Laminate flooring is a versatile, economical flooring option that’s soft underfoot, easy to care for, and well-suited for a range of conditions and places such as basements. Laminate offers the best of both worlds: appealing hardwood visuals and marvelous slate and stone looks. Recent advances in manufacturing have raised the bar on abrasion resistance, great stability, and moisture resistance.
BROWSE LAMINATELaminate floors offer the same high-end looks of hardwood, ceramic tile and natural stone but at a fraction of the cost. High-definition 3D printing techniques capture all the texture, depth and convincing colors and patterns found in nature. You’ll appreciate how much budget-friendly laminate floors contribute to the decorative appeal of a room. Even better, these strikingly realistic floors also deliver exceptional durability – the kind that can stand up to active households with kids and pets.
Laminate floors can be installed just about anywhere in the home, including the basement and bathroom. They’re ideal for rooms that get a lot of foot traffic, such as the kitchen, family room and foyer.
Most laminate flooring consists of four layers: (1) durable top wear layer with exceptional stain resistance, (2) photographic print showcasing the floor’s unique design, (3) high-density core providing dimensional stability and enhanced moisture resistance, and (4) backing layer offering additional stability while guarding against moisture from the subfloor. All layers are fused under high pressure to form a strong board that resists scratches, stains, warping and buckling.
When you’re ready to buy laminate flooring in Ventura and Santa Barbara County, visit one of our showrooms and we’ll help you find the best laminate floor for your budget, lifestyle and home.
Laminate flooring is not recommended in any area of the home that will be consistently subjected to high levels of moisture. Exposure to moisture for extended periods can cause boards to swell and warp. You can install laminate flooring in dry finished basements and full bathrooms where water is not allowed to stand.
Using underlayment between the subfloor and the laminate boards is not required, but it is highly recommended. An underlayment will help smooth out an uneven subfloor and cushion boards to reduce noise and premature wear.
Laminate board typically range from 7 millimeters (0.27 in.) to 12 millimeters (0.43 in.) thick. Thicker boards help prevent bends in the floor that can occur if the subfloor is not completely level. They also help reduce noise.
Tongue-and-groove laminate boards simply snap together with no messy glue, nails or special tools. Even beginner DIYers can install a beautiful new floor in as little as a day. Planks can be cut with a hand saw or circular saw to fit.
Your laminate floor is extremely durable but it’s not indestructible. You can easily make minor nicks or scratches disappear with a color matched touch-up kit available at your flooring retailer. If the damaged area is larger, you can replace the individual boards either by cutting and removing, or disassembling a section of the affected floor and then installing new boards.
The unique beauty of laminate floors comes from a high-definition imaging layer protected by a see-through wear layer. It’s easy to clean and maintain this durable surface by following a simple laminate floor care routine.
The first line of defense in laminate floor care is keeping them clean and free from damaging grit that can lead to fine scratches, and moisture that can damage the protective wear layer. Place floor mats by exterior doors, runners or area rugs in high-traffic areas, and floor protectors beneath the feet and corners of heavy furniture. Clean up liquid spills as soon as they happen. Do not allow excess liquids – including your pet’s water bowl – to pool on the floor.
For general cleaning, regularly dust mop or vacuum with a soft brush or wood floor attachment to pick up dust, dirt and grit. Sweep or vacuum in the direction that the boards run to collect dirt that settles between grooves. You can also use a slightly damp mop for spot cleaning. Believe it or not, tap water is all you really need for light duty cleaning.
For occasional thorough cleaning, use a mop slightly dampened with a manufacturer-approved laminate floor cleaner. A light mopping across the floor does the trick! Do not use soap-based, wax or acrylic products that can possibly damage the finish.
Be sure to check the manufacturer’s warranty for additional care instructions and recommendations.
Today’s laminate flooring options, available at Flooring 101, come in a variety of breathtaking colors and styles and is great for busy families.
Easy-to-install and easy-to-maintain, wood style laminate floors are designed to replicate the natural color, grain and texture of real hardwood.
BROWSETextured style laminate floors have the power to comfort, energize, invigorate, and calm.
BROWSESmooth style laminate floors feature a plain finish just like a layer of varnish you’d associate with hardwood.
BROWSETile style laminate floors feature a durable wear surface that is highly stain, scratch and moisture resistant.
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