Advantages Of Laminate Flooring

Author Robin Gonzalez Posted on February 14, 2024March 4, 2024Categories Laminate Flooring Advantages

Some advantages of laminate flooring are well known. The incredible variety of designs and styles or its ease of installation. Others are not so:

A Multitude Of Designs.

The fact that the design or drawing is printed paper makes it easy to find any option. Woods, rusts, tiles, etc. They are not a problem.

Comparatively Economical.

When compared to other floors, laminates are one of the cheapest options. Although, as with everything, there are different qualities and prices.

A Multitude Of Designs.

The manufacturing, largely from wood and its recycling, at the end of its useful life, are environmentally friendly processes.

Easy To Install.

Laminate flooring is easier to install than other types of flooring. However, the belief has become widespread that anyone, even people who have never tackled a DIY project, can do it. And this does not have to be like this.

They Are A Durable Option.

Laminate flooring have more than considerable durability; some manufacturers offer several decades of guarantee. Two components that must be paid attention to for this durability stand out. The quality of the high-density board with each laminate flooring plank and the outer protective layer is manufactured. The latter establishes a value on the popular AC scale, which measures abrasion resistance. For example, an AC3 value means that a floor is suitable for domestic use, an AC5 for commercial use, and we can already find some AC6 for very intensive uses.

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Guarantee.

Quality manufacturers offer long warranty periods for their laminate floors. These are strictly complied with as long as the uses are those recommended and the installation has been correct, as is logical and done in any other sector. For example, a situation that the warranty would not cover would be the deterioration of a laminate floor due to the humidity of a bathroom when it is not specific for humid areas. An installation that has yet to respect the expansion joints, a common problem among non-professional installers, would also not be covered.

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Hypoallergenic And Antibacterial.

These two characteristics have become common in all types of laminate floors. Additionally, for those who have pets, they are an option to consider.

It Can Be Installed On Many Types Of Subfloors.

It is optional to have a concrete floor to install laminate flooring. It will be enough for it to be dry and level. It can be installed on cement, granite, vinyl, wood, etc. Additionally, the day we decide to replace it or return to the original subsoil, as it is a floating installation (not fixed to the subsoil), is practically immediate.

Great Variety Of Features And Qualities.

Although it is not a custom-made product, there are enough varieties to say it is customizable. We can find them with different surface resistances to adapt them to use, with greater or lesser resistance to humidity depending on the destination of the installation, in various slat sizes, etc.

Simple Cleaning And Maintenance.

A simple mop or vacuum cleaner is more than enough for daily maintenance. And periodically mop with a little water and non-abrasive products.

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Laminate Floors: Tips To Maintain Their Finishes

Author Robin Gonzalez Posted on February 13, 2024February 14, 2024Categories Laminate Floors Tips

Laminate floors are an excellent option; they give your apartment a modern and cozy touch. If you want these pieces to look new for many years, you must clean them and provide adequate care. In this note, we tell you how to do it. We can use many materials, but thanks to innovation, one in particular stands out for new construction and renovation or rehabilitation: laminate floors. For many, the perfect coating!

It is a type of coating that imitates the appearance of wood but is made up of several layers of synthetic materials.

For example, the top layer is a decorative sheet that reproduces the design of wood, the middle layer is a high-density fiberboard that gives strength and stability to the floor, and the bottom layer is a protective sheet that prevents moisture. And wear.

 Keep Your Laminate Floors In Good Condition.

Great Durability

Laminate floors have great durability; some manufacturers offer several decades of guarantee. It stands out for the quality of the high-density board with which each laminate flooring plank and the outer protective layer are manufactured.

Organic Product

The manufacturing, largely from wood, and its recycling, at the end of its useful life, are environmentally friendly processes.

Hypoallergenic And Antibacterial

These are two main characteristics of laminate floors. Many people who suffer from allergies choose these types of flooring. Also, for those who have pets, they are a good option.

Daily Cleaning

Cleaning laminate floors is simple; wipe with a soft, dry cloth (cotton or microfiber) and then sweep with a soft-bristled broom.

Do Not Use Abrasive Cloths.

Avoid using abrasive cloths to clean the floor to avoid scratching the surface. Also, avoid using detergents, chlorine, or thinner, because they can scratch and dull your laminate floor.

No More Wax

Laminate floors do not need any wax since they already come with a matte or glossy finish. Many make the mistake of waxing their floors and end up dulling their appearance; they make dust stick more easily.

Dries Quickly 

Keep this advice in mind! If you spill water or other liquid, place a cloth until completely removed, then wipe with a dry cloth. If you leave it for too long, the laminate floor will swell, and the corners of the top layer will lift.

Be Careful With Pets.

If you have dogs or cats in your apartment, you should keep their nails short because although laminate floors are scratch-resistant, the constant passage of your pets through the same area can cause scratches.

Raise The Furniture

Avoid dragging sofas, dressers, beds, or other furniture when cleaning because they scratch the surface. It is recommended to charge them even if the distance is short.

Thickness Does Matter!

The thickness of a laminate floor is normally accompanied by other characteristics of hardness and stability, taking into account that the greater the thickness, the greater its sales value.

Wear And Comparison

The wear or abrasion resistance of a laminate floor is very important. It determines the capacity and tolerance to resist friction, footsteps, knocks, and falling objects.

The standard classifies these pavements into five categories, measuring the degree of abrasion resistance.…

Difference Between Laminate And Ceramic Floor

Author Robin Gonzalez Posted on February 12, 2024February 14, 2024Categories Laminate Vs Ceramic Floor

Let’s examine how laminate and ceramic flooring differ in strength, cost, size, style, and current trends, among other factors.

Humidity And Temperature

Laminate floors do not tolerate humidity or direct contact with water well. Therefore, they are not recommended for areas such as bathrooms or kitchens, with a greater risk of splashes or spills.

On the other hand, ceramic floors are waterproof and resistant to humidity, so that they can be used without problems in these areas.

Regarding temperature, laminate floors have insulating properties that make them warmer to the touch and more energy efficient. In contrast, ceramic floors are cooler to the touch and more conductive of heat, which can be an advantage in summer or warm climates.

Resistance To Weight And Scratches

The resistance between laminate and ceramic flooring is a determining factor. We must mention that laminate floors are resistant to weight and scratches as long as the limit established by the manufacturer is not exceeded.

As for ceramics, they are more resistant to weight and the scratches that you may cause, even if something heavy or sharp is dropped on them.

Of course, if they break, both floors require part replacement; They cannot be repaired.

Installation Difficulty

In this sense, laminate floors gain a point in their favor since they are much easier to install; You only need to assemble the pieces using a click system.

No glue or nails are needed, just a base that provides stability and strength to the floor.

On the other hand, ceramic floors require technical knowledge since you must prepare mortar glue, insert joints, adapt sizes, cut the pieces, and fill the spaces between each one so that they are perfect.

Size And Space

The difference between laminate and ceramic flooring in size and space could be better.

Firstly, laminate floors come in boards of different sizes, which can be easily cut using a saw. This allows it to adapt to the size and shape of the space without wasting material.

Similarly, ceramic floors come in pieces of different shapes and sizes, which can be combined to create patterns or mosaics. Still, they have the particularity that it is more difficult to cut the ceramic pieces and usually generates more material waste.

Material Quality And Durability

Ceramic floors are much more durable, and this is an important difference between laminate and ceramic flooring.

Their natural composition gives them greater resistance to external agents that laminate flooring, being synthetic, cannot withstand.

Precisely for this reason, at San Charbel Edificacions, we deliver apartments with ceramic floors, guaranteeing better quality and finish for interiors.

Prices

The price of laminate flooring is lower than that of ceramic, not only in the material but also in the installation.

However, in the long term, ceramic can represent a greater source of savings since its useful life is longer.

Design Styles

Although ceramics come in various models, the truth is that laminate floors have a more modern and minimalist style, as they imitate natural wood with different tones and textures.

And the best thing is that they can be combined with any decoration, from the most classic to the most avant-garde.

For their part, ceramic floors have a more traditional and classic style.

Variety Of Models And Colors

Both have different models and colors, but laminates have many more.

Moreover, you can choose between shades, from the lightest to the darkest, through the warmest or the coldest.

Fashion And Trend

Again, laminate floors stand out because they are more modern and current and follow the trend of natural wood as a decorative element.

They are ideal for creating elegant and sophisticated environments or giving any space a touch of warmth and comfort.

However, although ceramic floors are more classic and timeless, you can currently find ceramic floors that imitate wood, offering aesthetics and quality.

Maintenance And Cleaning

The last difference between laminate and ceramic flooring is that ceramic floors are easy to maintain and clean.

They only need soap and water to remove dust or dirt.

For their part, laminates are more expensive because they require a vacuum cleaner and other cleaning products for maintenance, which can be costly depending on the brands and models.…

How To Choose The Best Floor For Your Home?

Author Robin Gonzalez Posted on February 11, 2024February 14, 2024Categories Best Flooring Guide

Humidity And Temperature

In the case of wooden floors, laminate, or floating floors, it is important to remember that humidity severely affects these types of floors; we recommend their use only in areas where they are not exposed to water splashes, environmental humidity, etc. In addition, these floors constantly expand and contract, so they must be installed with this characteristic in mind.

Traffic And Use Of Space

It is recommended that the floor material be chosen based on the amount and type of traffic they will receive. Ceramic or porcelain floors offer the greatest resistance and elegance but tend to be very cold. Wooden floors, veneer or laminate, are of great beauty and warmth, but they could be damaged more easily, although it depends on the quality of the floor, its type, and finish. Meanwhile, vinyl floors, whether in roll or plank format, are much more resistant to wear and humidity and easy to install and clean.

The State Of The Slab

The quality of any floor installation depends on the condition of the radiator or slab. For best results, the floor must be dry, moisture-free, stable, and level. To install a ceramic floor, stone floor, or certain wooden floors, it is necessary to have a level slab without surface imperfections or unevenness that prevent correct installation. In the case of a renovation, it is essential to remove the existing floor, which requires a greater amount of work and expenses.

Design Styles

For the best overall result, selecting a floor that complements the overall style of your interior design is recommended. Investing in good quality floors is better: the floor is not a wall that can be painted or covered continuously and must be lived with for a long time.

Flooring Options

Wooden Floors: They provide warmth to cold places. Correct placement and proper maintenance can keep them intact for a long time, but they are susceptible to deformation and deterioration due to humidity and water. They require good quality wood to guarantee durability.

Rugs: They are easy to place and add warmth and aesthetics to an area. They are acoustic and thermal insulators. Its main defect is the accumulation of dust and difficult maintenance.

Ceramics: Widely used for their high resistance to traffic. A wide range of colors, designs, and textures allow them to adapt to all types of decoration. They are easy to maintain due to their water resistance. They have a few disadvantages, being one of the most used materials.

Vinyl: Very easy to maintain, resist humidity and water; They are easy to replace and apply over other coatings; They can be applied in bathrooms and kitchens and places with humidity; They are excellent thermal and acoustic insulators and have versatile designs.

Stones: There are different types of stones, such as marble, flagstone, granite, sandstone, etc.; their main advantage is their greater resistance to wear. Of very natural beauty and elegance. Although its price and placement may be the highest. In addition, they have cool environments, unlike wood.…

Importance Of Resistance In Laminate Floors

Author Robin Gonzalez Posted on February 10, 2024February 14, 2024Categories Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homes and commercial establishments due to its durability and low cost. However, the strength of laminate flooring is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a type of laminate flooring.

Resistance Classification Of Laminate Flooring

The ability of laminate flooring to withstand dents and scuffs is referred to as resilience. On a scale of 1 to 6, laminate floors are ranked in order of resistance, with 6 being the hardest and most resistant.

These are the well-known AC3, AC4, AC5, etc. This classification is associated with certain types of use and is classified according to the place or use for which they are intended. These numbers are printed on each box by the manufacturer.

But we should distinguish scratch and abrasion resistance from shock hardness since they are completely different.

Which One Should Be Used According To Each Need?

Choosing the right laminate flooring according to the specific needs of each space. A laminate floor with high resistance and hardness is recommended for high-traffic areas. A scratch- and stain-resistant laminate floor is recommended for homes with pets. For humid areas, a moisture-resistant laminate floor is recommended.

Advantages Of Resistant Laminate Floors

The advantage of opting for a resistant laminate floor is its long-term durability. The more resistant it is, the more difficult it will be to scratch it daily. Therefore, it will last longer than one of lower quality and resistance.

In conclusion, the resistance of laminate flooring is an important factor to consider when choosing a type of laminate flooring. By selecting a high-quality, durable laminate floor based on the specific needs of each space, you can ensure the long-term durability and functionality of the floor.

It is also important that a professional correctly installs this type of flooring. Don’t leave it in the hands of just anyone; remember that good material installed poorly can turn into a bad experience. Find an installer in our directory of professionals.

Types Of Laminate Flooring

As we have mentioned, they are classified according to resistance criteria, both impact and wear, constituting a practical purchase option due to their easy installation and maintenance.

The types of laminate flooring are defined in the UNE-EN 13329 regulations. This standard establishes a classification of laminate floors according to the intensity of use and levels of use:

  1. Class 21. Moderate domestic use
  2. Class 22. General domestic use
  3. Class 23. Intense domestic use
  4. Class 31. Moderate commercial use
  5. Class 32. General commercial use
  6. Class 33. Intense commercial use

Depending on the manufacturing process, there are mainly two types that we can find on the market and that largely define the impact resistance and use of the material:

Direct Pressure Laminate Flooring (DPL)

High-pressure laminate flooring (HPL)

How Do You Choose Laminate Flooring?

What laminate flooring is best for your home? … When buying laminate flooring, we not only have to look at the previous classification, but other aspects help us determine the best laminate floor for the home.

The Color

The range of colors you can find is practically equal to your imagination; you will not have any problem choosing the right color to decorate your house.

Colors with light tones, such as pine, maple, or beech, achieve luminosity and spaciousness. Dark colors provide a greater feeling of coziness and warmth. Look at your needs!

Also, remember that colors with strong tones liven up the environment, but if we abuse them too much, we can get tired.

The Coatings

Various representations in laminate floor coverings provide different types of finishes on their surface, so you can choose the one that best matches your decoration and achieve the desired effect.

According to their texture: They can be embossed, or they can be smooth.

According to its finish, They can be glossy, matte, etc.

According to its design, In reality, the possibilities here are endless. The decorative panel allows a specific surface to be photographed and printed using the roto-engraving procedure on paper and, therefore, is susceptible to being part of the designs printed on laminate floors even though we always find traditional materials such as wood and its different material variants or finishes imitating stone materials such as marble, granite, etc.…