HOME & GARDEN :: AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2008
Are You Ready For A Love Affair…with Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring has good looks and plenty of charm. It also offers huge savings compared to other types of flooring, and installation is a breeze. Laminate has won the hearts of millions of people all over the world—and it is suitable for young children as well.
Consider the advice provided here and you’ll be ready to leap straight into your love affair with laminates and be able to select a laminated floor that will add style, beauty and class to your living space. Get ready to surrender your heart now.
Laminate vs. Hardwood – Why Choose Laminate?
The home improvement market has honed in on all the benefits of laminate flooring, but if you’re searching for new flooring for your home or space, the sheer magnitude of available choices can be overwhelming.
If cost is the main consideration when replacing flooring at your home or other space, you’ll find that laminate is a wise selection. At $4.50 to $8.00 per square foot you can be assured of getting the best value for your bucks.
Hardwood flooring can be costly as much as 40 to 50% more than laminated flooring – depending on how exotic the wood, finish (coating) and installation method. However wooden flooring adds more resale value to your home over time.
You can definitely get the wood look with laminated floors, but the pattern of the wood’s markings is usually repeated at the same intersection throughout the planks. If you desire the natural look and feel of real wood and cost isn’t a consideration, hardwood may be your best bet.
Laminated flooring is extremely durable and can often outlast the wood, tile or stone that it resembles. Hardwood flooring requires periodic sanding and refinishing but some favor the worn look that real wood provides.
Installing laminate is a do-it-yourselfer dream come true, whereas hardwood flooring usually requires a professional to plan and install.
If cost, durability and installation ease and readiness are important to your floor replacement project, a laminate floor should definitely be considered.
How to Care for Your Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors are without a doubt one of the hottest floor coverings around. Their durability and ease of maintenance makes them the perfect choice for today’s active family. With so many styles and patterns to choose from, you’re certain to find a product to compliment your décor.
Though extremely durable, laminate flooring is not indestructible and can be damaged. Scratches can be avoided by placing “Felt Pads” on furniture and sweeping. Vacuuming or dusting often. Place walk off mats at all entrances to your home.
Laminate floors have a tendency to streak if too much cleaner or the wrong cleaner or excessive water is used, because of this we recommend using “Sh-Mop to eliminate streaking and avoid excess water being applied to your floor. Also, place rugs at strategic locations in your home such as at sinks and tubs to avoid possible water damage to your floor.
To remove tough sports/stains on your laminate floor such as shoe polish, markers, or heavy scuff marks wipe clean with a rag dampened with alcohol, nail polish remover/acetone or mineral spirits.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners such as Ajax, steel wool or other scouring products.
- Do not apply waxes, polishes, urethanes or other varnishes to your laminate floor.
- Do not use excessive amounts of water or cleaners.
- Do not use steam cleaners.
Under no circumstances should your laminate floors ever be sanded.
A Plus Floor Store has been in business for 14 years in the Kent County area. Bob Dashiell owner of A Plus Floor Store, Inc. has been in the flooring business for 24 years, Steve Dashiell has 15 years, Dave Swetland has 13 years, and A.J. Parker has 3 years in the floor business. With over 55 years of experience between them they can certainly answer any questions that you might have about flooring. For more information please call A Plus Floor Store, Inc. at 302-698-3313 or 1-800-672-6107.
Publisher’s Note:
Over the years I have used A Plus Floor Store, Inc. for all of my carpet jobs. As well as my daughter’s home. One of my jobs was for a hallway and stairs in a six bedroom bed and breakfast in Lewes, DE, after five years of wear and tear that carpet still looked like brand new. So when I sold the B & B and built a new home I went to see A Plus for all my flooring. I can’t say enough good things about them and their service. Thanks Guys, P
