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A Basic Guide To Laminate Flooring

November 12, 2014 by

One of the easiest floors to install, one that offers low maintenance throughout your home, and one that offers a long life no matter how much action it receives is laminate flooring. With today’s technology, it can be printed to simulate a variety of flooring options, such as hardwood planks, slate or ceramic tiles. With all of that going for it, laminate flooring may be the perfect choice for your home.

Laminate flooring is a synthetic flooring made up of several layers of different materials fused together by heat, pressure and adhesive. While laminates can take on many different looks, including wood, they actually contain no wood materials. Instead, they are constructed from fiberboard and resins.A Basic Guide To Laminate Flooring

The top layer is the wear layer, the layer that will be visible to the eye and complement your décor. This layer is an invisible surface generally made from aluminum oxide chemical treatment that protects the surface from scratches and other damage.

The second layer is the photograph layer. This is the surface that gives laminate its appearance. Its created with a photograph or pattern printed on paper embedded in resin, and is designed to give the product its visual appeal. Typically it will simulate the look of hardwood, cork, bamboo, natural stone, ceramic, or even brick pavers.

At its core, laminate has a fiberboard core that provides its depth, structure and stability. Its comprised of wood chips or sawdust ground into a fine powder, then coated with resin and pressed into flat sheets.

The back layer provides a moisture barrier. This works with the water resistant wear layer on top to sandwich the photograph and fiberboard together to create a water tight seal around the core material. It also provides stability during installation.

Laminate must be installed over an underlayment, and is most often found as a cork or foam roll. The underlayment provides a surface to reduce noise while walking on it, so its important to install the best underlayment you can afford.

Laminate flooring is durable, stain resistant, and mold resistant, meaning it’s a great choice for rooms throughout your home. If you will be installing laminate in kitchens, baths, or laundry rooms, make sure you choose a laminate that has a water resistant additive, which can be added during the manufacturing process. This will make the flooring more durable in places where water is more likely to accumulate.

No matter what style or look you are trying to achieve, laminate flooring may be the perfect choice for you. Stop by and look at the many options available to you – you will be surprised at the look you can achieve with laminate flooring.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Choosing Laminate Floor Underlayment Is As Important As Choosing Your Laminate Floors

July 12, 2014 by

Thinking about installing a new laminate floor throughout your home? Great choice. It’s a beautiful, durable option that will last for years.

Yet making a choice about which laminate flooring to install isn’t your only choice; you’ll also have to consider what laminate floor underlayment is the right choice too.Choosing Laminate Floor Underlayment Is As Important As Choosing Your Laminate Floors

All laminate flooring requires an underlayment. It:

  • Adds to the comfort level
  • Serves as a moisture barrier
  • Helps even out imperfections in the subfloor

There are several different choices when it comes to underlayment, each with their own distinct advantages.

Standard Foam Laminate Floor Underlayment

This is the most commonly used underlayment. It is a thin foam padding available in different sizes. It does not offer a built in moisture barrier, and therefore requires an additional moisture barrier product is you feel your flooring area is at risk.

Combination Laminate Floor Underlayment

A combination laminate floor underlayment combines the thin foam padding of the standard option, with a moisture barrier built in to prevent moisture from seeping into the laminate. It’s a great choice if moisture may be a problem.

Vinyl Laminate Floor Underlayment

This is one of the easiest options for underlayment. It comes in easy to install tile format, and lays flat during installation. It also provides noise reduction features, though you must seal it if you want it as a moisture barrier.

Acoustical Laminate Floor Underlayment

Have an area where sound is a factor? Acoustical underlayment is a great choice. Its made from a variety of materials, including felt and cork, which can greatly reduce noise as its walked on. It can be purchased with or without a moisture barrier.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Installing Vinyl Flooring

May 17, 2014 by

Vinyl flooring – its not what you remember from years ago. Vinyl flooring today comes in sophisticated colors, patterns and styles, and may be the perfect choice for your current flooring remodel project.

Vinyl typically comes in tiles or in sheet format.installing-vinyl-flooring

Sheet vinyl is a great choice for budget friendly shoppers. It comes in many designs and patterns, and with a variety of feels to the touch. Sheet vinyl is one of the easiest to install, and you can have your flooring installed and ready to use quickly.

Vinyl composition tile (VCT) is also a great choice for budget minded shoppers. It’s a durable flooring choice that’s inexpensive to install. It comes in a variety of colors, though patterns are somewhat limited.

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) has many design options to choose from. Start by choosing a design – luxury vinyl can look like hardwood, ceramic, marble, stone, slate, and many other patterns. Then choose your details – borders, grout line, alternating colors – anything is possible to achieve with this option. Many luxury vinyl tiles have a heavy commercial warranty and are suitable for heavy traffic areas.

By working with a flooring contractor, you will quickly be able to determine the right choice for you, and have help making your final selection. Then preparation begins.

Vinyl flooring needs a good subfloor to create a product you’ll love and will wear well in the coming years. If your subfloor is in poor condition, the installer will typically lay a new subfloor over the existing one, skim coat over the existing subfloor to even it out, or remove the existing subfloor and replace with a new one. In any case, patchwork or other small preparation work is usually done prior to laying vinyl, including cleaning all debris, dirt and dust from the floor.

If sheet vinyl is installed, it will be cut into pieces for the best layout for your room. If you are having vinyl tiles or planks installed, the installer will decide where its best to begin for a natural look and flow. Depending on the type of flooring, the vinyl will either be glued, stapled or loose laid.

With many luxury vinyl tiles, special manufacturers epoxy adhesive is used to guarantee warranty and to provide you with the extra moisture protection. Make sure you understand the type of glue used and the conditions necessary to abide by the guidelines, and to keep your family safe in the process.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Laminate Flooring – The Perfect Choice For Your Commercial Location

May 3, 2014 by

Thinking about upgrading the flooring in your commercial location?

A versatile option that was developed to meet a homeowner’s need of having a durable flooring choice can also be a great option for commercial locations: laminate flooring.Laminate Flooring – The Perfect Choice For Your Commercial Location

Laminate flooring is a great option when you’re looking for a material that withstands heavy traffic, requires minimal maintenance, and looks great in the process. With a look and feel of wood, yet more durability than traditional wood can offer in heavy traffic situations, laminate is an affordable alternative worth considering.

Start with your choices. When it comes to look and feel, your choices are in abundance. Because laminate flooring is designed to replicate some of the hottest looks in flooring, you can choose from a variety of styles and colors to fit with your needs. Tile, wood, stone – its all possible with easy installation.

Consider the AC rating. Laminate flooring is subjected to AC ratings designed to provide you with how durable the flooring is and how much traffic its designed to take. Laminate flooring is rated from AC1 to AC5.

  • AC1-AC2 laminate flooring is better suited for residential applications and is designed for moderate traffic. Dining rooms, bedrooms, and other areas with smaller amounts of traffic is best.
  • AC3 laminate flooring is designed for heavy home traffic or moderate traffic in a commercial location. In a residential design, major hallways, entryways and kitchens would all do well with an AC3 laminate. In commercial locations, hotel rooms or small offices with minor traffic throughout the day will keep its look for many years to come.
  • AC4-AC5 laminate flooring is perfect for heavy traffic in commercial locations. Think restaurants, offices, public buildings and department stores.

When making your final selection, always lean towards durability. It will give you the best results, especially if your commercial location is one in which you’ll see fluctuations in the amount of traffic it receives.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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10 Reasons Why Laminate Wood Flooring Is Right For You

April 29, 2014 by

Is laminate wood flooring the right choice for you?

Laminate wood flooring is being selected for homes all across Colorado because of its look and feel, which replicates real wood, yet has the added benefits of being durable and requiring much less maintenance than its traditional wood counterpart. Here are a few reasons why laminate wood flooring might be the perfect choice for you.

10. Laminate wood flooring is not made of real wood, giving you a perfect look every time. With traditional wood flooring, people often contend with different patterns and looks depending on the wood selected. With laminate, you’re assured a perfect look with uniformity throughout.10 Reasons Why Laminate Wood Flooring Is Right For You

9. Laminate wood flooring is scratch resistant and also resists wear. It’s the perfect choice for highly active families with kids and pets that use each room in your home for a variety of activities.

8. Laminate wood flooring is stain resistant. This can be especially important in a kitchen that is heavily used, or an entertainment area that sees activity regularly with the many sports events on TV every weekend.

7. Laminate wood flooring will not fade with exposure to sunlight. And in Colorado, if your south facing walls have the beautiful windows you love, yet your floors never have, this could be a big advantage.

6. Laminate wood flooring is versatile and can be used almost anywhere in your home. However, keep in mind that laminate flooring does not do well in extreme wet or humid situations. If your basement is consistently subjected to water from flooding or other underground problems, you may want to choose another type of flooring.

5. Want warmth no matter what the weather is like outside? Laminate flooring can be installed over radiant heating, giving you warmth where you want it most.

4. Laminate floor planks can easily be replaced and installed if you use a common glue-less floating method of installation. Perfect for higher traffic areas where accidents can and will happen.

3. Laminate flooring never needs waxing or polishing like its real wood counterparts. This can save you money and time over the years as you avoid hiring someone for the project.

2. Laminate flooring is a very forgiving material, meaning there is an option that can be installed over many of the problem areas throughout your home. If you have questions about an area, wondering what choice is right for you, just ask. We can provide you with a variety of options.

1. With a special underlayment, laminate wood flooring can reduce the foot noise often associated with wood or laminate flooring options. Making your house a quite place to do what you do best.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring

March 8, 2014 by

Changing the flooring in your home is a great way to give it a fresh, new look. Choosing the right flooring can be challenging, especially if you are on a budget. One popular, budget-friendly flooring is vinyl. This type of flooring has various pros and cons that you should weigh before making your final decision.Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Pros

  • Cost – the cost of vinyl flooring can be much more affordable than other types of flooring. If you are looking to save money while giving your home a fresh look, vinyl might be the way to go.
  • Durability – vinyl flooring is a very durable floor. It is designed to withstand plenty of foot traffic.
  • Comfort – vinyl flooring is a comfortable type of flooring. It has “give” and cushiony support.
  • Low noise – this type of flooring does not have the noise factor like hardwood floors and other types of flooring.
  • Style – vinyl comes in a wide assortment of colors and patterns to match your home’s décor.
  • Ease of installation – vinyl flooring is generally much easier to install than other types of flooring. You can choose individual squares of vinyl or sheet vinyl.
  • Low maintenance – vinyl is one of the easiest floors to maintain. Sweeping and damp mopping are usually sufficient to keep the dirt at bay. You also do not have to worry about moisture damage the way that you have to worry with other types of flooring.

Cons

  • Lack of warmth – vinyl flooring does not provide the same warmth under foot as carpeting. You may need to invest in throw rugs to keep your toes warm on cold nights.
  • Tears – vinyl is not made to be resistant to tears, even if it is thick. You will need to use caution when moving furniture or other large, heavy items.
  • Discoloration – this type of flooring can be subject to discoloration from the sun. You may want to avoid putting it in a room that gets lots of sunlight.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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The Pros and Cons to Laminate Flooring

January 4, 2014 by

Laminate flooring is quickly becoming one of the most popular types of flooring today, and for good reasons. Not only is it friendly on your budget, laminate flooring is easy to install and looks great too.

But, like any building material, laminate floors are not perfect. Do the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to choosing laminate flooring for your home? Let’s take a look

The Pros and Cons to Laminate FlooringPros of laminate flooring

It’s durable. One of the most durable floor choices, laminate flooring is known for its toughness. It boasts scratch-resistant qualities and it will not fade if it is exposed to sunlight.

It is stain resistant. Laminate floors are resistant to most stains, and they are also water-resistant if spills are quickly wiped.

It’s easy to install. Laminate flooring does not require any nailing or gluing to a subfloor. Most flooring planks can be easily attached and snapped together.

It looks great. Because laminate flooring looks like real wood, it can give your home a polished look that can’t be beat.

It’s available in many designs. Modern laminate flooring comes in tile and hardwood designs, and there is sure to be one that fits your home’s style.

Cons of laminate flooring

It is difficult to repair. While real wood floors can be refinished many times over, laminate flooring is more difficult to repair because it can’t simply be sanded. Instead, a damaged or worn laminate floor needs to have its damaged planks removed and new ones installed in order to restore the appearance of the floor.

It’s prone to damage from moisture. Laminate is more susceptible to moisture damage than wood. If laminate wood is exposed to standing water, it can break down and expand. The floor will then require a replacement.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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Why Choose Laminate Flooring?

October 5, 2013 by

Did you know over in Europe, laminate flooring is one of the most widely used and accepted materials? Yet here in the United States, its only recently found its way into our lives.

The more acceptance it has, the more options become available. And with laminate now fully accepted throughout the country, we are seeing options like never before. You’ll find traditional, rustic and exotic. You’ll find upscalWhy Choose Laminate Flooring?e look without the upscale price. What could be better than that?

What is laminate?

Laminate flooring is a composite that is designed to endure above average wear and tear. It is created in a direct pressure manufacturing process that turns four layers into one extremely hard surface.

Layer 1 – the wear layer. The wear layer is a tough, clear finish that is reinforced with aluminum oxide, one of the hardest mineral compounds known to man. It creates the stain resistant, fade resistant, moisture resistant layer that gives laminate its edge.

Layer 2 – the decorative layer. The decorative layer is actually a highly detailed photograph that gives the laminate its appearance.

Layer 3 – the fiberboard layer. Ultra dense core board provides laminate its stability and impact resistance.

Layer 4 – the back layer. The back is reinforced with melamine for structural stability and moisture resistance.

Once combined, the resulting floor boards are easy to care for and easy to install. The tongue and groove locking technology eliminates difficult placement and unsightly gaps at the seams. Once installed, there is no waiting for moving in furniture or for finishes to dry. Even care is easy; try wiping away nail polish, grease, or even mustard stains – all possible with laminate flooring.

Any way you slice it, the resulting floor is a floor that wears well, looks beautiful, and saves you money too.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?

January 18, 2013 by

If you just had new laminate flooring installed or you are looking into getting new laminate flooring, you might be wondering how long your investment will last.  As with any flooring type, there are three factors that greatly impact the overall lifespan of your laminate flooring.How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?

Wear – Wear is the first factor you should consider in calculating how long your flooring might last.  Different rooms have different levels of traffic and therefore wear on the flooring.  Rooms like the kitchen or bathroom have the shortest lifespan for laminate flooring since water can seep between the board and cause them to warp.  High traffic rooms like the living room have a slightly longer lifespan, but since they see constant use, the flooring will wear faster.  Bedrooms have the longest laminate flooring lifespan since they see the least amount of traffic.

Care – The type and quality of care will also drastically impact the lifespan of your laminate flooring.  Regular cleanings will keep the floor in peak performance for longer, since it helps remove dirt, debris, and stains that would otherwise damage the laminate.  Be sure to clean spills quickly to avoid warping or staining of the boards.  Also, follow the manufacturer’s suggested methods of cleaning for the best cleaning results and the longest laminate lifespan.

Quality – The quality of a product will always play a large role in the lifespan of that product.  Laminate flooring is no exception.  The better the quality of the flooring material, the longer it will last.

Having said all this, you may still be wondering how long your laminate flooring will last.  While conditions are different in every scenario, laminate of good quality, average wear, and regular care will probably last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.  Laminate in heavy traffic areas, kitchens, or bathrooms could last as little as 2 years.  On the flip side, laminate in bedrooms could last well over ten years.  Remember, low wear, proper care, and good quality will allow you to enjoy your laminate flooring for years to come.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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How To Remove Scratches From Laminate Flooring

January 16, 2013 by

Laminate flooring has several good points.  It’s fairly inexpensive, it’s durable, and it’s rather attractive flooring.  However, there is one major drawback to laminate flooring: once it has been installed, there is no way to refinish the flooring.  So, if your floor gets damaged in any way, you are very limited in your options.  If your laminate floor has gotten scratched, here are your options.How To Remove Scratches From Laminate Flooring

Colored pens or pencils – For minor scratches, the best solution is to use a colored pen or pencil.  Your local flooring company will probably carry repair kits with laminate flooring pens or pencils.  Be sure to take a sample of your flooring to find the best color match.  Once you have purchased the proper pen or pencil, simply color in the scratches for an almost new look.

Polymer filler – If your flooring scratch is more than surface level, you might want to consider using a polymer filler instead.  These can be purchased anywhere you find the pens and pencils.  The polymer works better than the pens on deeper scratches because it provides a filler for the scratch.  The pens can only try to help a scratch blend in.  When using the polymer filler, follow the packaging instructions for best results.

New boards – Unfortunately, some damage cannot be dealt with by either the pen repair kits or the polymer repair kits.  If the damage is too severe, your only option (aside from just living with it) is to get that section of the floor replaced.  If you are currently purchasing laminate flooring, it would be wise to purchase an extra box of boards.  That way, if a section of your flooring does get damaged beyond the scope of the repair kits, you have a way to replace the flooring with a matching set of boards.

For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.

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