Laminate Flooring - Not All Are Created Equally - Factors to Consider When Purchasing Laminate Floor
There is nothing worse than that sinking feeling you get when you realize you made the wrong choice, knowing now that you are stuck with it.
I know there are folks out there that have felt this way after buying laminate flooring.
As a laminate installer I want to educate my readers on how to make the right choice when trying to decide on the best laminate flooring.
There are several factors that most consumers don't consider or even know about when they shop for their flooring.
Based on the hundreds of installations I have done, one of the most important factors is the locking system.
A good locking system will be consistent from one plank to another.
The machining of the locking system can determine how flush the edges of the planks are when they are connected.
And the ability for the planks to not separate.
I have seen brands that would develop gaps over time for no apparent reason.
Also locking systems can make a difference between an easy installation or a difficult installation, especially for the do it yourselfer.
In a perfect world I would love to just install brands that I know are top notch.
(not all top notch brands cost more) But unfortunately most consumers do not understand that laminate flooring can vary a lot between brands.
The higher the cost of the laminate flooring is not a guarantee that it will be a good quality AC ratings also need to be considered, the AC rating is measured on a scale from 1 to 5, 5 being the most durable.
I have noticed that even two separate brands with the same AC rating can vary as far as durability.
Maybe it is due to the finished surface.
The thickness is important also.
Laminate is made from 6mm to 14mm thick.
It can determine how tough the locking system is.
The thinner the planks the less there is on the locking system.
Laminate has a tendency to flex when walked on, depending on the flatness of the floor underneath.
You will not notice this as much or at all with a 12mm or 14mm product.
I know that manufacturers require that the floor where the laminate is to be installed, need to fall within a range as far as the flatness of the floor.
They say the floor shouldn't be anymore than 1/4 inch in height within a 6 foot radius.
Most installations I have done do not meet these requirements, especially in mobile homes.
The problem, is that most homeowners are not prepared to pay the additional money to have their floors flattened out.
If all floors had to be as flat as the manufacturers require, most folks wouldn't have laminate flooring.
Don't get me wrong, some floors can be really bad and need to be addressed even if it cost extra in order to have laminate flooring installed.
One of the best things to do is to do your research and find a good quality laminate flooring.
I know there are folks out there that have felt this way after buying laminate flooring.
As a laminate installer I want to educate my readers on how to make the right choice when trying to decide on the best laminate flooring.
There are several factors that most consumers don't consider or even know about when they shop for their flooring.
Based on the hundreds of installations I have done, one of the most important factors is the locking system.
A good locking system will be consistent from one plank to another.
The machining of the locking system can determine how flush the edges of the planks are when they are connected.
And the ability for the planks to not separate.
I have seen brands that would develop gaps over time for no apparent reason.
Also locking systems can make a difference between an easy installation or a difficult installation, especially for the do it yourselfer.
In a perfect world I would love to just install brands that I know are top notch.
(not all top notch brands cost more) But unfortunately most consumers do not understand that laminate flooring can vary a lot between brands.
The higher the cost of the laminate flooring is not a guarantee that it will be a good quality AC ratings also need to be considered, the AC rating is measured on a scale from 1 to 5, 5 being the most durable.
I have noticed that even two separate brands with the same AC rating can vary as far as durability.
Maybe it is due to the finished surface.
The thickness is important also.
Laminate is made from 6mm to 14mm thick.
It can determine how tough the locking system is.
The thinner the planks the less there is on the locking system.
Laminate has a tendency to flex when walked on, depending on the flatness of the floor underneath.
You will not notice this as much or at all with a 12mm or 14mm product.
I know that manufacturers require that the floor where the laminate is to be installed, need to fall within a range as far as the flatness of the floor.
They say the floor shouldn't be anymore than 1/4 inch in height within a 6 foot radius.
Most installations I have done do not meet these requirements, especially in mobile homes.
The problem, is that most homeowners are not prepared to pay the additional money to have their floors flattened out.
If all floors had to be as flat as the manufacturers require, most folks wouldn't have laminate flooring.
Don't get me wrong, some floors can be really bad and need to be addressed even if it cost extra in order to have laminate flooring installed.
One of the best things to do is to do your research and find a good quality laminate flooring.
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