Gamine
by
Mirror Lake
Q: What is a laminate, exactly?
A: Laminate flooring products offer a great alternative to hardwood and ceramic floors. They have a multi-layer construction consisting of:
The Wear Layer – a rugged coating that protects the floor from stains and fading.
The Design Layer – the “visual” part of the floor.
The Inner Core – the strong, stable central layer made of high-density fiberboard.
The Backing Layer – a moisture barrier to increase stability.
Q: What rooms are best suited for laminate flooring?
A: Laminate floors can be installed in any room, including rooms that are below grade and may have moisture issues. Laminates are highly stain resistant and need minimal care. However, laminates should not be exposed to puddling water, which can permanently damage their inner core.
Q: Can I sand and refinish a laminate floor?
A: No! While laminates are more resistant to wear damage that hardwood, they can be scratched. Dirt, sand and grit are a laminate floor's biggest enemies. Minor damage can be concealed with filler sticks.
Q: Can I install my own laminate floor?
A: Laminate floors are perhaps the easiest of all to install. Laminates make use of a unique design that allows the individual pieces to "click and lock" into place. No nails, no glue, no staples are necessary. And laminates can be installed over virtually any existing floor, so little to no sub-floor preparation is necessary.
Q: Don't laminate floors look “fake”?
A: Not at all! Today's laminates are nearly indistinguishable from natural wood and stone floors. They can mimic other surfaces precisely, with beveled edges and natural-looking textures and dimension. Laminates that look unnaturally flat and perfect are a thing of the past!