Laminate Floors

Laminate floors can be a great choice of floor covering. Laminate comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes, styles and patterns, making it a great product for almost any home. It's very durable and can be installed relatively easily by most people, provided they have a basic understanding of flooring. The tools required are minimal and most do-it-yourselfers would already have many, if not all of the tools necessary to complete the installation. Laminate can also be installed over almost sub floor situations with only a small amount of floor prep. Affordability combined with durability can make this the flooring of choice for many people.

But, (there's always a 'but') laminate flooring is not without its potential problems. Before you pick out your new laminate floor, you should be absolutely certain it's the right floor for you and your lifestyle. There are a few situations and locations in which a laminate floor may not be the best choice:

* Indoor Pets
* Small children
* Wet areas
* Unforeseen 'wet' areas

Indoor Pets - Dogs are a special problem
First, on the list are pets, particularly large dogs. If you have dogs indoors, you should be aware that these floors can be quite slippery. It can be difficult for a dog to get any traction. If your dog is on the rambunctious side, this can be a real problem. You may end up with an injured dog, which, after managing to start running in the house, can not stop. Or, you may end up with broken items when the only thing there to put the brakes on is your curio cabinet! There is yet another issue with pets and laminate floors, (again, mostly dogs) that will be mentioned in the 'Unforeseen Wet Areas' section.

Small Children
Again, these floors can be quite slippery depending on the texture of the laminate you pick, so children too, may have trouble keeping their balance. Make careful consideration of the texture floor you choose when small children are in the home. Wearing socks, slippers with no-grip soles, or wet soled shoes on this flooring can make the problem much worse.

Many people are under the impression that laminate floors are softer than ceramic tile, due to the padding that is installed underneath the floor. The padding is there to minimize any sound the floor may make when walked on, not as a cushion. Make no mistake, laminate floors are hard. Falling on a laminate floor could leave a child with the same injuries as falling on a ceramic tile floor.

Spills are another potential problem for a laminate floor, which can be expected when children are in the home. Children and spills go together, of course, but make sure any spilled liquid is cleaned up promptly. If liquid is left on the floor too long, it can cause the boards to swell which will ruin your floor.

Wet Areas
Bathrooms are no place for a laminate floor, due to the moisture. Even with an exhaust fan installed, there is still too much condensation and water in a bathroom. The boards will swell, eventually, and the floor will be ruined. In addition to the water issue, once a toilet is set on top of a laminate floor, it is no longer a floating floor and will not react as it should.

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Kitchens and laundry rooms are popular places to install laminate floors, but these, too, are wet areas. Dishwashers, sinks, icemakers, washers and hot water heaters can all leak. You may be able to get away with installing in these areas, but remember to keep a close eye on any leaks and get them fixed immediately.

Unforeseen Wet Areas
There may be hidden wet areas in your home that you've never thought about! Unfortunately, I have first hand experience with this one in my own home. We have laminate floors installed in our living room and hallway. Our air conditioning unit overflow drain backed up and all the water went under our new laminate floor. By the time I realized what had happened, it was too late and the floor was completely ruined.

Unforeseen wet areas may be due to your pet, as well. If your dog has a favorite spot to relieve himself in the house, he will find it again, even after the new floor is installed. I know no one likes to admit this, but it is a very common problem. You may not even be aware the dog is doing it, until it is too late and the floor is destroyed.

Take care of your laminate floor and it should last you a very long time. If none of these things are an issue for you, or you're certain you can handle them, then a laminate floor may very well be for you. It makes a beautiful floor, is easy to decorate around, easy to install, and is much more durable than carpet or vinyl, overall.

Let's shop for laminate floors! We'll feature a different laminate floor product each month. Click on the pictures to view more details, and to view other products.

Click each picture for more information and up to the minute pricing.

Armstrong Alexandria Cherry Natural Laminate


Armstrong American Duet Honey Oak Wide Laminate


Armstrong Brazilian Jatoba Laminate


Armstrong Carmona Stone Canto Rojo Laminate


Armstrong Castilian Block Puesta del Sol Laminate


Armstrong Colonial Brick Red Laminate

Ok, so you've read about laminate floors until you can't see straight. You've decided it's what you want, and you've wondered if you can install it yourself.

Here are the guides you need to get you through this process. My recommendation is to read them all well before you start your project. Oh, and ALWAYS read the manufacturers instructions. That really can't be stressed enough. If the manufacturers instructions differ from anything you see anywhere else (including here), go with the manufacturers way. If you differ from those instructions, it will void your warranty on your new floor! If you have any questions, call the manufacturer. They want you to install it right, and should be happy to clarify anything.

Do It Yourself Laminate Floor Guides

Installation Guide from North American Laminate Flooring Association

How To Install Laminate Flooring

Tips and Techniques for Installing Laminate Flooring

Installing Laminate Flooring