How to Choose Laminate Flooring

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Laminate flooring is a popular and beautiful product that installs easily and looks very much like real hardwood flooring, stone, or ceramic tile. Laminate flooring is a very low-maintenance and low-cost flooring option.When it comes to purchasing laminate flooring there are some things to consider before making the selection. Though flooring can be selected online, it is always best to get a sample or see the flooring in person before purchase. This is because the colors displayed on a computer monitor may not match the exact color of the product.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Time
Laminate flooring samples

Step1

First, check that laminate flooring is the right choice for your room. Some flooring is better suited to high traffic, water, pets, and low noise than others. Some retailers provide information about their laminate products that can help you decide if laminate flooring is right for your room and what it will have to withstand.

Step2

Choose your look--wood, stone, or tile. Laminate flooring is manufactured to look like multiple flooring substances. Make sure that the look will work in your room, and has a maintenance requirement you can handle.

Step3

Choose your color and pattern. Lighting can affect the look of colors and patterns in different ways, so take that into consideration. Consider as well the wear the floor will have to withstand. A smooth surface is easier to sweep and remove spills from than one with crevices and grooves. The color you choose can be matching, contrasting, or complementary to the main color of your room.

Step4

Get samples of your favorite laminates before you make your final decision. Lay each sample down separately and view it in the various light settings of that room: daytime with natural light, and evening with artificial light. Hold it next to anything in that room that will be staying--such as the large appliances, cabinets, walls (i.e. the same paint or wallpaper), and furniture. How does it look next to these items? What looks very attractive in the open space of a floor may look horrible next to the large appliances.

Step5

Test out your samples in other ways. Spill water on them and drop a hammer on them. You want to be sure the product lives up to manufacturer's claims and will provide you the durability you need in your room. Other tests could be with markers and crayons, pets, stains, high-heeled shoes, bleach (if the laminate will be in the laundry room), a hot pan (if the laminate will be in the kitchen), and anything else that might possibly come into contact with your flooring.

Step6

Once you have chosen the look you want and tested out your samples, order you laminate flooring. Your retailer will tell you how to correctly measure your room, or even provide measuring services for you. If you are installing the flooring yourself, be sure to carefully and thoroughly read the installation instructions before ordering your laminate flooring.

Tips & Warnings

When choosing your laminate flooring, check for the National Laminate Flooring Association seal for assurance of quality.
Direct-pressure laminate is not as durable as high-pressure laminate.
The higher the density of the core, the more water resistance your laminate will have.
It is easy to get real hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, and engineered hardwood flooring confused, so if laminate flooring is absolutely what you want, pay careful attention to the labeling of every product you use in your testing.