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Summary: There are a number of laminated flooring materials which resemble the natural looks of tiles, stones and wood. Unless you scrutinize them closely, or have a look at the joints, it’s quite difficult to make out whether they are real or laminated impersonations. Till then, you can’t even make out that the flooring is in reality a fiberboard, melamine or aluminum oxide composite.
In terms of the costs, the real tiles, wood or stones can range anywhere from $3 to $6 per square feet after installation, whereas, the laminated tiles cost you a lot less than that.
A number of companies produce such floorings, the popular ones being Pergo, Shaw, Armstrong, Wilsonart and Formica. It is always suggested to choose superior quality products, as these have greater resistance and life span. These floorings usually have inner layers which give more protection from damages caused by moisture, are scratch-resistant and imitate the real material nicely.
The laminated floorings are available in sizes of 15-by-15-inch and 24-by-24-inch square tiles and in thin 8-by-47-inch tongue-and-groove plank-like strips. Almost all of them can be glued or snapped together along their edges and can be installed over a thin layer of foam. This is also referred to as ‘floating floors’. The layer of the foam serves a dual purpose of providing cushion to the flooring and acting as a barrier between the moisture and the flooring.
Such floorings are recommended only on flat, uneven and smooth surfaces like hardwood, plywood or vinyl. You can also consider installing them on slabs, but applying a vapor barrier prior to this is highly recommended.
Always remember to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, which are enclosed in a package with flooring, if you are planning self installation. It is suggested to leave the flooring material in the room for a couple of days before installation, which would allow it to get used to the room temperature and humidity. You can make use of a power saw to cut the flooring into pieces. As the joints and seams can be more visible against natural light from the doors and windows, try to place the joints perpendicular to such sources.
With time, it is understood that dust and dirt will accumulate over the flooring, at times also resulting in slight scratches over the surface. You can comfortably clean the floorings with a vacuum or a mop. For extensive cleaning, a damp towel or mop is suggested, as excessive water can damage the flooring. Also avoid using any abrasives, wax, scouring powder or polishes over the floor. In case of harsh scratches, you can get a touch up stick which is easily available with the producer of the flooring. It is also suggested to store a few pieces of the flooring while they are being installed for use in case a replacement of a piece is required.
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