How to ... select flooring for your home

There are many options when choosing to redo your flooring.You have to choose between carpet, tile, solid wood, laminate, linoleum, tile and more.One of the most popular flooring choices is laminate floor. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about laminate flooring:

What is a laminate floor?
Basically, it’s an ultra-strong wood-board core with a surface that looks like natural wood (or even tile) protected by an extremely durable finish.

Why are laminate floors a great choice?
It’s all about performance: the floor is low-maintenance and looks beautiful – a combination not found with other floors. Laminate can withstand the harsh treatment of pets, kids, toys and foot traffic. It doesn’t trap dirt and allergens like carpet, and looks great without needing refinishing or sanding. Manufacturers often offer a warranty protecting against wear, tear and fading. And depending on the specific product, there can also be a warranty against water damage. Be sure to ask your dealer how long the warranty lasts.

How popular are laminate floors?
According to a study published by a leading industry publication, Floor Covering Weekly, laminates are the fastest growth segment in the floor-covering industry — outpacing carpet, hardwood, vinyl and ceramics. 2002 sales grew nearly 20 percent from 2001. The category is expected to hit the billion-dollar-sales mark by the end of 2004.

Does it look like real wood?
Laminates have come a long way since the 1980s when they were introduced in the U.S. The manufacturers are continuously striving to create a better product with features that more closely resemble real wood, including using narrow random length planks embedded in the installation pieces,
micro-beveled edges and embossing the surface to create a realistic wood grain pattern, feel and look.

Does it sound like wood?
A special underlayment produced by manufacturers can give the planks a lower-decibel sound more reminiscent of hardwood. This underlayment, installed underneath the laminate planks, also ensures a level laminate installation.

Is it easy to install?
Most of today’s laminates are glueless – no nails or adhesives required. This means that whether you install the product yourself or hire a professional, the installation time is much less than that of a hardwood. Laminate floors can be laid over any existing surface that is level and hard, such as vinyl,
hardwood or concrete.

How much does it cost?
That depends on the specific product, but higher-quality laminates are around $3.99 a square foot.

Where can laminate flooring be purchased?
It is recommended that you visit a local flooring specialty store. These retailers have the most knowledge about the different products and installation options available and can help you find what best suits your lifestyle and decorating needs.