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About
Laminate |
Laminate flooring is a multi-layered
product developed to perform as a highly durable, easy-to-clean-floor.
A laminate floor provides the realistic look of wood, tile, stone and
other more expensive options, but often at a lower cost. These high-tech
floors are durable and possess an ease of maintenance that can't be
found in natural wood, tile or stone.
Sizes
Choose from three different forms of laminate: strips,
planks, or squares. Almost any wood, tile, or stone look is available
and unusual or "ultra-dramatic" looks are easy to achieve.
For example, exotic woods like teak, bamboo, and apple wood. In their
natural forms, these materials are typically out of most homeowners'
budget range, but with laminate they become more manageable.
Flexibility
Mixing and matching laminate styles is a great way
to achieve a look that's all your own. Unlike wood, laminate floors
can't be refinished down the road, should your tastes change. However,
laminate floors of the "locking" variety (i.e., installed
without glue) can be easily removed and replaced.
Durability
Laminate floors are extremely durable. The
wear layer, combined with the strength of the core, make laminate highly
resistant to scratches, dents and dings, as well as to moisture and
stains. Although not waterproof, laminate floors are more resistant
to water damage than traditional wood floors. Most manufacturers guarantee
the surface will not fade or wear through.
Maintenance
& Care
Cleanup is quick, easy and minimal. The
high-tech surface of a laminate floor is designed to be cleaned by vacuuming
and occasional damp mopping. Spills wipe up with a damp cloth.
Installation:
Do-It-Yourself -- Or Not?
Laminate floors can be installed professionally.
However, depending on the complexity of the job, and how handy a homeowner
you are, you may be able to install it yourself. There are two types
of laminate floor installation systems available: standard glue and
locking laminate. The standard glue system is the traditional method.
It requires glue and clamps to hold the boards in place. This system
is best suited for the more sophisticated do-it-yourselfer or professional
installer. Newer locking laminates are easier and faster to install
than standard glue systems. There's no waiting for the glue to dry,
and furniture can be moved back onto the floor immediately after installation.
Armstrong's ArmaLockTM Installation System is especially easy because
it has a uniquely designed profile that automatically aligns the boards
and locks them together for a precision fit.
LAMINATE OPTIONS
