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.

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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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.

The post Choosing the Best Laminate Flooring Underlay appeared first on Learning Center.

Benefits of Laminate Floors

Laminate floors are a man-made material that features a decorative top layer designed to look like hardwood but remaining much more budget-friendly. Because it is man-made, laminate flooring comes in a full range of color and style options, making it easy to find the ideal fit for any style of interior decor. You can even get laminate floors designed to look like cherry, tigerwood, or oak. Choose a wide flooring option for larger space or select a narrow board collection that will provide that historic look of hardwood floors.

Laminate flooring is relatively easy to care for, but it doesn’t like getting wet, so avoid using it in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and areas that are prone to standing water. If a spill does occur, wipe it up quickly to prevent damage.

How to Make Laminate Wood Floors Shine

With the natural process of keeping the laminate floors clean, they can start to appeal dull over time. Normally, you would reach for wax to bring a little shine to floors, but wax is not a suitable choice for laminate. Get that sleek polished look in just three simple steps and using a couple of items you already have laying around the house.

Step 1: Sweep or Vacuum

Before you can do anything else, you need to make sure the floor is clean. Sweep up any dirt and debris or vacuum the floors with a beater designed for hard floors. A regular vacuum can cause scratches and damage the laminate, so make sure to use a vacuum specifically designed for hard floors. Make sure to move furniture and area rugs and get around those items as well. You would be surprised how much dirt can end up swept under a sofa.

Step 2: Remove Build-Up

Over time, the solutions used for cleaning your laminate floors can create a hazy layer of build-up. Remove that layer by creating a 50/50 distilled white vinegar and water solution. Fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray it on a section of flooring. Use a microfiber cloth to clean-up the solution and all of that build-up along with it. Continue working in manageable sections until the whole floor is treated with the cleaning solution

Tip: Make sure not to over-saturate the surface of the laminate with the cleaning solution. Most laminate is porous and can be damaged by too much exposure to liquids.

Step 3: Buff the Laminate Floors

After the build-up is removed and the floors have had a chance to air-dry, buff the floors with a dry microfiber cloth. Work in small sections, much as you did with step two. This should leave the floors clean and restore them to their original shine.

Tip: If more shine is desired, use a product specifically made for laminate floors. Typical waxes and floor polishes are not suited for laminate and should be avoided.

Laminate floorings have become a popular choice in homes and businesses alike because they provide the look of hardwood at a fraction of the price. Over time, these floors can start to look dull. Learn how to deal with three common laminate flooring problems and keep your laminate looking like new for longer. When needed, vacuum or sweep the floors using an appropriate attachment. Using a microfiber dry mop with a cleaner that doesn’t contain soaps, oils, or chemicals will help to prevent the laminate from looking dull over time.

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The kitchen is one of the most-used rooms of the home and as such, it needs kitchen flooring designed to hold up to the daily wear and tear of life. Grease splatters, spilled food, and melting ice cubes are just a few of the daily occurrences the floors need to hold up to. When trying to decide whether to install vinyl plank flooring or laminate flooring in the kitchen, it is essential to understand the pros and cons of each option.

Kitchen Flooring: Vinyl Plank

Vinyl plank flooring provides the look of hardwood but the durability you need to use it in high-traffic areas of the home, such as the kitchen.

Cleanliness

Vinyl flooring is easy to keep clean with a simple mop or a steam mop. Because it is waterproof, you don’t need to worry about using water to clean vinyl flooring. Vacuum the floor with a vacuum intended for hard floor surfaces between cleanings for light touch-ups.

Maintenance

One of the best aspects of vinyl flooring is how low maintenance they are. There is no need to ever wax or polish vinyl flooring, as you would with traditional hardwood flooring.

Vesdura Vinyl Planks – 8.5mm WPC Click Lock – Monterey Collection / SKU: 15257623

Pet-Friendly

The waterproof and scratch-resistant qualities of vinyl plank flooring makes it a great choice for homes with pets. Not only will it hold up to the claws and activity of your dogs or cats, but it is also incredibly easy to clean up any messes that occur.

Durability

Rushmore / 7mm / WPC / Click Lock SKU: 15269378

Vinyl plank flooring is desired for its long-lasting durability. Although it generally holds up to daily wear and tear without signs of damage, it can be scratched or dented if heavy furniture or appliances are dragged across the surface. Vinyl flooring offers the added benefit of being completely waterproof, which means there’s no fear of damage caused by spilled water from the refrigerator or dishwasher.

Sizes

Vinyl plank flooring comes in two standard widths. The 4-inch width provides a more traditional look while the wider 8-inch widths are a great choice for larger spaces. Each plank measures 48 inches long. All it takes is a metal straight edge and a razor knife to cut the planks down to size for installation.

Installation

Vinyl plank flooring is incredibly easy to install. In fact, all that you need to cut the product down to size is a sharp utility knife and a metal straight edge. This product comes in two installation types. Floating vinyl floors offer a tongue and groove design that allows them to click together with a few strikes of a rubber mallet. Some vinyl floors are even peel-and-stick in nature, eliminating the need for clicking various pieces together. The peel-and-stick variety can even be used to create an eye-catching accent wall or stand-out ceiling.

Kitchen Flooring: Laminate

Like vinyl planks, laminate flooring provides the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. This durable alternative may provide the same overall look but there are some distinct differences between vinyl and laminate flooring.

Cleanliness

A simple steam mop is all it takes to clean laminate floors but don’t reach for a traditional mop and bucket. The amount of water applied by a traditional mop is likely to damage the floors.

Lamton Laminate – 12mm Legendary Collection / SKU: 15162377

Maintenance

Over time, laminate flooring can lose its original luster. Restore the like-new look to your laminate floors by using floor cleaners specifically designed for the product. There are also some laminate products available that can help to reduce the look of chips and scratches that may occur.

Durability

Laminate flooring is designed for durability but it does tend to show signs of wear over time, especially in high-traffic areas of the home. You can expect to see light scratches and chips or damage along the edges and corners. Unlike vinyl, laminate flooring is not waterproof and any standing water could cause the planks to bubble or warp.

Pet-Friendly

Laminate is considered a very pet-friendly product as long as the pet is house broken. Any standing accidents are likely to cause damage because laminate is not waterproof. Prevent scratches by making sure to trim the nails of your pets regularly.

Sizes

This flooring option comes in a wide variety of widths from which to choose, starting at a traditional 4 inches and extending to an incredibly wide 16 inches. They arrive in your choice of 36-inch or 48-inh lengths.

Installation

Laminate floor is designed as a floating floor. The tongue and groove design makes it easy to click each piece into place. When installing this product, use a circular saw or hand saw to ensure precise cuts without damaging the flooring.

Protect New Floors with Area Rugs and Orthopedic Mats

Much of the time spent in the kitchen is spent standing at the stove and the sink. Protect the floors from spills and splatters by adding cushioned mats to these key areas. Not only are they softer on the knees, but they will also help to prevent your floors from fading or becoming stained in these areas.

With so many different vinyl plank and laminate flooring options available at Build Direct, it is easy to find a color, size, and style that speaks to the overall design of your kitchen. Keep the look cohesive and make an open concept home appear larger by extending the flooring you choose to the surrounding rooms as well. If you choose vinyl plank flooring, it can even be extended to bathrooms and laundry rooms. Both products can be installed as a weekend warrior project or passed off to the professionals. No matter which one you choose, you’ll have a luxurious floor that provides the look of hardwood while holding up to hundreds of meals cooked.

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The living room and the kitchen are two of the most-used rooms in the home but their needs are very different, which often results in two different flooring types in these spaces. Keep the look between the two rooms smooth and safe by ensuring that there are proper floor transitions between rooms. The types of transition you need depends greatly on what type of flooring is installed in each of the spaces.

Why Do You Need A Room Transition Strip?

Different types of flooring feature different installation types. Putting one edge straight against another edge would result in uneven and raw areas that would not hold up to wear and tear and which could even make it easy to trip. Placing a proper room transition strip from one room to another helps protect both types of flooring and provide a clean, finished look. Visually, the transition strip acts as a reminder to anyone walking through the home that there may be a slight height difference between two types of flooring.

Not only are room transition strips a visually pleasing way to complete flooring installation; they are also a way to allow for the proper expansion and contraction of the flooring itself. In the warm weather of the summer and spring floorings such as hardwood and vinyl tends to expand a bit. In cold weather, the flooring contracts. The space under the transition strips allows for the expansion and contraction without creating a gap between the two floorings.

Multi-Floor Transition

When you have multiple flooring types in one house, keep all the room transitions consistent by opting for a four-in-one transition strip. This four-piece design makes it easy to bridge the gap between many different flooring types, depending upon what pieces you use. This makes it a versatile solution if you have carpet in a living room, tile in an entry, and laminate in a sunroom.

Between Hard Floors

When you have two hard floors that but up against one another, a T-shaped transition strip is the ideal solution. The top of the transition strip bridges the gap between the two hard floors, which are able to come right up to the bar that extends from the center of the transition strip.

How to Transition Between Two Different Wood Floors

When two different wood floors come together, a simple strip, called a seam binder, makes the ideal transition. This piece of wood is the same height as most wood planks and screws into place, providing a finished look at the junction where two wood floors meet. This seam binder simply screws into place, making it fast and easy to install. Purchase them finished to coordinate with the wood flooring you chose or unfinished and stain or paint them the color of your choice.

Carpet to Ceramic Tile

When connecting carpet to ceramic tile, there is a two-piece transition that is needed. The first piece is a metal strip with tacks along the edge that secure the end of the carpet in place so it can be stretched properly. Next, a vinyl transition strip clicks into the holder attached to the metal strip, smoothing out the transition between the two types of flooring and giving it a finished look.

Flooring Transitions From Wood to Tile

Generally, tile is a much thicker product than a plank of wood or laminate. The result can be uneven. Get a smooth transition from. Bathroom or kitchen tile to the surrounding wood by using a transition strip designed specifically to bridge these two flooring materials.  To account for the tile to hardwood transition height difference, one side of the strip is slightly more accommodating on the underside, allowing for the height difference.

Vinyl to Tile Transitions

Tile is a thick material with mortar or thin-set underneath. Vinyl, on the other hand, is very thin. This difference in material heights makes it necessary to get a tile to vinyl transition strip that features a gentle curve, smoothing the transition between the two heights and making the slight difference visually noticeable.

Carpet to Edge

Transitions don’t just happen from one type of flooring to the other. They also take place between carpet and the surrounding walls. Begin any carpet installation by screwing a metal carpet edge gripper into place. A series of spikes along the strip make it easy to stretch the carpet correctly and keep it secured, right up to the edge of the room. Once installed, a metal lip curves over the edge of the carpet to prevent the carpet from fraying.

Having one consistent flooring that runs through the entire house can make a space feel large but it often is not realistic. Hardwood floors look chic in a living room but they aren’t practical for kitchens and bathrooms where water damage can occur.  In wet spaces, ceramic tile or luxury vinyl flooring makes a more durable choice. Whether you are laying floors in a brand new home or simply updating a single room of the space, transition strips are a necessary part of the installation process. Transition strips are designed to minimize visual disruption while providing a smooth and protective gap between two flooring types.

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Your pets are part of the family. Keep your home looking great year after year by choosing a flooring with pets in mind. You certainly want to choose something designed to hold up to the fur and claws and everything else that comes along with your furry family. Before you decide on the right flooring for you home you need to consider the overall design of the space. This and room use will ensure you select a product designed to meet the needs of the space while enhancing the overall style.

Hardwood flooring is beautiful, but it is also costly and prone to pet damage. The natural wood scratches easily and does not hold up to any moisture, making small accidents enough to create lasting damage. Luxury vinyl flooring and laminate flooring both provide the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. These man-made alternatives come in the same fashionable colors and textures you look for in the real thing. The best way to determine which one is best for a space is to take a closer look at each one and compare their benefits and drawbacks.

Maintaining Vinyl Flooring with Pets

Luxury vinyl flooring is manufactured to look just like hardwood flooring or ceramic tiles. This makes it an ideal choice for any style of home. Vinyl plank flooring is affordable, waterproof, and incredibly durable. The design is so resistant to moisture, that it has become a go-to choice for flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and homes with pets or children. Spilled water dishes and the occasional accidents are easy to clean without a trace of damage when you install luxury vinyl planks or tiles in your home.

Prevent Scratches

Although overall very durable, vinyl flooring is susceptible to scratches over time. One of the best ways to keep vinyl scratch-free is to clean it regularly with a hard-floor-approved vacuum and mop. Remove dirt and grime to prevent those items from scratching the surface of the floor while pushed across it with a broom. If there is an area that is particularly high-traffic, such as the front door, lay down an area rug with a mat beneath that helps prevent shifting.

Restore Shine

Like with any flooring, vinyl floors have the tendency to dull over time. You should not expose vinyl floors to wax or solvents. Instead, use a lamb’s wool bonnet on a mechanical buffer every once in a while, when it is necessary.

Maintaining Laminate Flooring with Pets

Laminate flooring is manufactured to provide the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Unlike vinyl, laminate flooring is not fully waterproof. If there are accidents or water bowl spills, clean the mess promptly to avoid damaging the floor or causing the material to swell. Most laminate flooring is not well suited for pets. However, a few styles of laminate floors are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of pets. Putting a waterproof mat beneath the pet’s litter box or water bowls will help prevent moisture damage.

Improve Traction

Most laminate floors are smooth in finish. Their smooth, slick finish can cause pets to slip, especially if they run across the floors. If traction is a problem, adding area rugs with a rug pad underneath can help to soften the floor and provide sure footing for your pets. Choosing a laminate floor with a more matte or distressed finish will also help to improve traction for your pets.

Prevent & Treat Scratches

Laminate flooring features a veneer on top of bottom layers that provides the look of wood. Help to prevent deep scratches that reveal the bottom layers by selecting a laminate floor product that offers a thicker veneer. This means you can buff out small scratches with a light sanding without damaging the look of the floors. Work with a small-grit sand paper in light passes until you buff the scratch out.

Keeping Flooring Clean with Pets

A life with pets means hair and dirt on your hard floors. Keeping your laminate or vinyl floors looking great for many years to come requires regular cleaning. A vacuum designed for use on hard floors will help to remove dry debris and pet hairs from the floor every day or two. Once a week, mop the floor to provide a deeper clean. Make sure to use a product designed for the type of floors you install.

Pets can bring an incredible joy to a home, but they also bring a few basic requirements. Ease of cleaning, chances for scratches, traction, and moisture damage are all considerations in choosing the best flooring for homes with pets. Both laminate and luxury vinyl flooring are great choices but if the pet is prone to accidents, luxury vinyl is the way to go. No matter which option you select, make sure to look at the specifications of the product and choose the most durable option.

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When you’re renovating your kitchen, sorting through all the available flooring options can be tough. Many homeowners seem to gravitate toward laminate for its many benefits. Before deciding whether laminate is the right choice for you, delve into this complete list of the pros and cons of installing laminate in the kitchen.

The Pros of Laminate in the Kitchen

Pro: It’s Aesthetically Pleasing

Laminate is considered to be one of the most versatile flooring options for the home. Part of the appeal is that laminate comes in such a diverse range of styles, colors, and patterns. You can choose laminate wood colors that give you the authentic look of hardwood. Rather than having to stain your floors to the right shade, you can simply browse through hundreds of different colors to get the ideal match for your home.

When choosing laminate, you can also go for contemporary or timeless styles. You can find sleek, modern-looking laminate planks and tiles as well as rustic and antiqued versions. Many manufacturers have branched out beyond faux wood floors to offer different colors of laminate flooring, including some that look like stone and metal. Having many aesthetically pleasing options allows you to more easily give your home a makeover that feels personalized, stylish, and unique.

Pro: It’s Cheaper Than Tile and Natural Stone

For many homeowners, the most appealing feature of laminate is its affordable price. Laminate is often sold for as little as $3 per square foot. This price is much cheaper than many other flooring options. For example, when you do the hardwood vs laminate cost, comparison you will find hardwood to be up to five times more expensive.

Laminate flooring offers savings on installation, too. Many types have no nailing, gluing, or stapling required. Instead, the laminate tiles or planks snap together to form a floating floor. In many cases, you don’t have to do anything to the existing floor; you can simply install your laminate on top. Many homeowners are able to tackle this installation on their own and save thousands of dollars on the labor costs required to install other types of flooring.

Pro: Generally Less Defects

Laminate is made to look as realistic as possible while eliminating the defects associated with other types of flooring. For example, with hardwood or natural stone flooring, you may occasionally get pieces with unusual color or pattern variations. These pieces can look out of place on the floor. Homeowners either have to compromise on aesthetics or pay more for replacement pieces that fit in better with the rest of their flooring. Not so with laminate that offers proper wood like flooring options, among others that mimic the look of different natural materials.

When you choose laminate flooring, you’ll get pieces that look as realistic as the real thing but without the unusual defects that can be associated with other flooring types. The colors and patterns are consistent throughout since manufacturers can more easily control the product quality when they make laminate tiles and planks.

Pro: It’s Durable and Easy to Maintain

A clear wear layer is included on top of every piece of laminate flooring. This layer protects the floors from scratches, stains, and fading. Even in areas with abundant foot traffic (such as a kitchen), laminate can hold up quite well. The wear layer adds a level of durability that you won’t find with other types of floors.

The wear layer also creates a smooth, easy-to-clean surface on your laminate floors. Homeowners simply need to sweep the floors regularly to keep them clean. Occasionally, you can use a damp mop for a deeper clean.

The Cons of Laminate in the Kitchen

Con: Possibility of Moisture Damage

Laminate is susceptible to damage when exposed to moisture for extended periods of time. If you occasionally spill water or another liquid on the floor, it’s no big deal. As long as you clean up messes when they occur, they won’t damage your floors. If moisture sits on your laminate floor for an extended time, the dampness could warp and stain the flooring.

Take precautions to prevent moisture damage on your laminate floors. Wipe up any spills quickly and place a rubber mat under pet water dishes. If you mop your floors, wipe them with towels once you’re finished rather than letting any remaining moisture air dry.

Con: It Can’t Be Refinished

Once your laminate floors wear out, they can’t be refinished. Instead, you’ll have to replace the flooring. Since the flooring is assembled with snap-together tiles or planks, you may want to purchase extra pieces that you can insert only if particular areas of your kitchen floor start to wear out over time.

This drawback also has a silver lining. Laminate generally lasts about 15 to 25 years. Some laminate floors may look good for up to 30 years. Since the kitchen tends to be a high-traffic area in the home, look for high-quality laminate if you’d like your flooring to last for 20 years or more.

Con: Eco-Friendliness

If you’re committed to choosing environmentally friendly materials for your kitchen renovation, laminate may not be the best fit for you. Laminate flooring doesn’t degrade well in landfills, partially due to the wear layer which contains plastic. Some laminate flooring options are also made with chemicals such as formaldehyde which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs are toxic gases that may have adverse health and environmental effects.

In recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released updated guidelines that require reduced VOC content in laminate flooring. While material containing reduced VOC content is safe to use in your home, it may not be great for the environment overall.

Some versions of laminate flooring are more eco-friendly options than others. Review the following items you want to look for if you want to get laminate with fewer environmental impacts:

• Choose laminate made from sustainably sourced and recycled materials. Some flooring types are approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This type of flooring uses wood from sustainably managed forests.
• Find out whether the design has been printed with water-based low-VOC inks.
• Opt for laminate that can be installed without the use of glues or adhesives, materials which may include VOCs.

This list may make you rule out laminate as a possibility for your kitchen. On the other hand, it could make you more confident that laminate is the best choice for your home. Be sure to consider your needs and personal budget when you decide whether laminate is the right fit for your kitchen.

The post The Pros and Cons of Installing Laminate in the Kitchen appeared first on Learning Center.

You’ve searched through the numerous flooring options out there today and you’ve settled on laminate. Great choice! Laminate is known for its impressive durability and easy maintenance. At the same time, it’s one of the more affordable flooring options, making it easy on your wallet as well. In fact, many people go with laminate largely because of its budget-friendly price, so it’s no surprise homeowners often hope they’ll be able to save even more by installing their new laminate floors on their own.

However, is DIY installation really the best option when it comes to laminate? Be sure to keep the following considerations in mind when deciding whether to do it yourself or to hire professionals to get the job done.

Consider the Space

Perhaps the first question you need to ask yourself when considering DIY laminate flooring installation is, “How good am I with a tape measure?” The layout of your space will be critical for correct installation. Therefore, if you struggle with measuring the space, it could lead to some big hiccups in the installation process. Homeowners who don’t feel confident figuring out the square footage of a particular room might want to opt for a professional installation.

If you are handy with a tape measure, however, you should follow these steps to measure for DIY flooring installation:

1. Measure the dimensions of the space where you plan to install your laminate floors. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage.
2. Add at least 10 percent to the square footage total. This will give you a little extra to work with based on the cuts you need to make to fit the space or a potential mistake along the way.
3. Place your order with the manufacturer based on the number you received in Step 2.

Consider the Costs

Can you afford to have professionals install your new floors? In addition to the labor costs, you’ll also be billed for materials, cleanup, and disposal. And don’t forget about other add-ons such as furniture-moving costs and delivery fees. It can add up quickly, which is why many people prefer to save money by installing their own laminate floors.

DIY installation is significantly cheaper, but remember that it’s not free. In addition to the personal time and effort you’ll spend on the project, you’ll have to invest in materials to prep the subfloor and supplies such as grout, nails, screws, sealer, adhesives, stain, or baseboards. You may also need to purchase or to rent equipment to complete the installation.

What Tools and Materials Do You Need?

For first-time DIYers, the prospect of putting in laminate floors on your own may be a little daunting. Use this list of laminate flooring installation tools and materials to make sure you have everything you need to get the job done:

• Wall spacer blocks
• Tapping block
• Rubber mallet
• Pry bar
• Straight edge
• Carpenter’s square
• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Saw (miter saw, power saw, circular saw, power jigsaw, or handsaw)
• Clamps
• Pencil
• Bucket
• Broom and dustpan
• Protective gear (dust mask, safety glasses, and kneepads).

How About the Underlayment?

Make sure you find out whether you need to install underlayment with your laminate flooring. In most cases, manufacturers recommend you include underlayment to prolong the life of your floors. Laminate flooring is actually quite thin, so underlayment helps to make it feel less hollow underfoot. In addition, the underlayment helps to act as a sound barrier, since otherwise, it can be relatively loud when walked on. In fact, some homeowners (like those who live in a condo building) may be required to include underlayment with their laminate flooring for soundproofing purposes.

Underlayment can also be used to address subfloor imperfections. If the subfloor isn’t perfectly flat, it can slowly cause damage to your laminate floors if there’s no support underneath. In the case of a subfloor that’s in particularly bad shape, you may want to hire professionals to make sure your underlayment and laminate are installed correctly.

Will you be installing your laminate on concrete slab, tile, or cement board? Will the flooring be located directly above a crawlspace or other nonclimate-controlled area? If so, you will probably need moisture-proof underlayment to protect your floors from damage.

If your laminate needs underlayment, it will add a bit of time to the DIY installation process. The good news is that if your subfloors aren’t terribly uneven, this is something homeowners can typically do as a DIY project. Some types of laminate flooring even come with preattached underlayment for easier installation. If you decide to go with professional installers instead, keep in mind that the cost will likely be higher to accommodate for including the underlayment.

Are You Installing Around Stairs?

After considering the potential challenges mentioned above, many homeowners decide to save some cash and tackle a DIY installation for their new laminate flooring. However, there’s one last obstacle that could make you change your mind — installing laminate on stairs.

Due to the tricky nature of cutting the laminate for each stair to just the right size, this can make a DIY project much more difficult to complete. If your stairs have spindles attached to the risers, it can complicate matters further by requiring you to trace and cut out openings for each spindle.

There are two options for homeowners intimidated by the thought of DIY laminate flooring installation on stairs. First, you can hire a professional for your entire laminate installation. If that sounds a bit too pricey, you can also hire the pros just to complete the stairs. That way, you save money by installing the rest of the flooring yourself, but you get a flawless application on the tricky stairs.

Laminate flooring is one of the best choices for budget-minded homeowners. It allows you to give your home a makeover without breaking the bank, and most individuals can complete the installation on their own with a little help from online tutorials. If there are tricky aspects to your installation, however, such as a winding staircase or a wildly uneven subfloor, don’t hesitate to call in the pros to make sure your new flooring is installed just right.

Resources:

https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/how-install-laminate-flooring/

https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/where-install-laminate-flooring/

https://swisskronousa.com/installation/how-to-measure-for-laminate-flooring-in-three-easy-steps/

https://www.thespruce.com/professional-versus-diy-installation-1314971

https://www.floorstoyourhome.com/resource-center/laminate-flooring/installation-basics/what-tools-and-materials-will-you-need-to-install-laminate-flooring/

https://www.bestlaminate.com/help/tools-and-supplies-needed-for-installing-laminate-flooring/

https://www.thespruce.com/underlayment-for-laminate-flooring-1822245

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/cut-laminate-flooring-around-stair-spindles-96575.html

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