Laminate floors are meant to imitate the appearance, texture, and even sound of true hardwood without the cost. Many laminate materials last longer and wear better than the real thing. The vast selection of laminate flooring materials available can be bewildering, especially if you’ve never installed a laminate floor before. Don’t be afraid to examine thoroughly and ask questions when choosing a new floor that will last you and your family for years. The more you understand about the material you select, the more likely you are to receive a high-quality result.
PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash/ Francesca Tosolini/ Gianmaria Saccenti
Inquire with the salesman about the product’s grade. The quality of laminate floors is assessed on a three-level scale: good, better, and best. Higher grade products are generally to be quite expensive, therefore you may not be able to base your decision only on this criteria.
Observe a sample of the floor that will be laid in the store. Check the board alignment and search for cracks or imbalances. Excellent laminate floorboards should lock up smoothly and evenly.
Inspect the sample floor to see if you can locate the repeating pattern. Better laminate flooring features patterns that are varied enough to appear natural. If the floor appears to be machine-made, it is of poorer quality.
Inquire with the salesman about the material’s direct or high-pressure properties. While both procedures produce usable flooring, high-pressure laminate is a newer technology that is usually of higher quality.
Check the thickness. A thicker laminate has a more realistic feel, and the deeper depth allows for more detailed etching. A wider breadth can also help to lessen echo in a room. Laminate flooring is available in thicknesses ranging from 6mm to 12mm. A durable laminate floor is typically between 10mm and 12mm thick, but if your flooring is level and appropriate, 7mm or 8mm thickness is a viable option.
Verify that the material has a UV surface. This aids in the preservation of the printed hardwood picture on the flooring.
Check the material’s label or inquire about the product’s ISO ratings. The ISO rating for good laminate is 9001. They retain their luster for a long time.
Get to know the AC ratings. Simply defined, AC ratings indicate how strong and long-lasting a laminate is; the higher the number, the more durable and long-lasting the flooring is. When it comes to laminate flooring, an AC4 grade is the most frequent. It’s also important to understand that just because a laminate flooring has a high AC rating doesn’t mean it’s the greatest option available; various people will prefer different AC values.
