital though. Laminate thickness isn’t something most novices are too familiar with, however.

The good news is that we’ve put together a handy guide to help you understand more about laminate flooring and laminate thickness in general. Keep reading to get a grasp on choosing laminate flooring for your space today.

How is Laminate Flooring Made?

Laminate flooring is crafted using a multi-layer approach that provides a tough, resilient surface for commercial and residential use. Through heating and high-pressure, these layers are fused together to create flooring that’s incredibly durable and designed to last for a very long time with minimal care.

With laminate flooring, four layers are generally combined to create the product you’ll use in your space. Here’s how those layers look on their own:

•   Bottom layer (4). Sometimes referred to as the backing layer, the bottom layer of laminate flooring provides stability to the completed laminate board.

•   Inner core layer (3). The inner core layer, which is the thickest of all four layers, is typically made from MDF (medium-density fiberboard), HDF (high-density fiberboard) or particle board. This is the main structural component in vinyl flooring and makes up a significant amount of the weight of a vinyl plank or square when you hold it in your hand.

•   Wear layer (2). The wear layer, typically made of melamine, is put in place to help the complete construction of your laminate tile or plank resist wear. Most wear layers are coated to help prevent water damage as well.

•   Decorative layer (1). This is the layer that you see when walking on a laminate floor. It may be designed to look like wood, natural stone or have a completely unique pattern.

What is Laminate Thickness?

The concept of laminate thickness can be a confusing one. If you’re new to laminate flooring, you’d probably guess that this measurement is the total depth of a laminate plank or tile.

The reality is that laminate thickness is measured in millimeters and defined by the thickness of the inner core layer only. The cladding on some laminate planks shouldn’t be added when measuring the total thickness of any given material. While you can find a variety of products on the market today, laminate flooring is between 6mm and 12mm in thickness, with 6mm styles being quite thin and 12mm designs on the very heavy side.

Why is Choosing the Right Thickness for Laminate Important?

Most people imagine that ultra-thick laminate flooring must be the best, most durable option. While this sounds true on the surface, the fact is that thickness isn’t the only factor when it comes to durability. In fact, super-thick laminate flooring isn’t that much more durable than a well-made thinner product in most cases.

What thicker laminate flooring provides is a different look and feel than thinner laminate material. This may or may not be the look that you’re after.

When it comes to durability, a firm, strong inner core layer is by far the most important aspect – much more important than thickness, in fact.

Advantages of Thick Laminate Flooring

12mm thick boards and an AC3 durability rating for high residential and light commercial traffic. Featuring Lamton Laminate – Marquis Collection. SKU: 15272202

Now that you know ultra-thick laminate flooring isn’t indestructible, there are still a few advantages of thick laminate to be aware of. Those include:

•   Thick laminate can withstand extremely high foot traffic better than thinner laminate of the same quality on average. This is particularly important for high traffic commercial spaces.

•   Very thick laminate can feel more like other flooring materials, including natural wood. This may be of great importance to you if you choose a laminate product designed to mimic another material like wood flooring.

•   Heavy, thick laminate can reduce environmental noise, which can be a big benefit in high-traffic spaces and sensitive environments like doctor’s offices or health care facilities.

•   It can be a little more forgiving when it comes to installation. This is key if you’ve got a very difficult space or you’re considering doing the installation on your own without professional help.

Disadvantages of Thick Laminate Flooring

Thick laminate flooring is often a great choice for both residential and commercial spaces. There are a few disadvantages to be aware of though. Those include:

•   Cost. Thicker laminate tends to be more expensive than thinner laminate flooring. In some spaces, this added cost may not be worth it to you.

•   Environmental impact. Thicker laminate flooring may take longer to degrade, and since it requires more material, it does pose more environmental difficulty. However, in spaces where long-term durability matters, the extra environmental impact may be offset since the laminate will likely stay in place longer.

Advantages of Thin Laminate Flooring

The beveled edges provide a realistic and natural hardwood appearance. Featuring Lamton Laminate – 7mm AC3 – Freedom Collection. SKU: 15274534

Thick laminate flooring is often a go-to choice for builders and designers. Thin laminate flooring has its place too, however. Here are some of the advantages of using thin laminate flooring:

•   Cost. Thin laminate flooring will cost considerably less, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. It’s also a smart buy for back rooms or stock areas where customers won’t go in commercial spaces.

•   You can install thinner laminate over the top of existing concrete. This makes installation much easier. Installing thin laminate over concrete also results in very durable flooring that may rival thicker laminate on top of a different type of subfloor.

•   It’s a better environmental choice since less material is used to make thinner laminate. This is especially true for light-use spaces where durability isn’t a major concern or you’re dealing with a concrete subfloor that provides more than enough strength.

Disadvantages of Thin Laminate Flooring

Thin laminate flooring, as cost-effective as it can be, isn’t right for every project. Here are some of the disadvantages you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re thinking about installing it in your home or place of business:

•   It’s harder to work with than thicker laminate flooring. This is very important if you’re considering a DIY installation in your home.

•   Thin laminate thrives on a solid subfloor and is often best on top of concrete. Subfloors that are perfectly level can leave your thin laminate vulnerable to peeling and damage.

•   It may not last as long in high-use spaces. Over time, lots of foot traffic can wear down thin laminate flooring, leading you to replace it more often.

•   Thin laminate may not feel as good under your feet as thicker laminate. Many people describe thin laminate as having a somewhat plastic-like feel underfoot. This may not be a problem in high-use spaces or work areas, however.

Which Laminate Flooring Thickness is Best for Me?

Right before ordering laminate for a residential or commercial space, many people have one basic question: What is a good thickness for laminate flooring for my intended purpose. Like most things, it truly does depend on the application.

Here are a few common laminate thicknesses and what you should know about them:

•   6mm laminate. A more cost effective option of laminate flooring. It is also more environmentally friendly and can be installed over concrete. That being said, it isn’t as durable and shouldn’t be used for high traffic areas or commercial applications.

•   8mm laminate. Slightly better durability than 6 or 7mm, but it might not have the same pleasant feel as 10mm laminate. It is also a cheaper option than the thicker planks, but depending on the application it might need to be repaired more often.

•   10mm laminate. Often considered the sweet spot when it comes to laminate thickness, 10mm laminate offers durability, a good feel underfoot and low noise even in high-traffic spaces. Reasonable pricing generally makes 10mm laminate a smart buy as well.

•   12mm laminate. Extra-heavy 12mm laminate offers many of the same benefits as 10mm laminate, though it typically costs a little more. 12mm laminate is often reserved for high-traffic commercial spaces like hospitals since every bit of durability matters in such busy spaces. Budgets also tend to be higher for long-term commercial projects, so the price difference is often less of a factor.

Shop All Sized Laminate at BuildDirect!

Choosing the right laminate thickness, plank size or tile width can be tricky. After all, you just want your space to look and feel great. The good news is that our trained representatives are here to help.

With all laminate sizes and styles available, we can help you find the perfect laminate flooring option for your home or business. Reach out today and we can help you get started.

The post Laminate Flooring Thickness Guide – All You Need to Know appeared first on Learning Center.

However, managing student property isn’t always easy. In fact, student housing properties usually require more management and higher involvement and oversight than other properties. Plus, there are also higher levels of wear and tear.

If you’re a property manager for student housing, you’ll have many decisions to make. One of the first and most important choices is the flooring for your student housing property.

What are the best flooring options for student housing? Let’s look at the factors you need to consider and discuss the four best options.

3 Factors to Consider for Student Housing Flooring

These are the three factors you need to consider when selecting flooring for student housing: 

1. Cost

Cost is always one of the most important factors for property managers, and with student housing, it’s a crucial consideration. You’ll definitely need to factor in replacement costs, since student housing tends to have higher wear and tear levels, which means you’ll be replacing the floors more than you would in other property types.

For that reason, it’s essential to choose a flooring type that has a cost you can afford now and in the future.  

2. Durability & Maintenance

For many students, this is their first time living independently, so they know very little about maintenance, cleaning, and best practices for maintaining a home. College students are also known for their propensity for destructive parties.

You’re going to need to plan to replace the floors at some time. Since we know the stereotypes about college students, it’s smart to choose low-maintenance, durable flooring types, so you’re less likely to have to replace the floor. 

3. Appearance

Despite some of the risks of owning student housing, it’s an incredibly competitive space. The property has to look nice to win over potential tenants and keep them throughout their college careers.

Despite all of the horror stories, most students are actually really responsible tenants that want their housing to look and feel nice, which is why the floor’s appearance still matters a lot in student housing. 

The Best Flooring Options for Student Housing

Based on the three factors above, these four flooring options best fit the bill: 

Laminate

Laminate is a cost-effective, easy-to-install, scratch-resistant flooring type. It comes in almost limitless styles, and it’s easy to clean and maintain. Laminate is also durable as long as you choose a variety with an AC rating of 3 or higher.

Laminate is water-resistant, but it can be damaged by too much water or liquid. Many property managers know they might have to repair water-damaged laminate, but they know it will be cheap and easy if they do. 

Vinyl

Vinyl is an easy-to-clean, simple-to-install, water and scratch-resistant flooring type. It can look like real hardwood floors – without any of the hardwood hassles. Vinyl plank flooring is incredibly durable, and it’s almost impossible to dent. It’s also cost-efficient.

The chances of needing to replace vinyl flooring are low, but it is affordable if it happens. Some vinyl flooring is also completely waterproof. 

Vinyl planks have many advantages; however, vinyl quality can vary dramatically based on where you buy it. That’s why it’s so important to choose a trusted flooring supplier. 

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is a durable alternative to wood floors. It’s much easier to maintain than pure hardwood floors, and high-quality varieties are entirely waterproof. Some versions of engineered hardwood can also be refinished.

The downside to engineered hardwood is that it costs about as much as hardwood floors do, and it isn’t quite as durable as some of the other options that are available. 

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is well-known for its strength and durability. It’s one of the most heavy-duty options on the market. If one tile happens to crack or get damaged, you can replace that one tile instead of replacing the whole floor. It’s relatively easy to clean and maintain since it resists water and stains. It also comes in an array of style options.

Porcelain is one of the more expensive flooring options on the market because it’s so durable and long-lasting. It’s also difficult to install, and the grout will likely need to be sealed and refinished relatively frequently. Its durability and easy maintenance make it a top choice for student housing. 

The Best Place for Rental Property Flooring

Since cost, durability and maintenance, and appearance are the top concerns with student housing flooring, laminate, vinyl, engineered hardwood, and porcelain tiles are the best flooring options for student housing.  

However, not all flooring is created equally. Low-quality versions of these four flooring types can underperform and cause more headaches than what they’re worth. That’s why you should do your research and make sure you choose a top-quality, trusted flooring supplier like BuildDirect.

At BuildDirect, we connect property managers with high-quality flooring suppliers, so you get the best quality products at the best price point. Plus, if you become a PRO Rewards member, you get unlimited samples, a 5% credit back, a 30-day money-back guarantee, exclusive deals, and more.

Become a PRO Rewards member today, and get the best flooring for all your rental properties.

The post What Are the Best Flooring Options for Student Housing? appeared first on Learning Center.

The 2022 color palette

When it comes to colors, designers and homeowners are opting for the lighter end of the spectrum across all flooring types, with an emphasis on neutral, flexible grays, beiges, whites and blondes, whether in wood grain patterns or multifaceted stone textures. The main attraction to this palette is that it opens up the space, adding a brighter and more expansive feel. It is also incredibly versatile, and can easily be worked into any decor scheme. In addition to this overall trend, there are some popular color preferences that are specific to each of the flooring types, which we will look at in more detail below. 

Trending looks and styles

Regardless of whether people choose laminate, tile, or vinyl, they tend to ask for one of five dominant looks: stone, marble, wood, concrete, and various decorative designs. Always looking for ways to create visual expansion, designers go beyond the light color palette and focus on innovative flooring sizes, shapes and patterns. When buying wooden flooring, people often opt for the wide-plank variety, while choosing larger format dimensions for tiles. Both of these choices help make a room look bigger. Chevron and herringbone layouts also create that sense of expansion, while bringing a dynamic feel, which energizes a room and can also work as an accent to guide the eye to a room’s chosen focal points.

Materials

In general, hard, durable surfaces are very much in vogue, with engineered hardwood being a particular favorite and laminate, tile and vinyl being almost as popular. Aside from their physical qualities, these flooring materials are in demand because they are available in an astonishing array of colors, patterns, and finishes. Manufacturing technology has advanced to such an extent that imitation wood, stone and concrete looks on these materials are more convincing than ever. This factor has certainly contributed to their rising demand.

Engineered and solid hardwood

Although homeowners adore hardwood floors, they are turning away from natural hardwood because it can be more costly. Engineered hardwood is an excellent alternative as it brings that natural hardwood appearance in a product that is much more durable, hardy, and easier to care for. Here are four of the biggest trends emerging for this beautiful, high-quality flooring type:

• Weathering and texturing: Homeowners and designers do not want perfection when it comes to wooden flooring; they want variety, character and texture. This preference has led to a rise in popularity of hand-scraped, wire-brushed and distressed engineered hardwood. These techniques bring out the grain pattern of each board, and create textured, undulating surfaces for a more natural look and feel.
• Wide planks: The taste for wider planks has been on the rise for some time. As opposed to regular wooden flooring boards, which are about two to four inches in width, wide planks measure anywhere between five and twelve inches. As mentioned above, these boards make a space feel larger and more expansive. They also create a more rustic atmosphere.
• Dark hardwoods: Although the 2022 color trend is towards the lighter end of the palette, there are some exceptions when it comes to people who choose engineered hardwood. Many homeowners who opt for wooden flooring want the warm and cozy feel that comes with dark wood. However, smart designers make good use of contrast in rooms with dark wood flooring, choosing lighter colors for walls, ceilings and other features. The eye is naturally drawn to the lighter parts of the room, turning attention away from the dark floor which serves to accent the brighter elements.
• High variation designs: Hardwoods such as Brazilian walnut are much admired for their multi-hued patterns. The eclectic mix of light and dark in the same floor layout creates a more natural impression, is quite an attention grabber, and will ensure that your floor looks unlike any other. Vary the width of the boards adds to this effect. 

Tiles

Realistic looks are the trend for 2022 – as much for hardwood as for ceramic and porcelain tiles. Homeowners love having the practical benefits of tiles – durability, easy cleaning, relative budget-friendliness, and variety – together with the world of patterns, colors and finishes that can be achieved with this material. Wood-look and stone-look tiles have increased in popularity over the past few years and remain extremely popular. Tile designers have done an excellent job of achieving authentic wire-brushed, hand-scraped and distressed appearances with their wood-look tiles. One rising trend this year is the concrete-look tiles. People love the industrial, modern look that these tiles create. 

Tile buyers are also looking well beyond the traditional square or rectangular tile shapes and seeking out an impressive variety of shapes, including hexagonal, diamond, fan, round, diamond, arabesque, linear and triangle.

Carpet tiles

Carpets remain popular in 2022, although they are used much more selectively than in the past, being used in certain rooms such as living areas and some bedrooms. Carpet tiles, in particular, are making a comeback, remaining the most popular choice for basements and making an appearance in other parts of the home too. Cutting and resizing carpet tiles is a great way to create rugs and runners, while the varied shapes and designs available allow a great deal of creative freedom for making unique floor layouts.

Room-specific trends

While the material trends described above are applicable to all kinds of spaces within your residential or commercial property, there are several developing trends that are specific to particular rooms in the house, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Kitchens

The trends in kitchen design this year lean towards the classic rather than the contemporary or modern. The primary practical consideration is water resistance. Luckily, this property can be found in a broad range of tiles with numerous colors and finishes. The most popular materials include engineered hardwood, bamboo, large-format tile and several varieties of vinyl. Grays and beiges dominate the color choices, as do the prevailing hand-scraped, distressed, and wire-brushed wood looks – both in engineered hardwood and imitation wood effects in tile and vinyl. 

While many decorators want a stone-look floor in their kitchens, they are not necessarily opting for genuine stone tiles but rather for stone-look ceramic or porcelain, such as our Salerno Coastal Travertine collection. Wide-plank white laminate and gray hand-scraped finishes are the two most popular options for wooden kitchen flooring.

Bathrooms

The most striking thing about bathroom trends this year is the sheer diversity on display. Kitchen trends are relatively uniform by comparison. Authentic wood isn’t ideal for bathrooms, but people still want the wood-like appearance, so wood-look tiles are on trend. Instead of opting for monochrome tiles, decorators favor stenciled and mosaic designs, as well as a variety of geometric shapes instead of straightforward square tiles in linear arrangements. The popular wood look can be approximated with laminate flooring, which offers many different shades and patterns while ensuring a waterproof floor. Vinyl is still popular for bathrooms, offering high water-resistance and the incredible range of colors and designs we mentioned above.  
Founded in 1999, BuildDirect is North America’s leading marketplace for flooring materials. We connect homeowners and home improvement professionals with international sellers, creating a simple and reliable shopping experience and access to one of the world’s broadest ranges of flooring materials. Through our platform, you can find the flooring you love at prices that suit your budget. We offer a wide selection of top-quality flooring products across categories in solid hardwood, laminate, engineered, bamboo, vinyl, and tile products. Whichever one of the 2022 flooring trends you prefer, you will find the materials you need for your home improvement projects at BuildDirect.

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Using laminate for accent walls, backsplashes and shelving are just a few of the creative ways you can take advantage of durable single or multi-colored laminate flooring in your home. Find your design inspiration today and improve the look of your home without breaking the bank.

Creative Ways to Use Laminate Flooring on Walls

With an assortment of laminate designs that look like wood, tile, natural stone and more, it’s easy to use laminate flooring to add visual depth to your room on the walls. Here are a few ways to update any room with laminate flooring:

• Create a wood-look accent wall in your bedroom or living room. Try replicating the look of exposed brick for a more industrial-chic style.
• Use tile-look laminate flooring as a kitchen backsplash. Tile and stone laminate flooring also looks great in bathrooms and around vanities.
• Give shelves and insets extra depth with textured laminate flooring. Choose from natural stone, wood, tile or even concrete looks to match your décor.
• Play around with how you install your laminate flooring on the walls. Installing flooring materials sideways can add a unique look to any room.

Laminate Wall Installation Tips

Putting laminate on your walls doesn’t have to be difficult, but you do need to do it correctly for a long-lasting look. Here are some laminate wall installation tips to help you get the job done right:

• Prepare your walls. Laminate can’t be installed over wallpaper or any type of paneling. Cleaned and properly primed drywall is your best bet.
• Have your tools handy before you begin. A stud finder, level, chalk, tape measure, caulk gun and adhesive caulk are basic tools you’ll need for most installations.
• Install your laminate vertically by going up the wall. This will help you create an even look.
• Plan your layout before you begin. This is essential if you’re creating a textured look or installing multi-colored laminate flooring on your walls.

Benefits of Using Laminate Flooring on Walls

Installing laminate flooring on your walls has a variety of benefits. Here are a few top reasons to consider laminate for your walls:

• Laminate is extremely durable and easy to clean.
• Installation is easy. Lightweight laminate doesn’t require years of experience for proper installation.
• You can use it in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and powder rooms.
• Laminate is affordable, particularly when compared to materials like wood, tile and stone.

FAQs About Installing Laminate Flooring on Walls

Many people have questions about installing laminate flooring on the walls. Here are a few common questions and answers to help you learn more about the process:

Q: Why is a gap at the walls important?
A: An expansion gap ensures that your laminate can expand and contract with climate changes between seasons.

Q: How wide should the gap be between the laminate flooring and the walls?
A: 1/4-inch is sufficient. An expansion gap of 1/4-inch will allow your laminate to expand and contract with temperature and humidity fluctuations in your home.

Q: How can I make sure the gap is the right width?
A: Check with the manufacturer for specific instructions. We can also help you determine the ideal expansion gap width based on the laminate product you choose.

Q: What can happen if I don’t leave a gap of the right width all the way around?
A: Your laminate can buckle, crack or begin to peel over time. You may begin to see gaps between laminate planks and tiles as well.

Q: How can I hide the expansion gap?
A: Baseboards, beading, transition strips and radiator pipe covers are commonly used to hide the expansion gap from view.

Q: Can you paint laminate flooring?
A: You can paint some types of laminate flooring. However, this process is usually relatively involved. You’ll likely need a heavy-duty sander and primer or specialty paint.

Q: Can you install laminate flooring on shower walls?
A: You can. You’ll need to prime your shower walls, choose the right adhesive and be sure to seal all seams and edges.

Recommended Collections for Installing Laminate on Walls

Many different types of laminate flooring can be used on your walls. In general, thinner materials are much easier to work with. 8mm laminate flooring is a particularly popular choice for that reason.

 Laminate from the Summa collection is a little thicker, but still quite easy to work with at just 12mm. It’s also available in looks ranging from natural chestnut, which has tons of variation, to more modern concrete-look styles.

Are You Ready to Change the Look of Your Home?

Laminate flooring can work wonders on your walls if you’re ready to update your look. Reach out to our trained representatives today to learn more about installing laminate on walls throughout your home. We can also help you find your ideal look and purchase the correct amount of laminate material for any space.

The post Design Inspiration: Laminate Flooring on Walls appeared first on Learning Center.

Installing new flooring in your home isn’t as simple as measuring your space, ordering materials and putting down planks at random though. For a properly installed flooring, racking is an essential step you shouldn’t leave out. Use this guide to learn more about flooring racking and how to make use of this simple process before you begin your installation.

What is Floor Racking?

Floor racking can sound like a time-consuming task that should be left to professional installers only, right? The truth is that floor racking is quite simple and pretty much anybody can do it. If you can lift a plank of your chosen flooring material you can handle racking on your own.

That’s because floor racking is simply the process of laying out your flooring planks without fastening them with nails or glue. Doing this allows you to create varied patterns and mix and match different planks for a designer-inspired look you won’t get by randomly placing your planks at installation time. While you can do this with any flooring material, racking is a pretty standard procedure when you’re working with natural hardwood, engineered wood or laminate.

Not everybody takes the time to properly rack their floors. Skipping this step is one of the most common mistakes people make when installing flooring, and while avoiding it won’t necessarily result in damage, there’s a good chance your floors won’t look as good as they could have.

Why is Floor Racking Important?

A lot of people who are installing a floor in their homes wonder if floor racking is really necessary or if it’s just a step that will eat up valuable time. While it can easily add a few hours to your overall installation, floor racking is a vital first step when taking on a new flooring project.

Here are a few of the main reasons floor racking is so important.

Thorough Inspection

Floor racking allows you to inspect each plank as you take it out of the packaging. That means you get a look at each individual plank so you can check for defects. Once installed, defective wood won’t be covered under a standard warranty. Take the time to ensure you don’t have any defective planks before your installation. Racking early also allows you to get replacement planks before your installation is scheduled to begin.

Color Variation

Racking makes it easy to achieve proper color variation when installing flooring like engineered wood or natural hardwood. By racking your floors first, you can choose exactly what your flooring pattern will look like, giving your room and home more visual depth. With materials like wood, you can also blend light and dark planks or strategically place planks with more color variation.

Length Variation

You can mix and match plank lengths to create a smart design through racking. Varying plank lengths creates a designer-inspired look for your room. Racking also helps ensure that you don’t place all long planks together before switching to shorter planks, which will be very obvious once installed.

See the Full Picture

Racking allows you to view the floor from a standing position so you can see what your floors will look like once they’re permanently installed. This provides you with the opportunity to make changes for aesthetic reasons before nailing or gluing them down.

Understanding Acclimation and Moisture Content in Flooring Materials

Floor racking is a vital step that ensures you have high-quality wood, optimal color variation and appropriate plank lengths. Before you start laying out your floor though, allowing the wood to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the installation location is critically important.

Why does acclimation matter so much? Consider the possibility that your flooring materials may have been shipped from a region with a climate much different than yours. Your new flooring materials may also have been in storage for some time before being shipped to you. That means they may shrink or expand slightly in your home.

In general, 48 to 72 hours is an ideal acclimation time for most materials, though a longer time generally won’t cause any harm at all in a climate controlled space. One great way to ensure your new flooring material is ready for installation is to unpack it on a Friday before beginning your installation on Monday or Tuesday. That leaves ample time for even sensitive materials like natural hardwood to acclimate to your space.

You don’t have to leave flooring acclimation to chance though. Another option is to use a moisture meter to make sure your flooring materials are ready for installation. Here’s how you can use a moisture meter to check your flooring materials before you begin the installation process.

Racking 101: A Quick Step-By-Step Guide

Racking doesn’t have to be complex. Here’s a quick step-by-step primer to help you get a handle on the basics.

1. Inspect all flooring materials for damage and defects. Put aside any planks that are unfit for installation.
2. Pull planks from different boxes to ensure varied tones and plank lengths. You can sort them into “like” groups to organize your materials.
3. Allow your flooring materials proper time to acclimate to your home. Use a moisture meter to ensure your materials are ready for installation.
4. Take time to plan your layout. Give yourself a day to ensure that you love your design before committing.
5. Make sure you stagger joints correctly. You want to avoid weak spots that could lead to damage or the need for repairs down the road.

Ready to update the flooring in your home? We can help you find a range of materials like natural hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, vinyl flooring, porcelain and ceramic tile and more. Our trained representatives can also give you more information about racking your floors before installation so you can proceed with the installation knowing you’ll love the outcome.

Reach out today to take the first step toward new floors. We can also help you plan your building project if you’re creating your dream home from the ground up.

The post Floor Racking: How to Lay Out Plank Flooring Before Installation appeared first on Learning Center.

Over time though, even tough laminate can start to look a little worse for wear. In some cases, this is due to difficult conditions like a high-moisture area, exposure to heat or improper installation. The good news is that a fix is almost always possible. Use this guide to learn more about how to repair a damaged laminate floor.

Fixing Scratches and Finish Damage

Laminate flooring is known to be durable enough for even the most heavily-trafficked residential and commercial spaces. Scratches and finish damage can still occur even if your laminate flooring material has a very high abrasion class rating. After all, there’s only so much abuse even the toughest materials can handle.

In most cases, scratches, scuffs and finish damage can be repaired with relative ease. A simple laminate floor repair kit, which you can obtain online or in many hardware stores, is pretty much all you’ll need. Here’s how to use one effectively:

Step 1:

Find the repair kit that most closely resembles the look of your laminate floors. If you’re shopping in person, consider taking an extra piece of laminate with you when buying your repair kit to match it up by eye.

Step 2:

Test the marker, crayon or colored putty that comes with your repair kit in an inconspicuous area first. While your repair kit coloring may appear to be correct, you could find that it’s not the best fit once you’re home. If the color is correct you can proceed to the next step.

Step 3:

Gently clean the area where you need to make the repair. Dust and debris can impede the repair process.

Step 4:

Fill in the scratch or damaged area using the marker, crayon or colored putty. Avoid using more than you need if you’re working with colored putty. You may need to add color in layers or go over your scratched area multiple times if you’re working with a marker or crayon.

Step 5:

Use a fine grit sandpaper if needed to make the filled-in area flush with the rest of your floors. Work carefully to avoid scratching other parts of your floors in the process.

Step 6:

Clean the floors once they’re level and you’re happy with the overall color. Follow any manufacturer’s instructions if they guide you to use a certain type of cleaning product like acetone.

Step 7:

Apply varnish over the repaired area if instructed by the kit. Finish with fine grit sandpaper once the varnish has dried if instructed by the manufacturer.

Repairing a Water Damaged Laminate Floor

Laminate flooring is made to last, and one of the main benefits of using it in your kitchen or bathroom is the fact that it’s resistant to water. That doesn’t mean it’s waterproof though. If water is left to sit on your laminate floors or damage from a leaking pipe beneath your laminate planks occurs you’re likely looking at replacing at least a section of your floors.

The good news is that replacing a part of your damaged laminate floor shouldn’t be an overwhelming procedure. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fix your floors after water damage has occurred:

Step 1:

Locate the wall nearest the damaged plank or planks. Remove the molding here. This will give you access to any planks leading to the damaged area.

Step 2:

Work your way to the damaged plank. You can do this by disassembling the locking system on planks that connect to the damaged area. You’ll know the planks are unlocked when you remove the tongue of one plank from the groove of the adjoining plank.

Step 3:

Repeat step two until you’ve reached the damaged plank. This could mean removing multiple planks to get to the damaged area depending on your space.

Step 4:

Pull the damaged plank and replace it with a new one. Make sure that it is locked in place before re-assembling your flooring, locking each plank in place as your work your way back toward the wall.

Step 5:

Finish by replacing the molding you had to remove to fix your damaged laminate floor.

Pro Tip:

Reaching a damaged plank that’s in the center of a large room can be time consuming. While it is possible to drill out a damaged plank without removing others around it, this procedure is best left to a trained professional since it requires experience and special skills to perform properly. Trying this procedure on your own could damage multiple surrounding planks, leaving you with a costly repair job.

Tackle Buckling and Lifting Laminate Floors

Buckling, lifting laminate floors can be confusing for the average homeowner. While laminate is very strong, there are a number of reasons it can buckle or lift over time. Water damage, a lack of acclimation before installation and an expansion gap that’s too small or non-existent are common culprits. High temperatures may also be to blame.

Use these steps to help you assess and repair buckling and lifting laminate floors.

Step 1:

Figure out why your laminate floors got damaged in the first place. Problems like water damage and high heat should be addressed and fixed. If a poor expansion gap is the problem you’ll want to avoid making the same mistake when installing new laminate.

Step 2:

Remove the molding or moldings near the damaged laminate. You’ll need to do this to access and remove the planks.

Step 3:

Carefully uninstall the laminate that leads from the wall and molding to the problem area. If these planks are in good shape they can be re-used later if you don’t damage the locking system.

Step 4:

Remove damaged planks and replace them with new ones. Lock your new planks and continue working backward toward the molding and wall. Be careful to leave an appropriate expansion gap near the wall.

Step 5:

Replace the molding to finish the job. Apply any touch up paint needed if the molding was damaged during your repair.

Pro Tip:

Order and keep extra laminate flooring handy so you can quickly replace damaged planks. By ordering more now you can ensure that your replacement laminate planks will match perfectly with your older ones.

Repairing a damaged laminate floor doesn’t have to be a huge job that requires professionals. For small tasks like replacing a plank, you’ll likely be able to do the work yourself in an afternoon. Bigger jobs may require more time and patience, but with a little fortitude, you’ll realize that laminate is an ideal material to be working with.

Want to go for an upgrade instead of replacing old, damaged laminate? We can help you get ready to update your floors with brand new laminate in a range of looks to fit traditional, transitional and modern homes. Easy to install and ultra-durable, laminate flooring is an excellent choice for practically every room in your home.

Contact our trained professional representatives to learn more about adding new laminate to your home or getting essential replacement materials for repairs.

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Types of Plank Flooring

Before you can decide how you want to install your plank flooring, you must first decide what type of plank flooring you’ll feature in your home. Among the most popular options are:

• Hardwood
• Laminate
• Luxury Vinyl
• Engineered Hardwood
• Bamboo

Deciding the Best Direction to Lay Plank Flooring

Plank flooring features a rectangular shape that lends itself toward many different patterns and directions. The most popular options include:

• Vertical
• Horizontal
• Herringbone
• Diagonal
• Chevron

Aesthetic Considerations for Choosing Plank Direction

Focal Point

If you have a fireplace or focal point in your room, you’ll want to lay the flooring in a way that draws the eye to that focal point. Lay the planks so they point toward the item you’d like to feature. If you have an open-concept home, this method can be difficult because you could have more than one focal point in different areas of the home.

Cohesive Sight Lines

When you want to enlarge the look of your home and make the space seem less busy, run the flooring from the front door through the back of the house. If the home is open concept, it’s important that once you choose a flooring direction, you stick with it throughout all the rooms that open onto one another. Laying the flooring in the same direction as the pathway from the front of your house to the back of your house is by far the most popular choice. Not only does it make a space appear larger, but it also helps invite people into your home by showing them what direction to go.

Modernizing the Look

When you want to make a statement with your flooring, choosing a diagonal floor plank installation is a great choice. This look can get a little busy, so make sure to only consider this option in large rooms, as it can become overwhelming in smaller spaces.

Adding Visual Appeal

Show off your artistic style when you opt for a chevron or herringbone plank flooring pattern. This pointed way of laying flooring is a fantastic choice in large rooms or in homes where one space flows into another. Point the chevron from the front door through the back of the house to make the whole space appear larger and invite people into the space. This pattern could result in the creation of a statement hallway or passage from one space to another.

Showing Off the Flooring

When you absolutely love the look of your plank flooring and want to highlight all the colors and details of the product, run the flooring perpendicular to the light source in the room.

Material Consumption

Laying your flooring horizontally or vertically will help to get the most coverage out of the fewest materials. Any time you choose a more intricate pattern, you increase the amount of material needed to complete the job. If budget is an issue or the material is limited, this will be an important factor. Figure out just how much flooring you need to complete your project by knowing how to measure the space.

Functional Considerations

Sometimes, the needs of the space can supersede the aesthetic look of a flooring pattern. Before you make a final decision, consider the specific needs of your home. Some of the most common functional considerations include:

Floating Flooring

If you’ve chosen a floating floor, there may be a limit to how long you can extend the flooring without breaking it up with a threshold. If this is the case, the dimensions of the room may help determine which direction the plank flooring needs to be installed.

Installation Cost

There’s typically a standard installation price for running your plank flooring vertically or horizontally. If you start getting a little fancier with the design by choosing a chevron, herringbone, or diagonal arrangement, the price of installation is sure to increase.

Time Frame

When you’re trying to get your flooring installed quickly, choosing a vertical or horizontal arrangement is the most time-effective solution. The different methods used to piece together a diagonal, chevron, or herringbone pattern will also extend the time frame for installation.

Final Tips for Laying Plank Direction

If you still haven’t chosen on an ideal layout, we have a few final tips that will help you make that final decision.

Lay the Flooring in the Space

Once you have the plank flooring in the space, place a few of the planks down in the direction you’re considering. There’s no substitute for seeing the boards in the space. If you’re installing the same flooring in multiple rooms, test out the arrangement in multiple rooms, as well.

Consider the Style of the Material

If your plank flooring has intricate detailing, a simpler pattern is called for. If your flooring is more monochromatic in design, it can support a more visually interesting installation pattern.

Ask the Professionals

If you’re having the floors professionally installed, rely on the professionals to help guide your way. They have installed many floors and are sure to have seen every pattern in the past. Use their expertise as a guide to help you achieve the look you want.

When it all comes down to it, there’s no right or wrong way to direct plank flooring in your home. It really comes down to personal style preferences and what best fits the personality of your home. Check out pictures of rooms with different flooring designs and plank directions to help you determine which one will reflect your personal preferences. These tips don’t just apply to plank flooring. They can also be used as a guide for installing ceramic tiles designed to look like wood, as they often share the same rectangular design.

The post What Is the Best Direction to Lay Plank Flooring? appeared first on Learning Center.

When it comes to a new bathroom flooring installation, laminate, luxury vinyl and waterproof engineered hardwood planks are all an exceptional choice. Available in a range of different styles to match your home’s design theme and your bathroom’s existing color scheme, myriad styles from ultra-modern to simple, traditional looks are available. Flooring planks are also available at multiple price points so you can get the look you want even if you’re on a tight budget.

If you choose to install bathroom floor planks on your own it can help you save money and get the bathroom style you want ASAP. Bathroom floors do have special installation needs though, so you’ll have to follow certain procedures to make sure your floors look good and last for years in a wet environment like a bathroom.

A Guide to Installing Bathroom Floor Planks

Remove Sink and Toilet Fixtures

Many people think that laying laminate, luxury vinyl or engineered hardwood planks should be done with their existing bathroom fixtures in place. While this possible, it is not the best solution if you want a clean, professional look. Instead, you’ll want to remove your sink and toilet fixtures first.

By removing your sink and toilet fixtures before you install bathroom floor planks, you’ll get a more uniform look that’s much more attractive. Below you’ll find more information about how to remove common sink and toilet fixtures so you can begin installing your flooring.

Dealing with Pedestal Sinks

Pedestal sinks are extremely common in powder rooms and guest bathrooms. Removing these is fairly easy, and in some cases, you may not have to remove the entire fixture. If your sink is bolted to the wall, this easy removal process may be possible.

To do this, you’ll simply unbolt the pedestal portion of your sink from the wall and slide it away from the sink – which will remain bolted to the wall. This partial removal is ideal because it means you won’t have to touch your P-trap or water connections in most cases.

If you can’t disassemble your pedestal sink or you have a different type of sink the removal process is a little more involved, but still fairly straightforward. You’ll start by removing your P-trap and water connections. From there, you can unbolt the sink and pull it off the wall.

Store your sink parts in a safe place away from your workspace before you begin your flooring installation.

Toilet Fixture Removal

Removing a toilet fixture from your bathroom is a fairly simple procedure, though you’ll likely need at least one other person to do it. Here’s how you can remove your toilet fixture:

Step 1:

Turn off the water using the shut-off valve. Flush the toilet to remove remaining water. You can use a plunge to force any water remaining in the bowl out. A sponge and bucket can be used to remove remaining water from the tank.

Step 2:

Disconnect the water supply line. If desired, you can remove the tank at this point. You can do this by removing the bolts positioned at the bottom of the tank.

Step 3:

Remove the bolts that hold the toilet bowl in place on the floor. These are typically located under trim caps designed to improve the visual appeal of your toilet fixture.

Step 4:

Rock the toilet back and forth until it comes free. Remove the fixture. Now you can remove the old wax seal and wipe away any remaining wax.

Step 5:

Fill the remaining hole with a rag. This will prevent sewer gasses from entering your home while the hole is exposed.

What About the Vanity?

Installing bathroom floor planks under your vanity provides the ideal appearance. In practice though, installing new flooring in a completely empty bathroom often isn’t possible. That’s because your vanity is likely firmly in place and removing it could cause extensive damage to both the vanity and wall.

Unless you’re going for a major renovation, keeping your vanity in place and working around it is your best choice. With clean cuts, you won’t have to worry about a messy-looking installation.

Pull Up Old Flooring

You can’t install your new laminate, luxury vinyl or engineered hardwood without first removing your old floor. With your toilet and sink fixtures out of the room, removing old flooring is the next step.

Removing your old flooring is a fairly easy project as long as you take care to avoid damaging your subfloor. Here are a few informative guides to help you remove common bathroom flooring materials like laminate and vinyl.

You may also need to remove your baseboards even if you’re installing simple click lock luxury vinyl.

Ensure a Level Work Surface

With your old flooring removed, you’re now beginning first steps of your new bathroom floor plank installation. Don’t break out the flooring materials just yet though. Your first step involves ensuring that your work surface is level.

In many cases, a visual inspection will show you that your bathroom floor is not level. This is easy to fix by applying a small amount of leveling compound using a trowel. When dealing with small areas of your floor, a putty knife may work as well.

Look to feather the edges of the leveling compound to make sure it blends perfectly with your existing flooring. Light use of a hand sander or sanding block can help even out of your floors after applying leveling compound if you’ve used slightly too much and notice a ridge or hump.

Alternately, a hand sander can work very well for reducing visible high spots on your subfloor. Work slowly to ensure that you don’t sand away too much material. You’ll have to fill any low spots with flooring compound if you do.

Cut Appropriate Holes

A big part of installing new flooring in your bathroom is ensuring that you’ve got the right size holes around drains and any plumbing elements like your toilet flange. To do this, you’ll want to measure the size of the hole and cut into pieces to be placed in that area using a jigsaw or circular saw.

For your toilet fixture, you should aim for a hole that extends between 2″ and 3″ inside where the base of the toilet will rest. However, cutting a larger hole will make placement easier, so don’t aim for an ultra-exact cut.

A full-plank installation under pedestal sinks is ideal as long as you drill guide holes for the base as you go. Use silicone putty around the edges to secure your pedestal sink in place later.

How to Install Bathroom Floor Planks: Tips from the Pros

Your work surface is ready, level and all fixtures that can be removed are out of the way. The process of installing flooring in a small space like a bathroom is actually relatively simple from here, though you’ll need some specific tools and a few skills to get the job done effectively.

Plan Your Layout

Putting flooring planks in place without adhering them to your subfloor can help you get a sense of what cuts you’ll need to make and where you’ll need to make them. Doing this will also help you choose the planks to cut for your toilet flange and plumbing elements.

Start in a Corner

Use as many full-length pieces as possible before making a cut. Full-length pieces are easier to place and provide a more elegant look.

Use Wood Glue

Wood glue between your flooring planks helps with water resistance. A small bead will help join planks together and keep them in place.

Mind the Gap

Bathrooms are high humidity spaces, which means that your floors can expand over time. To combat this, you’ll want to leave a 1/8″ gap along horizontal walls to allow for expansion.

Leave a Gap Between Floor and Tub

A 1/8″ to 1/4″ gap between your bathtub footing and flooring material helps make room for expansion, which is particularly important around in this wet area. Use clear silicon caulk to fill the gap.

Install a Flange Extender

If your flooring raises the toilet fixture 1/2″ or more off the flange you’ll need an extender piece. Flange extenders are easy to install and mount right on top of the existing flange.

Go Pro

Learning how to install bathroom floor planks whether you choose modern water resistant laminate, engineered floating hardwood or luxury vinyl can be a great DIY project. Not everybody is up to the challenge though. If you’re unsure of how to begin your project or performing basic tasks like removing sinks, toilet fixtures and old flooring materials seems daunting, you may want to call in professionals to help with the job.

A bathroom floor installation isn’t a huge project, so you won’t be hit with huge costs. You can also rest assured that your floors will be durable and long-lasting, which is particularly important in high-use bathroom spaces where water and humidity can do some serious damage.

Time to update your bathroom and give it a brand new look? Maybe you just want to replace worn flooring that’s clearly cracked, damaged or unsafe? Whatever your design goals, our trained representatives can help you find the ideal flooring solution for your home or business.

We can also help you decide which flooring material is right for your bathroom if you’re still on the fence and choosing between engineered hardwood, laminate or luxury vinyl. Reach out to us today so we can help you get your new bathroom floor installation underway.

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Even high-quality laminate flooring does wear down over time though. In very busy spaces, nicks, scratches and even gouges will start to pop up. Choosing a laminate flooring material with the right abrasion class rating for your space can help prevent damage and prolong the lifespan of your floor. You don’t have to give up the good looks modern laminate made to look like wood, stone or other more expensive, harder to care for materials to get it, either.

Use this guide to learn more about abrasion class ratings when choosing laminate for your home or commercial property. Properly chosen flooring material will stand the test of time and look great every single day.

What is an Abrasion Class Rating?

If you’ve ever shopped for laminate flooring or looked for it online there’s a good chance you’ve seen a code or set of numbers somewhere on the packaging or in the description. Denoted with the letters AC before one or two numbers, this is the abrasion class rating of that specific laminate flooring.

While a few factors go into giving laminate flooring an abrasion class rating, the system is designed to help buyers choose durable materials ideal for their spaces. In practice, high-traffic residential spaces typically utilize laminate flooring with a higher abrasion class rating. Commercial buyers would opt for an even higher rating than that.

Residential shoppers outfitting low-traffic spaces may choose to save money by choosing a laminate flooring material with a lower abrasion class rating.

What are the Different Ratings?

Abrasion class ratings are relatively simple to understand, but you have to know the different variations before you start shopping for the right laminate flooring. Here’s a quick list to help you learn more about the different ratings:

AC1

The lowest rating given to laminate, AC1 rated materials are best used in low-traffic spaces like bedrooms.

AC2

AC2 materials work well in common spaces throughout the home since they are more durable. Dining rooms, family rooms and living rooms are prime examples of where you might see AC2 laminate flooring.

AC3

Sometimes referred to with a rating of “class 23” or “class 31,” laminate flooring material with this rating is deal for parts of your home that see heavy use. You can use it in other rooms as well to keep your look the same throughout adjoining spaces. “Class 31” materials are functional in light-duty commercial spaces as well.

AC4

Ideal for high-traffic spaces in residential environments like walkways, hallways and entry areas. This material can also work in commercial spaces like offices.

AC5

Best reserved for high-use commercial spaces. Excellent for busy office lobby areas and retail spaces with steady foot traffic.

AC6

AC6-rated laminate flooring is the most durable option on the market. You’ll see AC6 laminate in public areas like airports.

Which Abrasion Class Rating is Right for Me?

Choosing the ideal laminate flooring can seem a bit daunting when you’re trying to balance style, durability and come in at or under your budget. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing laminate flooring.

Foot Traffic

Foot traffic plays a major role in choosing the right laminate for any space. Are you outfitting a back bedroom that rarely gets used? AC1, AC2 or AC3 materials may all work well. However, if you’re designing a bank lobby, AC4 or greater will stand the test of time much better.

Cleaning

In commercial spaces specifically, solvent-type cleaning chemicals may be required. These can take their toll on laminate materials with a lower abrasion class rating. Consider how and how often you will be cleaning your laminate floors.

Cost

Laminate flooring materials with high abrasion class ratings often cost more. This can improve durability, but choosing material with an AC6 rating for a bedroom just doesn’t make sense. Aim to balance cost and durability to meet your needs.

Laminate flooring is a durable, cost-effective choice for both commercial and residential properties. Fit for high-traffic lobby areas and barely-used bedrooms, there’s little you can’t do with laminate. Modern styles also make it incredibly easy to find the look you’re after for any design scheme.

Need a little help learning more about laminate, abrasion class ratings and durability in general? Check out our guide on how to test a laminate flooring sample. Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our trained representatives either. We’re here to help answer your laminate and flooring-related questions!

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Understanding laminate flooring underlay can seem tricky, but a little information goes a long way toward choosing the right material. Use this guide to ensure that the laminate flooring you pick for your home looks and feels spectacular for years to come.

What is Laminate Flooring Underlay?

Laminate flooring underlay, often referred to as underlayment, is a thin sheet of material installed on top of your subfloor. This material is installed to act as a durable base for your top layer of laminate.

During the installation process, your laminate flooring underlay will be installed before the flooring material you have chosen for your project.

Why Do I Need It?

Properly chosen laminate flooring underlay is useful for a variety of reasons. First, underlay provides proper protection for your laminate by providing proper support. This cushioning also helps to even out your floor, helping to create a solid foundation for your laminate material.

Underlayment also impacts sound transmission, which can be particularly important when you’re installing laminate in an upstairs room in a residential space. The laminate flooring underlay you chose also affects the R-value of the overall flooring installation.

Know Your Subfloor

Choosing the correct laminate flooring underlay material often starts with evaluating your subfloor. That’s because different subfloor types have different potential issues that proper underlayment can help address.

Here are the two most common types of subfloor you’ll encounter in your home:

Concrete

Concrete subfloors are strong and sturdy, but because they are porous, moisture issues are a big concern. This is particularly true in older homes. With this type of subfloor, you want underlayment that forms a solid barrier between moisture and your laminate flooring material.

Plywood

Plywood is a natural material that is slightly porous. However, because plywood is all-natural, it needs more air exposure than concrete. With a plywood subfloor, some underlayment options with a vapor barrier can cause moisture to be trapped in the plywood. If this happens, your subfloor could mold, rot or become unstable over time.

Laminate Flooring Underlay Types

Choosing the right type of laminate flooring underlay can be a bit confusing when you’re taking on a home build or renovation. Knowing about the four standard types can help you pick the right option for your room.

Here’s a quick guide to the four most common types of laminate flooring underlay material:

Basic Foam Underlayment

Ideal for plywood subfloors, basic foam underlayment is typically made of polyethylene or polypropylene material. This material does not have a vapor barrier layer, making it ideal for plywood subfloors that need to breathe. It’s also a very cost-effective option.

Combination-Style Underlayment Options

Combination-style underlayment includes both a foam layer and a water vapor barrier layer. Use this style of underlayment if you have a concrete subfloor. Note that some combination-style underlayment can be used in any room, even if you have a plywood subfloor. However, it is slightly more expensive, and may not be required when working with plywood.

Cork Underlayment

Cork is sometimes used as an underlayment material for laminate flooring. However, the cost is significantly higher. Avoid cork underlayment to reduce costs unless noise reduction or antimicrobial properties are a major concern for your project. Cork may also be a poor choice for wet rooms unless additional layer of plastic is installed.

Felt

Some installers consider felt to be the best option for underlayment. Heavier and easier to work with, it is soft underfoot while providing excellent noise reduction and heat retention. Felt has few drawbacks other than cost, though it may not be as effective at fighting moisture in wet spaces like a full bathroom.

Pro Tip

Carpet padding often comes up when underlayment is discussed. While it works well for carpet flooring material, it is too heavy and thick for laminate. Using carpet padding as laminate flooring underlay may lead to loose floor joints that you feel as you walk over time.

Choosing Your Underlayment: Special Considerations

Still not sure which underlayment style is ideal for your project? Here are a few special considerations to keep in mind:

•  You live in a cold climate. R-value matters in cold climates. Combination-style underlayment, felt and cork all aid in heat loss reduction.

•  You’re installing laminate in a wet room. Mud rooms, bathrooms and kitchens are all considered wet spaces. In these rooms, you need underlayment with a water vapor barrier. Combination-style underlayment is typically the best choice for these areas.

•  You want more noise reduction. Cork and felt are ideal choices when you need more noise reduction if they work for your subfloor, project and budget.

If you choose to use laminate flooring in multiple rooms, you can mix and match your underlayment material as well. Doing this can help you get the right material for your subfloor, room type and any special considerations required for your project.

Consider Laminate Flooring with Included Underlayment

On today’s market, you can find laminate flooring with pre-installed underlayment. This type of laminate typically works well in homes with plywood and concrete subfloors. It can also take the guesswork out of choosing underlayment, though you may pay a bit extra for this all-in-one style flooring.

Note that wet rooms like bathrooms and kitchens may require laminate flooring with included underlayment specifically designed for maximum moisture protection. Check with the manufacturer or reach out to one of our representatives if you’re considering all-in-one laminate material for a wet space.

Looking to learn more about laminate flooring underlay and the general process of installing this ultra-durable material in your home? Check out our informative blog post to see what questions you should ask when considering laminate flooring for your house.

Our qualified representatives are also here to answer all of your flooring-related questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need a little help with your building or renovation project.

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