Refinishing Laminate Floors
When refinishing laminate floors, it’s important to have the right tools and knowledge. You’ll need to make sure there are no oils or waxes on the floor, as that can prevent new finishes from sticking.
Different styles of flooring will complement different types of home decor. For example, lighter colors may make a room look bigger, while darker colors may create a cozier atmosphere.
Cost
If you’re looking to renovate your home without breaking the bank, consider laminate flooring. It’s durable and resistant to spills, dents, and scratches. That makes it perfect for homes with kids or pets. There are also many different colors and designs to choose from.
When shopping for laminate flooring, be sure to buy boards that are an appropriate thickness and width for your space. Thinner boards work best in smaller rooms, while wider boards may look better in larger spaces. Some styles even feature mixed width planks for a more rustic or reclaimed look.
Another thing to consider is how the boards fit together. Most laminate floors use a tongue and groove system that locks them in place like puzzle pieces. However, some styles use mechanical locking systems under each board for added stability and longevity.
Durability
Whether you’re going for contemporary-style floors or rustic ones, your options won’t disappoint when it comes to meeting both needs. Laminate floors come in a variety of colors that you can choose from based on any existing furniture – lighter tones make rooms appear larger; darker hues create coziness.
Consider brands like Pergo or Mohawk when you want long-lasting laminate floors that offer water resistance at various styles; these two companies produce water-resistant floors in numerous designs too! They meet greenGuard certification with a 72-hour spill protection warranty as well! Other brands include Hillside Hickory and KronoSwiss if those don’t suit your style!
Keep in mind though that although higher AC ratings mean better resistance to scratches and impacts, they do not indicate superior stain or color fading resistance. The thickness of planks are often listed without including padding underneath as part of measurements too.
Installation
Laminate flooring is a popular choice among homeowners because it is durable and affordable. It’s also easy to care for and maintain. If you’re planning to install the floors yourself, know that it doesn’t require as much skill as other materials – but proper preparation and installation are still important; otherwise, your floors may suffer moisture damage or rotting.
One thing you’ll need to do is prepare the subfloor. Depending on the condition of your existing floor, this could require additional steps – like sanding and applying protective coating or putting down underlayment layers.
When installing laminate, be sure to leave an expansion gap of 1/4 inch around the perimeter of each room. This will allow your floor to expand and contract as humidity levels change. Once your floor is laid down, add quarter-round molding and baseboards; caulk their edges for a polished look! When put back in place, these may even help cover up these expansion joints!
Maintenance
Homeowners looking for low-maintenance flooring will love laminate. It’s easy-care durability can be seen in its availability of various colors, textures and finishes: from light hues making rooms larger-looking; darker ones creating cozy spaces — there’s no wrong style choice!
To keep floors clean, use a broom, a vacuum cleaner, and dry mops. You should avoid wet mops because they will cause the floor to swell, warp or delaminate. This will make your warranty invalid. Avoid using steel wool, abrasive cleaners, chlorine or ammonia on laminate flooring.
The type of laminate flooring you choose will also determine how long it lasts. So when you’re picking out materials, make sure to consider the amount of traffic and usage it’ll receive in comparison to others.