Did you know: Laminate flooring is a popular alternative to real hardwood flooring?
It can also imitate other more expensive flooring materials like stone flooring while being less expensive.
Laminate flooring is also more durable than real hardwood floor. It’s easy to install, stain-resistant, and excellent for high-traffic areas.
You can easily find laminate flooring that matches your space and decor thanks to the diversity of colours and grains offered here at General Flooring Canada.
So if you’re looking for tips on how to choose laminate flooring in North York, you’re in luck.
Below we’ll be talking about:
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring colours
Laminate flooring textures
Tips on laminate floor installation.
Let’s get right into it!
What Is Laminate Flooring?
There are four layers that make up laminate flooring: The backing layer, the fiberboard core, the ornamental layer, and the tread or wear layer.
The layers come together to create a single, incredibly dense surface. The many layers are thoroughly explained in this useful infographic.
1. The Wear Layer: Covers and protects the Decorative layer. The floor’s resistance to chemical agents, UV radiation, burning ash and embers, and scratching is provided by this top layer. The majority of decors have an aluminum oxide-based melamine resin covering. A multi-step lacquer finish is used on some decorations.
2. The Decorative Layer: This layer provides the laminate floor the elegance and beauty of a real hardwood or tile floor. It is a high-definition photographic print of a specific type of wood (on paper or directly to HDF).
3. The laminate’s durability and high impact resistance are provided by the Core Layer, which is comprised of High-Density Fibreboard (HDF). As a result, the floor is able to resist concentrated impacts from things like high heels and dropped objects.
4. The foundation layer known as the backing layer offers the laminate greater resilience and allows it to float.
Pick A Laminate Floor Colour
There are many different kinds of laminate flooring available, each with a variety of designs and complementary transition mouldings to assist you seamlessly connect your rooms.
Whether you’re looking for laminate flooring in shades of white, black, grey, or another colour, we have what you need.
Pick A Laminate Floor Texture
Whether it be an embossed laminate floor, hand scaped laminate floor or a smooth laminate floor. Take your pick or chat with a laminate floor shop near North York.
Embossed Laminate Floor
For a genuine appearance and feel, embossed or embossed in register (EIR) texture imitates the wood grain pattern.
Hand Scaped Laminate Floor
Though not created by hand – is meant to look like handcrafted restored natural wood for a rustic appearance.
Smooth Laminate Floor
Smooth laminate flooring is not textured and comes in many gloss levels from matte to satin for a sleek look.
Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring
While there isn’t a laminate floor that is completely waterproof, most laminate is water-resistant. High-density foam cores, wax-treated edges, and click-together interlock systems are all features of brands like Lifeproof® that are intended to lessen water damage and keep your floors looking brand new.
What Does An AC Rating (Abrasion Criteria) Mean?
On a scale from 1 to 5, the Abrasion Criteria (AC) rating specifies appropriate usage for laminate; the higher the number, the more durable the laminate. Look for laminate with an AC rating of 3 or 4 for domestic use.
1. Little pedestrian traffic; appropriate for bedrooms
2. A somewhat busy area ideal for living rooms
3. Plenty of residential traffic; appropriate everywhere
4. Commercial or residential traffic
5. A lot of commercial traffic
Tips for Installing Laminate Flooring
Laminate Underlayment
genuine sound of walking on a hardwood floor and to make the floor seem softer. For simple installation and noise reduction, some laminates come with an underlayment already connected.
Do You Need A Moisture Barrier Under Laminate Flooring?
Even with pre-attached underlayment, when you’re placing laminate flooring over concrete or below grade, a 6 mm poly vapour barrier is also required to block any moisture from damaging your new floor.
Things To Keep In Mind
Your subfloors must be stable, flat, and clean before you can install laminate flooring. A vapour barrier is necessary when placing over concrete, below grade, or in a space with significant humidity or moisture. Consult a specialist in advance if you’re replacing a vinyl floor that was placed before 1990.
Angle/Angle Install: To install, you’ll need to first angle the short sides before clicking into the previous row.
Drop Lock: This is easy. Plants should be installed one after the other.
Tap and Angle: Install plank by plank, tap the short side together and then angling the longer side.
Cleaning Your Laminate Flooring
Your new laminate flooring are simple to keep clean, but there are a few things to remember. Your laminate floor will remain as gorgeous as the day it was installed with regular vacuuming and dry mopping, but you should steer clear of using a stiff-bristled brush to sweep because it could harm the floors.
Use the laminate cleaner that the manufacturer suggests for cleaning your laminate flooring. Wash the microfiber cloth after being sprayed with the cleanser.
Avoid using wet jets, steam mops, common detergents, soaps, and wax products since they will eventually dull your laminate floor.
For simple repairs, furniture markers that match your flooring are also available. Laminate planks might need to be changed in specific circumstances.
How And Where Can I Buy Laminate Flooring In North York?
If you’re in the North York area, you can visit our laminate flooring store General Flooring Canada in person or call us at (416) 514-1888. We sell laminate flooring and also offer laminate floor installation services as well.
