Are you planning on purchasing a laminate floor for your home? Due to the benefits of this type of flooring, it is becoming a popular choice in modern and traditional houses. In particular, families like laminate due to its durability and affordability, as well as there being a variety of colors and styles to choose from. These tips to buy laminate flooring must be of good use to you.
But have you never bought laminate floors before? It is easy to feel overwhelmed when there are so many choices available on the internet – but it is important to remember that some products are going to be better for you than others, are going to be more luxurious and durable while some floors can show dirt less than others. In order to help with your buying decisions, here are some tips to help you buy your next flooring.
Look at the AC Rating
First of all, it is important to look at the AC rating of laminate flooring. This is something that is always assigned to a design and it is going to indicate how strong and durable that flooring is going to be when it is laid properly. Essentially, the higher the number is, the stronger the flooring is going to be. For instance, a laminate floor with an AC3 rating is going to be a good choice for rooms with heavy traffic. This could be a hallway or in the kitchen.
Consider the Thickness
There are also going to be varying thicknesses available for laminate flooring that you need to consider. If you are looking for an authentic feel of wood under your feet and to feel supported, you want to look for a thicker flooring. This can also help to reduce the echo of noise in a room. Alternatively, if you are on a budget, you are going to be able to choose a thinner laminate flooring and still get a design you like.
Remember Underlayment
If you are choosing to lay a laminate floor yourself, you have to make sure that you do it right. This is going to ensure that you are happy with the finished product. This means not cutting corners. In particular, you do not want to forget to buy foam underlayment. This is going to ensure that the laminate floor is soft under your feet and does not click. In addition, you will find that the flooring is also easier to install. You will also need to purchase some self-adhesive tape in order to join the foam underlay together for large spaces. Take your time with the preparation for laying laminate.
Note the Finish
Of course, you want to choose laminate flooring that you love and a style that will complement your home. But, you also need to think about your lifestyle. For example, if you enjoy outdoor adventures and always come back with dirty shoes, you do not want a floor that is going to show the mud. In addition, if you have pets or kids, you know that floors get dirty quickly. So, if you live in a busy household, you want to look for a grain finish or something with a distressed look. This is going to ensure that dirty does not show up as easily.
Know the Warranty
You never want to think of something going wrong with your new laminate floors. But, things can happen. The most important thing is that you know the product has a good warranty. Look into the residential warrant and the commercial warranty. This is going to give you peace of mind and you know that if something goes wrong, you have a remedy.
