Laminate Flooring Residential Buyers Guide

This guide is intended to help consumers make well-informed choices when purchasing Laminate Flooring.

The Price Factor
One of the first things that consumers consider when purchasing any product is price. Price, however, is not necessarily an indicator of value. When buying brand names from the Internet, be careful to make sure you are not buying seconds or discontinued products.

In the case of discontinued products, if you ever have to replace a small section of flooring in the future, chances are there won't be any more of that style available. Having to replace the entire floor when all you may need is one box would only show that the original flooring was not such a good deal after all. While you are shopping, keep in mind the old adage, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."

The best advice we can offer is to set a budget and shop accordingly.

Design Choices
Compare with laminate floor's wide range of prices, the range of design choices is even more astonishing. If you're looking for a wood design, you'll find replicas of virtually every species, and you'll find them displayed in a variety of ways. There are single-strip, two-strip and three-strip designs with square edges, beveled edges and micro-beveled edges. You'll find them with different surface treatments and finishes, and you'll find them made primarily for no-glue, click together installations - though a rare glue together product may still exist. But wood designs are not the only choices available.

Laminate flooring is also available in a variety of ceramic tile and stone designs. Like the wood designs, the selection offers plenty of colors and patterns to choose from, and the installation method will most likely be the no-glue, click together type.

Regardless of your design preference, it is highly advisable that you actually see and touch the product before making your purchase. Photographs of laminate floor designs may look fantastic in a full-color, glossy brochure or on a website. But surface photos will not give you a true representation of the product - nor will they give you a look at the quality of the construction. The only way to see that is with a sample, and manufacturers will be happy to send them on request.

Product "AC" (Durability) ratings
Most laminate flooring manufactured in Europe come with an "AC" rating. These ratings are part of a standard developed by the Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF). The ratings range from AC1 to AC5, with an AC1 indicating the lowest durability level. Flooring with an AC1 rating would be suitable for a low traffic, residential area, like a bedroom. At the other end of the spectrum, AC5 rated flooring would be suited for a heavy traffic, commercial applications.

It is important to note that any rating higher then AC3 is overkill for residential use. It will be reflected in the pricing and will probably put you well over budget..

Warranties
Certainly, one of the most important things to consider when purchasing laminate flooring is its warranty. A good rule of thumb would be not to purchase laminate flooring with less than a 15-year residential warranty. But you also don't want to be misled by a high number of years. Make sure the warranty period provides protection against premature wear, staining and fading. The better warranties will also offer protection against accidental moisture damage. For example, if a refrigerator water line would break.

Why choose Laminate Flooring?
Laminate floors are easy to install, easy to maintain and offer exceptional value compared to other flooring choices. Laminate flooring comes in a wide variety of styles, patterns, and colors.

Where can Laminate Flooring be used, and where should it not be used?
Laminate flooring can be used in virtually any room of the home. Depending upon the room and the intended use, specific installation procedures may be required. Laminate flooring is, however, not intended nor recommended for outdoor use.

How will I know if I am buying a high quality product?
Look for the NALFA seal of approval. When a manufacturer's product has been tested by an independent laboratory and proven to meet the LF-01-2003 NALFA standard for laminate flooring, it receives the NALFA seal of approval, indicating compliance with recognized industry standards.

How would you describe the room where the Laminate Flooring will be installed?
The décor of the room, as well as the amount of activity that it receives, can influence the type of laminate flooring that you choose.

What are the dimensions and layout of the room?
Always determine the measurements of the room before shopping for laminate flooring. Most retailers are willing to estimate the cost of the needed quantity of laminate flooring, both including and not including installation.

How do you want the floor to look?
Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. Use manufacturer's catalogs and product samples to help visualize your flooring choices.

Who will install the flooring?
Laminate flooring is among the easiest and quickest of floors to install. Many individuals decide to install the product themselves, but professional installation is still widely utilized.

What is the product's warranty?
Most laminate flooring products offer an extensive warranty against wear, stain, and fading. Check individual product or manufacturer's warranties for specifics.

How do I care for my Laminate Flooring?
It's extremely easy to care for laminate flooring. Never use abrasive cleaners, polishes or waxes. Each manufacturer provides specific instructions on how to properly care for its laminate flooring. Check information provided on the product.