These are okay for residential use, but may be a little rough on bare feet. You will definitely want to test them on your bare and sock feet before lying an entire floor. AC4 and AC5 are generally reserved for light and heavy commercial use, which is why they are also more likely rougher on bare feet. The planks do last longer and resist scratching more, but you might find you replace your socks more often than you are used to.
One brand you might not know much about is called Dream Home. This is yet another exclusive laminate plank flooring. This time, Lumber Liquidators is the sole manufacturer. However, like the other two exclusives on our list, Dream Home is also sold in retail outlets around the country.
Dream Home is a budget flooring that attempts to get mid-range status. Easily the cheapest flooring on the market , it is ideal for those on a tight budget that are looking for a new look for their home. However, you will most likely get a cheaper plank that needs replacement far sooner than most others. With thickness ranges between 6mm and 12mm, you will need to find the right balance between cost and durability. The 12mm options will stand up to the most abuse, but even they are more susceptible to scratches and stains.
The exception is the Dream Home X2O line. These planks use a special HDF core that has water treatment built in making them less prone to swelling from water damage. They are also thicker and have a deeper clear coat layer than some other brands, making them better for higher traffic areas, pets and scratch resistance.
Premium laminate planks and luxury vinyl planks LVP are similar in a lot of ways, they also have some remarkable differences. Find out how the two compare in the table below. Installing laminate planks is a fairly simple DIY job. About the only thing easier is installing vinyl planks. However, if you have zero experience laminate is something you can do on your own. If you wish to have the flooring installed by a professional , that is certainly an easy call to make.
Just ensure you get at least three quotes from reliable contractors and make sure all of your questions are answered prior to signing a contract. If you want to take on the project yourself, here is what you will need and the basic installation process so you know what you are getting into.
The installation process is marked into four stages. First you have the preparation, then the measuring and cutting followed by the installation of the planks. The final stage is the setting stage that allows the planks to expand before use. Before you can lay a plank you need to prep the room. Of course any furniture will need to be removed as well. Once everything is out of the room, you should clean the floor with a good sweep and a vacuum to remove any dust, dirt or debris that can upset the planks.
If your planking does not come with an underlayment layer attached, you will need to roll and tape an underlayment in place. Underlayments generally come with the planks if not attached and are primarily rolls of foam or cork. Now is the time you want to lay the underlayment, covering the entire floor from edge to edge.
The next stage is to measure the room and find the center. It also gives the planks room to expand during the setting stage. Once you have your lines and measurements, you need to cut off the tongue of the planks that will make up the first row. The cut side will face the wall. With the first row cut and measured, you are ready to start laying. The first row is the most important and is generally laid along the longest wall of the room.
You interlock the ends of the planks together following your chalk line to maintain the expansion gap. After the first row is complete, The second row will begin. Continue this offset as you lay the following layers, working to the edge of the room near the exit.
Once the final row is locked in place, you will want to leave the room without walking on the planks and enter the set time stage of the process. After the floor is completed, you will need to wait at least 24 hours before you can walk on the floor. This means your trim, transitions and baseboards will need to wait. After the 24 hour period is over, you can safely walk on the floor without disrupting the expansion of the planks.
After you have your trim and baseboards reinstalled, you can then, carefully, move your furniture back in. Take care to lift and set heavier furniture on the floor instead of sliding them across. This will help prevent scratching and bubbling of the planks from any movement room that is still there.
Laminate planks have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some of these could be dealmakers or deal breakers. Read on to find out. I will now answer some of the questions people often ask about laminate flooring. Do you have any other questions? Use the comments below for any further help you need. Laminate flooring has come a long ways since the large, flimsy rolls of the late s. Today, laminate plank flooring is an inexpensive, easy to install flooring system that looks great and lasts a long time.
Choosing one of the best brands of laminate flooring is crucial to your enjoyment of he new floor and this article aimed to help you decide which brand or brands you should look closer at while making your next flooring decision.
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Pergo 3. Mohawk 3. But buyers are finicky, and laminate may still carry an undesirable label. Despite the fact that laminate is easy to clean, low quality floors canstain easily. Moisture and humidity can cause new floors to look old and worn. The liquid can seep beneath the seams and cause lifting. Before you roll your eyes, we promise this is the fun part. This rating system is used widely in the flooring world and was developed by the European Producers of Laminate Flooring.
The higher the AC rating, the more durable than laminate. For residential use, look for laminate with a rating of AC2 of higher. If you expect heavy foot traffic, opt for AC3 or AC4.
These floors are rated for heavy residential and general commercial use. Be aware that the price goes up as the floor rating gets higher. Height differences can cause tripping hazards, but thicker material has better insulation.
At the top of the spectrum, 12mm laminate looks and feels realistic. It offers superior durability and optimal comfort. Unfortunately, it costs quite a bit more than thinner options. The next option down is 8mm. Most brands carry planks that are either 8mm or 12mm. Remember you can beef up the thickness with a mm underlayer.
You can find beautiful 8mm laminate for a fraction of the price of thicker options. NALFA is a group of flooring professionals and manufacturers dedicated to improving the quality and safety of laminate flooring. This group researches and establishes the performance and quality of laminate planks, tiles, and sheets.
You should also consider reading laminate flooring reviews on various brands to find the best product for your home. Though not required, knowing the manufacturing process sets you apart as a knowledgeable buyer. It strengthens your bargaining power and sets the tone for a better shopping experience. Laminate flooring consists of 5 distinct layers.
Alone, the layers perform separate functions. But when fused together through pressure and intense heat, they form what we know to be laminate flooring.
The first level is the top layer, or protective layer. This clearcoat either adds sheen or gives the laminate a matte appearance. Next up is the pattern layer. Curiously enough, the process starts with a photograph. Then the finished paper is infused with resin and adhered to the core. The core or substrate layer lies in the middle. Depending on the manufacturer, the base consists of either high-density or medium-density fiberboard, commonly referred to as HDF or MDF.
MDF is made from wood waste fibers combined with wax and resin, heated and pressurized to form panels. High-density fiberboards are processed like MDF but constructed from wood chips or pulp.
Melamine or plastic make up the backing or bottom. This strengthening layer plays a crucial role: keeping your floor stable.
The bottom layer adds another level of moisture resistance and strength. It displaces the stress from floor traffic and repels dampness,reducing the risk of warping, swelling or bowing. There are a number of factors that can have a notable impact on the overall price of your laminate flooring project.
Here are two particular factors:. But be responsible, make sure the laminate comes from a reputable company. Otherwise, you might inadvertently risk the health and safety of your tenants. The next step up is where quality meets budget-friendly. Mid-range flooring should last at least 15 years. Laminate floors at this level are often warrantied to last 20 years or more. Generally speaking, the more material you have, the cheaper the installation process will be on a per-square-foot basis.
Also, certain scenarios large rooms, for example often require less cutting and trimming. Contractors have been known to give discounts or raise prices based on job ease or complexity. While a written guarantee offers some assurance, these documents are often filled with fine print and confusing escape clauses. Once you pull out the magnifying glass and look a little closer, things get a whole lot clearer. Those limited lifetime warranties are often gimmicks. Another common trick is to blame problems with flooring on improper installation and maintenance.
Go online and check consumer complaint forums as well as reviews posted by FloorCritics commenters. A few bad reviews are common. But a hundred? Armstrong laminate flooring has received mixed consumer reviews.
While the company has been around for ages, customer service tends to be scattershot in quality. All four style options mimic the look of hardwood floors. Luckily, Armstrong Premium Lustre is one of the best laminate flooring brands on the market. Simply purchase the laminate designs that are available online and have them shipped to you. Simply use a damp microfiber mop to clean your Armstrong Premium Lustre floors. Use a soft dust mop to remove debris from your floors without scratching the surface.
Mohawk has several lines of laminate flooring, from neutral, classic finishes to more trendy high-gloss and distressed top layer options. The Chalet Vista series is considered a mid-range line. Reviews for Chalet Vista are favorable, with most complaints focusing on installation issues.
It seems that consumers have experienced multiple problems with the locking mechanism. Mohawk has its own website so you can purchase your Chalet Vista directly from the brand. Order your laminate flooring online and have it shipped to your door. The Mohawk Chalet Vista laminate boards are durable so you can steam clean them or you can use a soft microfiber cloth to clean away dirt.
You can purchase your Matterhorn flooring online or visit a Home Depot store to buy your boards. Cleaning Shaw Matterhorn flooring is effortless. Simply use a dust mop to sweep away debris and a damp microfiber mop to wipe away dirt and grime. Shaw Matterhorn laminate flooring comes with a year residential warranty and a five-year light commercial warranty.
The series features planks that are 8mm to 12mm thick. Color choices are limited to 12 shades that replicate various wood species including oak , cork , and teak. Consumer reviews are overwhelmingly positive for both the brand and this series.
Amazon and Houzz may have limited designs and sizes so selecting a retailer through the IVC Balterio website will allow for the broadest selection. IVC Balterio laminate flooring is easy to maintain. Simply use a dust mop to sweep away dust and debris and a damp mop to wipe away stubborn dirt.
You can also use a laminate-friendly vacuum cleanerto eliminate dirt in corners. Armstrong Floor Cleaner: If you prefer laminate cleaner formulated with your laminate in mind, then Armstrong laminate spray bottle and refill are ideal.
Rating: We gave Armstrong a 5 out of 5 rating for selection. The overall Armstrong rating is 4. All the major brands make a waterproof laminate. But AquaGuard has the best technology, and it is backed with a hour warranty, not the hour warranty the others provide.
Several other brands have coated edges. AquaGuard planks are coated twice for superior protection against water absorption.
You might have a tough time getting a claim honored. Good Selection: How does options sound? Among the wood-look brands are embossed in register EIR , textured, handscraped, smooth and high gloss. And within those styles are a few parquet wood floor looks and two tile-look laminates. Strong Warranties: Lifetime residential and year commercial.
Also impressive. This is residential laminate, not designed for commercial use. It is manufactured for and sold by Lumber Liquidators. Our definition of value is the combination of reasonable cost and good quality. Dream Home achieves that — and more. Widths from 7mm to 14mm, some with pad attached, are available to suit your installation needs.
See all the details in our Dream Home Laminate buying guide — pros, cons, costs and comparisons to other leading brands. Tarkett makes laminate flooring at all quality levels, but the focus here is on their very inexpensive lines sold exclusively at Menards. But it is backed by a year residential warranty. That stuff is cheap and cheaply made.
Lumber Liquidators sells a line of Dream Home laminate that starts at about 59 cents per foot. Rating: We give Tarkett an overall rating of 3. The Tarkett from Menards is a 3. There are more details about Tarkett from Menards and other Tarkett laminate flooring in our Tarkett buying guide.
Select Surfaces Silver Oak. There are lines ranging from midgrade to premium. The selection is good — 20 designs in classic hardwood looks from traditional and rustic to contemporary. All Select Surfaces laminate is backed by a Lifetime warranty for residential use, and most of it has a year commercial warranty too.
The Home Depot sells a lot of laminate. This includes Pergo laminate in midgrade and premium lines. How cheap is TrafficMaster laminate? It starts at 68 cents per square foot, backed by a year warranty.
TrafficMaster laminate is good looking and the selection is decent. The runner up in this category is the cheap Dream Home laminate lines from Lumber Liquidators. Armstrong is a huge producer of laminate flooring, and it makes some of the best. We gave it the nod for best selection, and the overall rating is a healthy 4. But like all consumer goods, Armstrong laminate is available in really cheap lines too. Something for everyone and every budget.
Timeless Naturals: This is the cheap laminate from Armstrong. It is backed by a year warranty. Most do not cover wear, though a few do. They only cover manufacturing defects, which are rare. Shaw warranties are among the best.
They cover wear, stains, fading due to light — as well as manufacturing defects. Rating: As noted, the overall rating for Armstrong is one of the highest we gave.
But the specific rating for Timeless Natural would be a 3. Just a reminder that our brand buying guides are comprehensive with pros, cons, comparisons and costs.
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