However, that caveat about laminate floors being nice “when properly cleaned” is easier said than done, and failure to do so can leave your floor looking dull, dirty, and downright awful.

That’s why quality laminate floor cleaners are so important. The best floor cleaners can bring the sheen and shine back to your floor and breathe new life into your décor.

An Intro to Laminate Floor Cleaners

One of the trickiest things about cleaning laminate flooring is the fact that you need to strike a balance between cleaning power and gentleness.

On the one hand, you want something that will be strong enough to cut through the dirt and grime, leaving behind a fresh scent and a smooth, clean sheen. On the other hand, more powerful floor cleaning agents can actually damage delicate laminate floors.

Some introductory points to laminate floor cleaning agents to keep in mind are as follows:

• Make sure you’re not just soaking your flooring in an excess of soap and water. Sure, they’re necessary for cleaning, but in terms of deep prolonged exposure, wood and moisture don’t mix.
• Make sure that you are using a laminate floor cleaning agent that matches your specific needs. As we’ll see with the options on this list, while some laminate flooring agents are designed for all-purpose use, others are formulated with a specific purpose in mind, such as using all-natural ingredients or combatting pet stains and odors.
• Make sure you are applying your cleaning agent the right way. There are several ways to apply laminate cleaning agents, depending on the nature of your laminate cleaning agent and the size of the surface area that needs to be cleaned.
• Make sure that the cleaning agents you are employing are safe for the laminate surface and, if you have them, your pets or children.

Top 10 Laminate Floor Cleaners on the Market

1. Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer

This laminate flooring cleaner is an ideal choice for anyone looking to bring scuffed, scarred flooring back from the dead. Certain types of flooring are more susceptible to scratching than others, but it remains an existential threat to all laminate flooring options, and one you need to guard against.

This floor cleaner can be used to buff out light scuffs and scratches, allowing you to avoid costly calls to a repairman and allowing you to rejuvenate your flooring in about 45 minutes per application.

Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer Fills Scratches, Shines And Protects All Floor...

• ALL FLOORS RESTORER: Designed for all floor types...
• 1-COAT APPLICATION: A single, easy-to-apply coat fills...
• REVITALIZING FORMULA: Revitalizes floors throughout the...
• FOR BEST RESULTS: Use with Rejuvenate specialized...

See on Amazon

In addition to Its buffing ability, it also adds a protective layer which can help block out UV rays. We may not think of UV rays as a huge threat to our flooring, but left constantly exposed to light and unprotected, they can cause your floors to fade. As such, that protective layer might not just help rejuvenate your flooring but save it from fading in the first place.

It does a great job of bringing the shine back into old floors, and does so in an eco-friendly manner. This cleaning agent is GreenGuard certified and is on the low end when it comes to VOC emissions.

It also claims to leave behind 50% more traction than other laminate floor cleaners, meaning you can have a sleek floor without slip-sliding across it.

2. Quick Shine Multi-Surface Floor Finish and Polish

One of the most maddening things about laminate flooring is that it can look great, but only if it is polished and finished on a regular basis. Slip up on your cleaning and you’ll have a dull, smudge-ridden surface in no time.

If restoring sleekness to your laminate flooring is one of your primary concerns when employing a cleaner, you’ll want to give this option from Quick Shine more than a quick look. The formula is specially formulated to not just cut through stains but polish surfaces as well.

Quick Shine Multi Surface Floor Finish 64oz | Cleaner & Polish to use on...

• Use on Hardwood, Laminate, LVT-Luxury Vinyl Tile...
• Renews, shines and polishes floors
• Adds a protective layer filling in micro-scratches and...
• Quick and easy application - simply squirt product on...

See on Amazon

What’s more, this offering from Quick Shine comes in a 64oz bottle, meaning that if you’re pleased with the product you should have more than enough to last you for some time.

In addition, Quick Shine pairs well with most fiber cloth mops. We tend to use mops for large-scale cleaning jobs, which means that any cleaning agent used in tandem with them needs to be up to the task of taking on large surface areas and restoring them to their former glory. This offering from Quick Shine is able to do just that. Add a second coat for best results.

Add to that good performance on the VOC side of things, and this is a cleaner that can put the shine back in your kitchen floor in no time.

3. Better Life Natural Plant Based Floor Cleaner

For as important as things such as polishing and cleaning power are, however, for an increasing number of consumers, eco-friendliness is one of the most important factors when choosing a product, especially in industries crammed with strong contenders.

As eco awareness gains strength and it becomes both more socially mandated and economically savvy to go green and manufacture in an eco-friendly fashion, companies like Better Life are making their mark as the corporate forces of the future.

What does that mean for the actual performance of this product?

Better Life Floor Cleaner - Liquid Multipurpose Cleaner for Wood, Tile...

• DIRT DESTROYING CLEAN - Freshen up your floors from...
• WORKS ON - An all-purpose mopping solution that works...
• WORRY-FREE MOPPING - Our all-purpose floor cleaning...
• EARTH FRIENDLY PRODUCTS - Give a better life to the...

See on Amazon

For one thing, it means that the plant-based nature of this cleaner makes it one of the greenest and most eco-friendly on this list. If going green matters to you, that plus the pure power at play in this cleaner’s formula should make it an attractive option. It is safe to use around kids as well as pets, and does not contain potentially harmful chemicals such as alkylphenol surfactants or VOCs, and it is produced without petroleum.

What’s more, this offering from Better Life does a great job of putting the shine back into a variety of different surfaces. It works well on not just traditional laminate and hardwood flooring surfaces, but also stone, ceramic tile, and even bamboo, all while leaving behind a citrus-mint-blend scent.

For a laminate cleaner that’s just as strong as traditional cleaners and as good for the environment as it is for your flooring, it’s hard to do better than Better Life.

4. Bona Stone, Tile & Laminate Floor Care System

It may be a bit odd to think of a cleaning product as having “fans” (or maybe not, just ask Mr. Clean) but if any laminate floor cleaner on this list could be said to have an active “fanbase,” it would be this one. Bona Stone is far and away one of the most popular floor cleaner on the market, and for good reason.

For one thing, while we are just concerned with the floor cleaner itself, you can also purchase packages that bundle it with a mop head, microfiber dusting pad, and a small cleaning pad as well. For another, Bona Stone is easy to apply, does not require any rinsing, is non-toxic, and does not streak.

Bona Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner Refill - 128 fl oz - Unscented - Refill for...

• Easily refill any Bona floor cleaner spray bottle or...
• Residue-free, fast drying solution that removes dust...
• Splashless technology and a wide handle provide extra...
• Protect your floor from discoloration and harm with our...

See on Amazon

It is specially formulated to be able to tackle a lot of dirt and grime, making it a great choice if that is your biggest concern when it comes to keeping your floor clean. If you have kids or have a frequent problem with mud being tracked into the home, this cleaner can do a great job of getting it out of your flooring while restoring its shine.

It also dries reasonably quickly, so you can apply it shortly before company comes over to ensure that your floors look their best when they arrive.

In addition, this is another laminate floor cleaner that is formulated with an eye towards eco-friendliness, being made without VOCs and being GreenGuard certified.

You may need to put in a little extra elbow grease to get rid of the stubbornest stains, but other than that, this is one of the best-regarded laminate floor cleaners on the market.

5. ZEP Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner

One of the most overlooked aspects of laminate floor cleaners is, as stated, the fact that some work better with certain application methods than others. This offering from ZEP, however, has the benefit of working equally well with sponges and damp clothes as it does with damp mops. It does a great job of cutting through dirt and treating sticky surfaces. What’s more, it is another fast-drying option.

Even better, this is another laminate floor cleaner that can be used for cleaning more than just laminate floors. This floor cleaner from ZEP is also cleared for use on acrylic flooring as well as varnished surfaces and wood with a polyurethane finish.

That versatility means that it’s not just able to work well with laminate floors, but on surfaces employed in cabinetry and baseboards as well. If you want to clean several parts of your home at once and don’t want to have to deal with the hassle of switching cleaners while doing so, this is a convenient option.

It should be noted, however, that while it can be used on a variety of surfaces, it is not intended for use on tile, surfaces afflicted with grout, oil-finished flooring, or floors which need waxing.

Even so, this is a good all-purpose laminate floor cleaning option.

6. Black Diamond Stoneworks Laminate Floor Cleaner

This is a laminate floor cleaner made with convenience in mind. Other floor cleaners require a bit of mixing and preparation before they are ready to be applied to the surface in question. With this offering from Black Diamond, however, all you have to do is spray the surface and start wiping without any mixing or prep time necessary. What’s more, this is another laminate floor cleaner that can be used with both microfiber rags as well as mops.

Black Diamond Stoneworks Wood & Laminate Floor Cleaner – No-Rinse Streak-Free...

• Gentle, Effective Cleaning: Removes dirt, grime, and...
• No-Rinse Formula: Cleans thoroughly and dries fast...
• Protects Floor Integrity: Specially formulated to clean...
• Versatile Use: Works great on sealed hardwood...

See on Amazon

Black Diamond’s formulate makes use of a “poly-shield” formula called PS3 that attacks soil and keeps it from sticking to the surface. That allows it to break through tough stains. What’s more, it is able to do this without streaking and can restore your floor’s natural sheen.

One thing it doesn’t leave behind is a scent. Many of the options on this list are scented, which is after all a popular choice not just with laminate floor cleaners, but throughout the cleaning industry. The phrase “lemony-fresh” didn’t originate from nowhere, after all.

That said, if you or someone you know is extra-sensitive to certain scents, or you have pets or children who are hyper-sensitive to smell, that otherwise-welcome “lemony-fresh scent” may be a little less desirable. If so, you’ll want to opt for an unscented cleaner, and this is one of the best such options on the market. On a safety-related note, Black Diamond’s formula is non-toxic, is made from biodegradable ingredients, and is hypoallergenic.

7. Howard Products FW0016 Polish & Conditioner

This one is a bit of a deviation from the other laminate floor cleaners on our list insofar as it more explicitly focuses on a specific part of the floor cleaning process, namely polishing. If you are looking for a more all-purpose floor cleaner, one of the other choices may be a bit more versatile.

On the other hand, if polishing your laminate floors and restoring their shine is your primary concern, this may be a great choice for some prime polishing action.

Howard Products Beeswax Wood Polish & Conditioner, Feed-N-Wax, Beeswax Furniture...

• Polishes all wood surfaces to a soft luster with a...
• Introduces conditioning oils that “feed” the wood...
• Enhances the natural beauty and depth of grain in...
• For use on antiques, dining tables, kitchen cabinets...

See on Amazon

This offering from Howard Products makes use of a unique mixture of Carnauba Wax and beeswax, which allows it to not just clean floors, but give it an extra sheen when polishing them. That is due in part to the fact that it contains “conditioning oils” which Howard Products claims “feed” wood flooring, and can be used on laminate surfaces as well. This is supposed to help prevent these surfaces from drying out or becoming faded.

One nice thing about this laminate floor cleaner and polisher is that it is open about its abilities. It does not claim to be able to cut through mountains of dirt or grease. On the contrary, it openly states that it can be used on antiques, dining tables, and cabinetry in addition to flooring. Since those surfaces are often made with softer or more delicate materials than in laminate flooring, the formula would seem safe for use on more sensitive surfaces.

If polishing your laminate floors is your primary concern, this specially-formulated option may be a good choice.

8. Folex Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner

Do you have dogs and cats? Do you have laminate floors? If your answer to both of those questions is yes then congratulations, you’ve just made your floor cleaning efforts that much harder. Now, in addition to all the other elements of floor care and cleaning which we’ve covered so far, you have to deal with the problem of pet stains, scratches, and odors. We all love our pets, but we don’t exactly love what they can do to our floors.

Folex Dwf32 Deodorizing Hardwood Floor Cleaner, 32 Oz., Almond Scent (Pack of 6)

See on Amazon

Thankfully, there are hardwood cleaners such as Folex which are specifically formulated to help treat laminate and hardwood floors for pet stains and odor. It obliterates foul odors and leaves behind a lovely scent of fresh almonds. What’s more, the application is nice and easy. All you have to do is apply a little bit of Folex to a damp cloth and apply it lightly to the site of your pet’s little “accident.”

In addition to the potency of its pet cleanup abilities, Folex can also fulfill many of the standard cleaning and shining goals expected of a laminate cleaner.

If you are looking for a solid laminate floor cleaner that can handle the regular rigors of floor cleaning as well as pet accidents, this can be a good option.

9. Method Squirt+Mop Floor Cleaner

Let’s say that you are looking to clean your laminate floors, but don’t want to opt for one of the bigger-name options already given. If that’s the case, you may find yourself looking for something that’s even easier to use. If that’s the case, you’ll want to look at this option from Method. All you have to do is squirt it on the floor and use it in combination with a mop – it’s as simple as that.

Method Squirt + Mop Hardwood Floor Cleaner, Almond, 25 Ounce, 1 pack, Packaging...

• Contains (1) 25 ounce bottle of hardwood floor cleaner.
• One-step clean plus gleam, no rinsing required.
• Ergonomic nozzle spray designed to cover your floors in...
• Use to clean sealed hardwood and laminate floors.

See on Amazon

In addition to the extreme ease of application, part of what makes this a good bare-bones laminate floor cleaner is the fact that it dabbles in several of the features listed with other products.

For example, it is made with non-toxic materials, which is always a good way to go. What’s more, it is plant-based and biodegradable, further adding to its credibility as a safe, eco-friendly choice. As stated, all you have to do is squirt it on the surface you plan on cleaning, meaning that rinsing before or after is rendered unnecessary. Finally, the shower nozzle is ergonomically designed, making it that much easier to use.

For a simple starter laminate and hardwood cleaner, it is hard to do better than this option from Method.

10. Pledge Multi Surface Antibacterial Everyday Cleaner

One threat to your laminate flooring and home décor that we have barely touched upon is bacteria. If you have kids or pets, you know all too well that they aren’t always the most considerate where flooring is concerned. Despite your best efforts, they continue to track in mud and muck from the outside, bringing with them all manner of germs. School-aged children in particular are notorious for bringing home germs, given what a Petri dish public schools can be.

Pledge Antibacterial Multisurface Cleaner Spray, Wood Furniture, Stainless...

• Pledge Antibacterial Spray cleans sealed hard...
• Cleaner spray effectively cleans many hard non-porous...
• Gentle formula quickly and effortlessly cleans without...
• Sanitize your hard non-porous surfaces easily with this...

See on Amazon

If you are going to keep your floors not just looking good but also safe and bacteria-free, you might want to consider a cleaner that not only allows you to bring back the shine but has antibacterial measures as well. In that case, you’ll want to consider this handy multi-surface cleaner from Pledge.

As the name implies, not only is this a cleaning agent which features a bacteria-fighting formula, but it is another choice among our cleaners which can also be used on other surfaces. While it isn’t formulated to buff out scratches or handle some of the laminate-specific challenges addressed by other cleaners, its combination of ease of use, gentleness on surfaces, and bacteria-fighting ability can make it a welcome addition to your cleaning arsenal.

Finding the Right Laminate Cleaner: Key Features

As the preceding list demonstrates, there are several approaches to laminate cleaning, a few factors stand out above the rest in terms of selling points between options.

Intended Use

For one thing, you’ll want to make sure you have a clear idea as to what you want from a formula. While you obviously want the cleanest floors possible, you’ll have to decide at the start whether that is your primary concern, or whether there are other factors which matter just as much if not more. For example, you may decide that dealing with scratches or pet odors is even more important than basic cleaning.

Application

You’ll also need to consider how you intend to apply the product to your floors. This may sound trivial, but it can actually have a huge impact on which laminate floor cleaning option you choose, with different options being better suited to one or the other. For example, microfiber mops are one of the most popular methods of application. If that’s your intent, you’ll want to get a cleaner that comes in a larger bottle or jug and can handle those large surfaces.

Safety

Then there’s the matter of pet and child safety. If you have either, make sure to check and make sure that whatever formula you are using is confirmed to be safe to use around them.

If you are planning on addressing scratches, you’ll need to make sure that you are getting a formula which is capable of buffing them out. Some of the options on this list are specially-formulated for buffing, so one of those or something similar which is formulated to fill in or otherwise treat scratches would be ideal.

Throughout our list, we mentioned the fact that different floor cleaners have different degrees of strength. While you always want to make sure that the floor cleaner you are using is strong enough to get the job done, when in doubt, go milder.

Laminate flooring can be softer and gentler than its hardwood or tile counterparts, and you don’t want to accidentally damage it with a formula that is too strong. It is preferable to add a bit of extra elbow grease or up the amount of cleaner you are using than discover that you’re using something too strong and pray that it hasn’t damaged your flooring permanently.

By that same logic, you will want to avoid using any floor cleaning agent which is heavily acidic or abrasive. These provide a bit of extra cleaning power, but are typically far too strong for laminate floors. Some of the no-go options for laminate floor cleaners include bleach and VOCs.

The latter are a perfect springboard for diving into eco-friendliness as a factor. With the environment becoming a huge issue financially and ethically for companies and consumers alike, both parties are trending more and more away from VOCs in cleaning products and more towards cleaner, safer options. While options such as Better Life’s plant-based solutions lead the pack, there are many options on this list which eschew VOCs in favor of a more nature-friendly formula.

Is It Oil-Based?

Another thing you’ll want to stay far away from when it comes to laminate floor cleaners is cleaning agents that make extensive use of oil-based solutions. Besides any environmental consequences, using an oil-based solution can have a negative effect on your flooring, leaving streaks. What’s worse, once present, these streaks can be notoriously tricky to get out.

You therefore always want to make sure you know exactly what’s in the bottle of floor cleaner you’re planning on using before you actually start to apply it to the surface in question.

Dilution

Then there’s the matter of buying either a pre-diluted or pre-mixed formula. Many of the options on this list come this way. This allows them to be used right out of the box with little to no preparation. What’s more, while you should always check before applying it to your laminate flooring, most of these floor cleaners do not require further dilution to be safely used with laminate floors.

Alternatives

Finally, let’s say that you want to use one of these cleaning products in conjunction with either vinegar or a steam mop. Both are popular home cleaning choices on their own, so can they be paired with laminate floor cleaners? In theory yes, though vinegar is the far safer choice of the two.

Remember, too much water can be a nightmare for laminate floors, so if you choose to use a steam mop in combination with one of these floor cleaners, a monthly or bi-monthly cleaning should be more than sufficient.

In Closing

Laminate floors can last for a long time if you do what’s necessary to keep them in good condition. That means cleaning them regularly, which in turn means cleaning them the right way with suitable cleaning agents.

With the help of this list, you’ll be able to find the right laminate floor cleaning choice to bring back the sheen of your floors and breathe new life into your home décor scheme.

The post Best Laminate Floor Cleaners to Bring Back the Sheen & Shine appeared first on HomelyVille.

Flooring is a critical part of interior design. You’re here because you know that a slight mistake when mixing different floors could take an unexpected turn on your carefully chosen case goods, exotic furnishing, your upholstery, and increase the already high costs of a new floor.

This article answers some of the most commonly asked questions regarding DIY home flooring mixing, how much flooring is enough, and some of the most popular home flooring materials today. Read on and gather more insights on eye-catching mixed flooring ideas for your home.

Should Flooring Be Same Throughout the House?

Let me introduce you to a fundamental principle of interior design; harmony. Your chosen floors need to strike a visual balance with other elements inside your home if your end goal is perfect harmony between the floor’s appearance and different interior colors. And before we dive any deeper, it’s worth mentioning both uniform and mixed floors can greatly impact the overall look of your interior space.

Flooring can be the same throughout your house. It can also be different. There’s nothing wrong with mixing your unique flooring ideas to bring out the best of your home. The problem comes in when the DIYer forgets to mix and match different floors in harmony, and the result is rather disappointing.

All elements in your design should fit in with each other. They should complement each other’s unique attributes.

A typical bedroom can be carpeted from wall to wall. Living rooms can take up to three different kinds of floors while hallways feature a wood-based floor and so on. The opportunities are endless.

Takeaway: A uniform floor for your entire house is the easier and much friendlier option. Not only does it appeal to the eye, but it’s also a perfect match for modern-style architecture. Transitioning from different floor textures and colors can have a clashing effect. However, this isn’t to say that you can’t mix different floors. You can. But only do so if you know exactly what you’re doing.

What to Consider Before Mixing Different Types of Flooring

Before you can even think about mixing different types of floors, it would help if you checked the latest flooring material prices and installation costs. Floors don’t come cheap. Since they are a long-term investment, it wouldn’t hurt to invest in something of higher quality.

Next, it all boils down to your personal taste, and, more importantly, the room size and its everyday use. Here are other things to remember before mixing different kinds of floors in your home.

Factor in Your Home Decor

Do you have existing decor? Try to work with it, not against it. Your floor style should complement other items in your home, from the curtains on the wall, the shelves in the kitchen, the furniture, down to the walls themselves, and pretty much everything.

Bring in the aspect of color contrast for a complete look. For example, all your furniture could use a lighter shade of your favorite color while the floor takes on a slightly darker appearance. Place white furniture on your lighter texture & color wooden floor and witness how it can change your home.

Use a Color Wheel to Pick Colors That Match

No matter how good you are at matching your clothes for every occasion, striking the perfect color balance between all the floors in your home isn’t that easy. There’s just too much detail to consider from the carpets, the bedsheets, your furniture, and so much more.

A color wheel can help sort out the mess for two or more floors being matched. If you’re new to color theory, here’s a  YouTube video to guide you on how to use a simplified color wheel for new, exciting home decoration ideas:

Consider Your Home’s Architectural Style

Different floor types blend in perfectly with traditional and modern architectural styles. Take a look at the medieval castles. They were built upon stone floors, which brought out a unique decorative style. Traditional homes across ancient China were mostly made out of wooden floors complementing the interior design.

Today, we see vinyl, ceramic tiles, natural stone and marble floors, carpet, hardwood laminate floors with crazy good patterns pop up every time our friendly neighbors open their doors. Although these are the most common flooring options available, it wouldn’t hurt to do a little background research on your current style.

Always consider your home’s architectural style before mixing up different kinds of floors. We recommend a style that suits all architectural designs.

For example, hardwood floors are everywhere. A hardwood floor is both resilient, waterproof, and aesthetically appealing to both traditional and contemporary homes. Natural stone should do the trick if you prefer something more down-to-earth.

You might also want to read: Hardwood vs. Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring

Room Considerations: Room Size and Purpose

Your property could use a mixture of different flooring materials. Natural stones can lead the way into your house. A wooden floor picks it from here and runs into your kitchen and across the hallway. As you walk into the kitchen, you start noticing the creative hexagon tile transition leading the way.

The kind of floor in your living room might not be the same as in the bathroom. The driveway will most likely use a heavy-duty stone or concrete floor, while the porch features wooden planks. The living room could use a bright carpet, while bathrooms need bright ceramic tiles that are moisture-resistant and easy to clean.

Lastly, try not to transition from one floor to another in the middle of an open space. It’ll only end up looking unnatural. Instead, ease into a new floor at the boundary between two rooms (where two rooms meet).

How Many Different Floors Should Be in a House?

There’s absolutely no problem with having many kinds of floors in your house. More than enough DIYers have put the theory to the test, and the results have been nothing short of iconic. Your floor remodeling project could have all the different kinds of flooring materials. But how many floors are considered more than enough?

There should be a maximum of three different floors in a house. In fact, some experts recommend that the fewer the floors, the better your home will look. For example, you can have a wooden floor in your bedroom, a carpet in your living space, and tiles in your kitchen. But not more than that.

We call this “The Rule of Three.” You should only see a maximum of three floors or less wherever you stand in your house. Others call it “The Rule of Two”, implying that there should be a maximum of two floors.

The bottom line is; try not to have too many floors in a small house, which could distort the visual appeal. Instead, use a single flooring for a small home. You can use two or three different types of floors if you have a larger home.

How Many Types of Flooring Is Too Much?

Remember our mixing and matching? Of course, you’ve done all it takes to add a little personal touch in your hardwood floors running across the entire living room and vinyl patterns for the rest of your house, but you can’t figure out how much flooring is too much?

More than three types of flooring are considered too much. But this depends on the size of the room or house. Having more than two floors is considered too much for a smaller house, but three types of floors are enough for larger houses. Having more can make the property look mismatched.

That said, remember to consider the types of flooring you’re using. For example, if you’re matching an engineered floor with ceramic tiles and fluffy white carpets, refrain from using different tile and carpet colors. Don’t add any other types of carpets either, as this could tear down your efforts. Be consistent with one style to maintain a uniform continuity.

What Is the Most Popular Flooring in Homes Today?

A few years back, a survey proved that floors do really matter to many people around the country. According to the survey, more than half of the respondents wanted a durable, low-cost, and low-maintenance floor for their homes, while others were interested in aesthetic designs.

The most popular flooring in homes today is wooden floors. Other popular options are carpets, vinyl, laminate, and ceramic floors. When it comes to popular options by room, many people prefer wood in the kitchen and bedroom, while carpets have found a suitable spot in bedrooms and basements.

It all boils down to the needs of the rooms and personal preference. Bathrooms, for example, can’t use normal carpets that can retain moisture and dampness. Putting up a carpet in your bathroom would expose your home to mold and water damage. On the other hand, polished marble can be quite slippery and far too risky for dark basements.

Mixed Flooring Ideas

A few years back, people would mix whatever floors they wanted; hardwood in the living room, laminate in the kitchen, vinyl floors in the bedroom, ceramic tiles in the basement, and so on. Fast forward to 2022 and simple wins the race. Complicated mixtures are a thing of the past and are way far from what we now consider beautiful.

Here are the latest mixed flooring ideas in 2022:

Creative Tile and Wood Flooring Ideas

Everybody loves tiles and wood. They’re a perfect match that never disappoints as long as you get the colors right.

The transition from your tile to a hardwood floor can start from anywhere, but experts recommend starting from the borderline between two rooms. A normal transition with ordinary ceramic tiles is your best shot, but feel free to explore your creativity with tile inlays. Tile inlays can bring a simple or complex design if arranged in a simple straight-edge or a complex layout engraved in your pre-existing hardwood floor.

Hexagon tiles also happen to be another common solution. First of all, you’ll have to create a layout for your new floor and map it out on your old wooden floor using a marker pen. Cut out the shapes on the wooden floor as precisely as you can, and install your tiles.

Here’s an interesting YouTube video if you wish to take on the project by yourself:

Place a transition metal strip at your desired transition point, say, between the kitchen and the living room for darker wood and tiles. Don’t forget to get an expert installer if the need arises.

Seamless Stone to Wood Transition for Doorway Entry

Can’t stop thinking about bringing the outdoors indoors? Using natural stone as your flooring material can whip up your room into shape and tag along several advantages from natural beauty, value addition to your property, easy maintenance, warmth, and so much more.

Granite, limestone, sandstone, and marble are some of the most popular stone flooring materials, and they, too, blend in perfectly with wooden floors. Install your natural stone tiles from the entryway up about a few feet into the hallway. Next, lay down your hardwood planks. Since both stone and wood are natural materials, their natural tones should complement each other.

Tip: Natural stones have different properties, colors, and textures. Take a moment to study the stones and their different shades. Identify one that closely matches your hardwood floor.

Wood to Stone Tile Transition on Your Bathroom Floor

Wooden floors are great, but there’s just one problem. They can’t withstand moisture for a long time like stones and ceramic tiles do. All the splashing will simply have to be dried off quickly or to avoid damage, or better yet, have to install a new moisture-resistant floor. But what if you want to keep your natural hardwood floor but still want to splash water without worry?

Wood to stone tile transitions aren’t something new. Run your hardwood floor around your bathroom and gradually zero in on the splash zone with stone tiles. If that doesn’t seem to work, let your wooden floor lead the way to your bathroom entrance. Next, cover the entire bathroom with stone tiles starting from the bathroom door.

The transition from stone tiles to wood is incomplete without a transition piece and some construction adhesive to bring it all together. Transition pieces also allow for easy transition from a slightly elevated floor to another.

A T-moulding can also help as it allows expansion from both ends of the connected floors. Grouting comes at the end of your mixing project, so you want to get a grout color that truly blends in with both floors at the transition point.

Ceramic Tiles to Carpets for Your Bedrooms

Ceramic tiles have built their name around the kitchen and bathrooms. They’re easy to clean and maintain, low-cost compared to hardwood and natural stone options. Though not common, ceramic tiles can also be used for bedroom spaces. The only problem is that they’re far too slippery and cold for your bare feet.

Most people love warm, cozy bedrooms laced with warm carpets right beneath the feet. Since there isn’t any spillage expected in bedrooms, high-quality carpets can survive years in your bedroom. Adding a mixture of tiles and carpets brings durability, comfort, and little maintenance.

So, how do you add a nice, warm carpet to your tiled bedroom? Here are the simple steps:

1. Measure your bed dimensions and get a smaller carpet that covers the area under your bed and extends 2-3 feet from the sides of the bed. If you want something that fits the entire bedroom space, simply measure the room dimensions and get a slightly bigger carpet.
2. For an elevated transition into a different room, pull the edge of your carpet to the edge of the first tile.
3. Cut away the excess material and ensure that the carpet falls in line with the edge of the tiles.
4. Next, use a tuck transition strip and tuck away the edge of the carpet.

Tip: Making a transition from one floor to another isn’t always guaranteed. A little imagination can do the trick, though some people end up disappointed at the result. Just remember to complement your household items and not put too much contrast.

Final Thoughts

Mixing different types of flooring in your home is an excellent way to add a personal touch and create visual interest for both family and visitors. Not only does it raise the value of your property should you sell it someday, but it also presents a lucrative opportunity to bring your ideas to life.

See also: Flooring Transition From Kitchen to Family Room

The post Mixing Different Types of Flooring in Your Home: Things to Consider appeared first on HomelyVille.

Hardwood is known for its prestige, attractive appearance, and durability. Although cheaper than hardwood, laminate is a lot easier to clean and maintain, and is resistant to both water and moisture. Vinyl is also a lot more affordable than hardwood, is easy to maintain and highly water-resistant.

Curious to learn more about how hardwood, laminate, and vinyl compare? If so, then you couldn’t be in a better place. Read on for an in-depth examination and comparison of the three types of flooring.

Hardwood Flooring: A Basic Overview

Despite its high initial costs, hardwood is among the best flooring materials when it comes to durability. The wood used is usually thick and can be sanded many times to achieve a new refinished look. And while hardwood is known for its durability and elegant appearance, it isn’t suitable for below-grade floors and basements as it’s susceptible to humidity changes.

You can choose to use either prefinished or finished hardwood, depending on how you want to decorate your interior. Unfinished hardwood usually works better if you have a specific custom stain that you’d want to be applied. This type of hardwood flooring is usually coated severally (for protection) after the installation and staining is done.

On the other hand, finished hardwood comes sanded and sealed from the factory, allowing for a fast installation job. Hardwood is versatile, usually ¾-inch (1.9cm), and can match with any decor, whether traditional, country, or contemporary.

Advantages of Hardwood Floors

Contractors have been installing hardwood floors in buildings since the days they were cutting logs with sharpened flint.  Hardwood floors have been around since prehistoric times for a reason.  Even today hardwood floors offer homeowners many advantages.

Variety

Hardwood is a highly versatile type of flooring that’s available in a wide array of colors and styles. Not only can you choose from a variety of hardwoods, but you can also apply different colors and strains to give the wood floor a unique type of appearance that suits your home’s theme. 

Moreover, hardwood can also be arranged in different styles and formations to give your floor that stand-out look. You can also combine hardwoods of different thickness profiles to suit your decor preferences. Some of the commonly used types of hardwoods include:

• Oak
• Cherry
• Walnut
• Mahogany
• Hickory
• Teak
• Tigerwood
• Cypress
• Brazilian Cherry

Durability

Vinyl flooring, carpets, and laminate floorings will need replacements after years of use (depending on where installed). However, that is not the case with hardwood floors, as they’re usually designed to last a lifetime. The thickness of hardwood floors gives them an edge over other types of flooring, especially since wood flooring tends to become better with age.

To keep your hardwood floors looking neat and attractive, all you’ll need to do is re-sand and apply a different kind of finish for a new look. The durability and ability to re-sand and refinish hardwood floors plays a huge role in their high costs. This is because, if well maintained, hardwood can provide service for a lifetime!

Ease of Maintenance

Hardwood is among the easiest types of flooring to maintain. All you’ll need to do is vacuum, mop (with a damp mopper), or sweep your floors whenever dirt builds up. Unlike other types of wood veneers that tend to attract dust, dirt, and debris, hardwood doesn’t pick up dirt easily, making it a great fit for busy households.

And although hardwood floors are water-resistant to some extent, caution must be taken to prevent the spills from soaking the floor. However, your floor will remain solid and good as new if you clean spills and messes whenever they occur.

Hardwood Is Hypoallergenic

Most homeowners prefer hardwood due to its hypoallergenic properties. The surface of wooden floors doesn’t allow for the breeding of parasites like dust mites and fleas. It’s also hard for hardwood to attract molds, animal dander, and other types of allergens, ensuring your family stays safe and protected, especially during windy seasons.

Hardwood Improves the Value of Your Home

While the initial cost of installing hardwood can be high, the investment is usually worth it since the floors are durable and can easily be resanded and refinished for a new look. And since hardwood tends to increase in worth as it ages, the value of your home will continue improving over the years.

Disadvantages of Hardwood

For all the benefits hardwood floors can offer, installing hardwood floors means dealing with several problems.  Hardwood floors can be expensive, cannot be installed in all locations, and are prone to certain types of damage.  Here are some of the issues you may encounter if you decide to go with hardwood floors.

Cost

It’s no secret that solid wood floors tend to cost more than other types of flooring. And although they will be cost-effective in the long term, you’ll still need to part with a considerable amount of cash to buy and install hardwood floors. The overall cost of maintaining hardwood floors can also be high due to the need for regular re-sanding and refinishing.

Not Ideal for All Locations

Perhaps one of the greatest disadvantages of hardwood floors is their limited usage. This is because hardwood can’t be kept in areas prone to spills and standing liquids like kitchens and bathrooms. And although wood is resistant to fluids to some extent, it cannot withstand excessive humidity or a pool of water for long.

Potentially Noisy

Unfortunately, hardwood isn’t a good sound absorber like carpets and other types of floors. This explains why hardwood is rarely used in busy offices or food joints. Installing hardwood in the kitchen area can also lead to excess noise. As a result, rugs are often used to muffle sound and other types of noises like footsteps when dealing with hardwood.

Prone to Scratching, Crowning, and Cupping

Despite being one of the most durable flooring options, wood flooring is prone to scratches and dents, hence the need for adequate care. Hardwood isn’t good at hiding blemishes, but can be sanded and refinished when the need arises.

Hardwood is also prone to cupping when it expands as a result of excess moisture content. This highlights the importance of wiping spills immediately they occur. Another potential issue that arises with hardwood is crowning, which is where the center of the board raises higher than its edges.

Laminate Flooring: A Basic Overview

Laminate is widely viewed to be the cheaper alternative to real wood. Since its introduction in the mid 20th century, laminate has become increasingly popular, with manufacturers coming up with a wide variety of styles to mimic a variety of wood and stone types.

You can find different types of wood species from hickory, tigerwood, oak, and a host of others when buying laminate floors. This is because manufacturers are constantly in pursuit of new designs, which gives you a wide variety of options to choose from.

Unlike hardwood that is made entirely from real wood, laminate uses a vividly realistic, high-resolution image to mimic the appearance of other items like wood, tile, metal, and tiles. The image is then printed and professionally glued to a treated fiberboard before being sealed by a clear, scratch, and water-resistant top layer.

Advantages of Laminate

Today many homeowners are choosing laminate flooring over hardwood.  Even if they can afford hardwood floors, they prefer the convenience and cleaning ease which comes with laminate flooring. Here are some of the advantages of laminate:

Wide Variety of Options

 As explained above, laminate floors are designed to mimic either wood, stone, or metal, making it among the most versatile flooring options. You can choose laminate in various colors, widths, and lengths, which allows you to match your floors with your home’s primary theme.

And although the imitation of laminate isn’t always perfect, it can allow you to play around with different designs and concepts.

Affordable

Laminate is a favorite for most homeowners due to its affordability. Its prices tend to differ depending on quality and durability, making it easy to find products that suit your budget. Additionally, laminate allows you to mimic potentially costly designs like hardwood without breaking the bank.

Unlike solid wood floors, laminate is easy to install, making it a great fit for DIY enthusiasts. Even first-time homeowners can easily install laminate floors without the need for professional assistance. Moreover, laminate floors don’t require regular maintenance as they can’t be sanded or refinished, which lowers overall maintenance costs.

Easy to Clean

Unlike hardwood that’s highly sensitive to water, laminate has a waterproof outer layer that protects the internal layers from absorbing water and moisture. This allows you to clean using water and laminate-friendly products like the high-quality Black Diamond Cleaner from Amazon.

You can also sweep or mop the floors when the need arises. However, despite being water-resistant to some extent, it’s best to clean up spills as fast as possible to prolong the useful life of your laminate flooring.

Durable

Although not timeless like hardwood, laminate flooring is also durable, especially if well maintained. Most top-quality laminate products are fade, moisture, scratch, and stain-resistant, features that enhance their durability even in households with children and pets. Laminate can serve you for years and can even be recycled and used to perform other functions.

Smooth Installation Process

Laminate flooring usually comes as tiles or planks designed to snap during installation. As a result, you won’t need to use nails or potentially harmful glues (VOC-releasing). Additionally, the laminate construction also adds to the stability of the pieces, ensuring the seams don’t open up even with fluctuating humidity levels.

Laminate is also installed above a cushion underlayment (thin foam) that allows for installations over existing flooring, except carpet. This makes the installation process a lot easier, especially for relatively green first-timers.

Consider trying out products like the FloorMuffler Underlayment from Amazon that provides acoustic protection and superior moisture control for increased durability.

Disadvantages of Laminate

Laminate flooring is convenient, easy to install, and requires less maintenance than hardwood flooring.  But though laminate may look like wood, stone, or metal some people find it is no substitute for the real thing. 

Here are several disadvantages you should consider before committing to a laminate floor. 

Laminate Is an Imitation

Although aesthetically appealing and designed to look like real wood, stone, or metal, laminate will remain an imitation that lacks the key features of the original products. Therefore, unlike hardwood that gains value with age, laminate won’t add any distinct value to your property.

Laminate Cannot Be Refinished or Resanded

Unfortunately, you cannot refinish or resand laminate like hardwood. Once your laminate floors start to wear out, you’ll need to replace the worn-out plank or the entire system. This can prove costly, especially if you have to replace your floor system every now and then due to poor maintenance.

Water Resistant but Not Waterproof

Although water-resistant to some extent, laminate flooring isn’t 100% waterproof. Excessive exposure to water will be enough to warp some planks or even damage the entire floor system. As a result, it is advisable to clean up spills and avoid installing laminate in excessively wet areas like bathrooms.

Incorrect Installation Can Prove Problematic

Despite laminate’s reputation as an easy-to-install type of flooring, there is still need to take adequate care during installation. Failure to allow laminate planks to acclimate to your home’s condition can lead to warping down the road.

Vinyl Flooring: A Basic Overview

Vinyl has become increasingly popular over the years, with most homeowners citing affordability, water resistance, and durability as the main benefits of the engineered floor. A vinyl plank flooring usually comes in three main layers, the base (core) layer, the design (pattern) layer, and the surface (protective layer).

Some premium vinyl floors come with extra layers that either make the underfoot feel more comfortable or improve the floor’s soundproofing profiles. Like laminate, vinyl floors also come in various styles to mimic stones, hardwood, and many other designs. 

Advantages of Vinyl

Vinyl’s water resistance makes it an obvious choice for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other areas which might frequently get wet.  But vinyl flooring also offers some advantages in other areas as well. 

Easy to Install

 Although initially available in large sheets, vinyl has become more installation-friendly, courtesy of its plank (or tiles) design. Most modern brands have developed self-adhesive vinyl that’s easy to install once pressed on a well-prepared subfloor.

Before gluing down your vinyl sheets, it’s best to ensure the subfloor is even and without any debris or dirt. You can also buy click-together vinyl sheets if you prefer them over glue-down options.

Affordable

Unlike hardwood that will set you back a significant amount of cash, vinyl is a lot cheaper and economical both in the short term and in the long run. Vinyl doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and is fairly easy to clean, allowing you to save on potential sanding and refinishing costs.

Available in a Wide Variety of Patterns

Vinyl comes in a wide range of beautiful designs and patterns to suit your unique preferences. Whether wood, stone, or marble designs, you can find a host of different effects, which in turn gives you more control when designing your home or office.

However, when choosing vinyl, it’s best to go for high-quality options that are uniquely constructed to mimic the appearance and feel of wood, stone, or tiles. You should also ensure the vinyl sheet or plank you choose is made from materials that don’t emit volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Water and Scratch Resistant

Vinyl floors have impressive water-resistance ratings as they’re made from plastic. In fact, vinyl is among the few flooring types that can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas that get wet without the risk of warping or mold.

However, despite being more resistant to water than hardwood and laminate, it’s still advisable to dry the water or clear pet messes as early as possible to prevent premature wear and tear. Vinyl plank flooring is also resistant to scratches, making it a great alternative to hardwood.

Shock Absorbent and Comfortable

Vinyl is a comfortable flooring option as it is compatible with various underlayments that will help absorb noises while also enhancing comfort. Unlike most other engineered floors, vinyl can take some rough treatment, making it a great option for households with pets and children.

Disadvantages of Vinyl

If you are intrigued by the many possibilities of vinyl flooring, here are some vinyl flooring drawbacks.  Vinyl can be easier to install than remove and is susceptible to dents. The cheapest vinyl flooring products may also off-gas toxic fumes into your home. 

Some Vinyl Planks Can Emit VOCs

 Unfortunately, since Vinyl planks are made from plastic, they are notorious for emitting VOCs, more specifically the low-end products. And although most other engineered floors emit VOCs as well, the compounds are commonly found in cheaply produced plastics. As a result, it is advisable to check on product ratings to ensure you get vinyl with as little VOC as possible.

Susceptible to Dents

Although durable, vinyl is highly susceptible to dent, especially when poorly handled. Vinyl floors can take a considerable amount of beating and mistreatment from pets and children. However, the problem arises when sharp, heavy objects fall on the plastic-inspired flooring. Once dented, vinyl planks become unattractive, thereby forcing you to make replacements,

Hard to Remove

Glue-down vinyl planks can prove difficult to remove for both first-timers and experienced homeowners. This is because you can easily damage the neighboring planks or even the underlayment when looking to remove the damaged planks. Snap-together planks can also be hard to remove, especially since you might need to remove all interconnected planks.

Hardwood vs. Laminate vs. Vinyl: Which Is Better?

There is no better option between hardwood, laminate, and vinyl as they are all suitable for different purposes. For instance, hardwood is a great option if you don’t mind the high initial costs and regular sanding and refinishing (depending on the degree of wear).

Laminate has good water resistance properties and is also durable, provided it’s well-maintained. Some people also prefer laminate for its ease of installation, which allows first-timers to eliminate installation costs.

Vinyl is also durable like laminate and can take a good beating from kids during play and excited pets. Additionally, vinyl is also renowned for its water-resistant properties, making it among the best floors for bathroom and kitchen areas.

If you want to know which flooring material is a better insulator, make sure you read this article.

Final Takeaway 

Hardwood, laminate, and vinyl floors come with their benefits and disadvantages. Of the three flooring options, hardwood is the most durable as it can last for decades without the need for replacement. With hardwood, however, you’ll need to re-sand and refinish the planks to keep the floor looking rich, neat, and classy.

Laminate and vinyl are also great alternatives to hardwood. Not only are they cheaper, but they’re also a lot more resistant to water than hardwood. But despite their apparent differences, hardwood, vinyl, and laminate require proper maintenance to serve you for long enough.

The post Hardwood vs. Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring: An In-Depth Comparison appeared first on HomelyVille.

Laminate flooring needs to acclimate for at least 48 hours in the location where it will be installed. Some manufacturers recommend as long as 72 hours, so it’s important to check the specifications for your product. Laminate flooring that’s not acclimated can warp or shrink after installation.

Throughout the rest of this article, I’ll explain a few topics related to this question in great detail, including how temperature and humidity can affect laminate flooring and other steps you should take to prepare for installing your new floors. I’ll also discuss some tips to help you avoid other common issues associated with laminate flooring.

Why Should You Acclimate Laminate Flooring?

You should acclimate laminate flooring as these planks are manufactured in a variety of environments. If laminate is manufactured and stored in one type of environment and then installed in a much warmer or cooler room, the sudden temperature change could cause the materials to expand or contract.

Though laminate is not entirely made of wood, it does contain some wood-like materials that can respond to fluctuations in temperature and moisture levels. This is because fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature can cause stress on certain materials.

Acclimating the laminate allows for these changes to occur before the flooring is installed, reducing the chances of damage. Once the laminate has adjusted to the temperature and humidity levels in the room, it will be ready to install.

How to Properly Acclimate Laminate Flooring

To acclimate laminate flooring, you should bring the boxes into the installation area and spread them out around the room. You don’t need to open the boxes or remove the materials, but you can if you want. Avoid stacking the packages along exterior walls.

Before installing your new flooring, it’s essential to bring the materials into the environment where they’ll be installed. This should be at least 48 hours before installation, but it can be longer. Some manufacturer specifications call for 72 hours for acclimation, so it’s important to check for these instructions and follow them to avoid any potential problems.

Preparing to Acclimate

If you live in an area with cold winters and have a radiant heating system, you should turn it on and set the temperature to 80°F (26°C). It’s best to do this starting 2-3 days before the acclimation process.

Here are some recommendations for getting ready to install your new flooring:

• Keep the temperature constant, between 65-85°F (17-30°C).
• Ensure the temperature of the floor is at least 59°F (15°C) at all times.
• Humidity should be between 30%-70% and held constant.
• Make sure that any fresh paint has cured for at least three days.
• If the laminate is being installed on a freshly poured concrete slab, ensure that it’s fully cured (at least 60 days) before starting the acclimation.

To check the ambient temperature and ensure that the humidity is at the appropriate level, I recommend a digital thermometer and humidity gauge, like this one by ThermoPro (available on Amazon).

Bring In the Laminate

After completing the room preparations, you can bring the cases of laminate planks into the room where they’re being installed. Again, you should always follow the manufacturer’s specifications for this process, but there are some basic tips and guidelines that you can follow.

You should lay out the boxes flat on their back, spaced out across the middle of the room. You do not need to open the boxes, but it will not hurt anything if you choose to do so. Do not stack or line the boxes up along exterior walls because this may create a temperature fluctuation.

You should also avoid placing boxes on top of or very close to HVAC vents or in direct sunlight from windows. Remember, the goal is for the temperature to remain as consistent as possible throughout the process.

After at least 48 hours (or more if possible), you should be able to install your flooring without problems. Ensure that all of your boxes of flooring are acclimated at the same time so that they will be evenly adjusted and ready to install.

Don’t Stack It

You should not stack laminate flooring to acclimate it. The goal is to expose all the planks to the room’s typical temperature and humidity levels, so it’s better to have air circulation around each box.

What Happens if Laminate Does Not Acclimate?

If laminate does not acclimate, your laminate flooring before your installation, the planks could shrink or expand with variations in the room’s temperature and humidity. These changes could cause your new floors to have gaps, warp, or buckle as the planks expand and contract.

There’s a reason that manufacturers specify that laminate flooring needs to acclimate before installation. This is an important step that you shouldn’t skip.

Even if your installation goes smoothly and the planks look perfect when the job is complete, the changes may occur later. Problems may include:

• Peaking – This happens when two laminate planks expand and push together at the seam, causing a peak that you may be able to see and feel.
• Gaps – The opposite of a peak, this occurs when two planks separate at the seams due to shrinking. Gaps are unsightly and can collect dirt and debris, allow moisture to get underneath flooring, and make planks more prone to chipping and peeling.
• Warping – Shrinking or expansion that isn’t obvious to the naked eye could still leave small gaps where moisture can get under the planks, causing boards to warp or buckle.
• Creaking – Planks that expand or shrink may no longer fit together correctly, or they may push against one another, causing uneven spots. This could lead to creaky floors due to excessive movement between planks.

In Comparison: Does Vinyl Flooring Need to Acclimate?

You don’t typically need to acclimate vinyl flooring before installing it, but you will likely need to do additional prep work. Vinyl planks are much thinner than laminate, so you’ll need to make sure the subfloor is completely flat before installing the flooring.  

Because vinyl and laminate flooring are very similar, many people consider both options when choosing a product for their project. Both laminate and vinyl come in planks or boards that snap together and lay directly over the subfloor.

Laminate flooring contains wood fibers, making them more susceptible to moisture than vinyl. Because of this distinction, you may wonder if vinyl flooring needs to acclimate before installation. 

So, while you’d save some time on the acclimation process, you’d also need to spend time preparing the subfloor to lay vinyl planks. The type of flooring that you choose really comes down to your personal preference, so don’t let the acclimation period deter you from laminate if you like the look and feel.

Conclusion

Let the laminate flooring planks acclimate in the room where they’re going to be laid for at least 48 hours. However, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the exact time frame.

Prep the room by ensuring that the temperature and humidity are consistent and within the acceptable range before starting the acclimation process. Don’t skip this step, or else you’ll only be creating more work for yourself later if the boards expand or contract and cause unsightly damage. Repairing it means tearing up the laminate and re-installing the flooring.

The post Acclimating Laminate Flooring: How Long and Why It’s Crucial appeared first on HomelyVille.

Laminate floors last, on average, between 15 and 25 years. Thick, high-quality laminate with a high abrasion class rating may last up to 30 years with proper installation, regular cleaning, and protective measures, including the placement of furniture pads and area rugs.

Read on to learn more about how long you can expect laminate flooring to last and how to extend its lifespan. Your new laminate flooring is an investment in your home. After this article, you’ll be able to keep that investment paying off for as long as possible.

Factors That Impact Laminate Flooring Durability

Manufacturers produce laminate flooring with a core layer of medium or high-density fiberboard. The bottom layer is usually a rubber or padded “stabilizing” layer that allows the floor to “float” and stay in place. The decorative layer features the aesthetic design, and the wear layer at the top protects the floor from stains, fading, and spills.

However, the durability of laminate flooring depends on several factors, including its abrasion class rating, protective coating, and thickness. I’ll discuss each of these factors in more depth below.

Abrasion Class Rating

The abrasion class (AC) rating of laminate dictates how durable the laminate flooring is. In the table below, we’ll break down laminate’s AC ratings and what they mean:

AC 4 and AC 5 are the most durable ratings, but they’re more costly and may not be necessary for the average family’s foot traffic. On the other hand, AC 3 is perfectly suitable for residential homes with moderate and high-traffic areas like the front door, living room, and hallways.

The higher the AC rating, the longer the floor is likely to last — AC 1 laminate flooring will most likely need replacing before AC 3 flooring. Keep this in mind if you’re in the market for long-lasting, durable laminate.

Protective Coating

Laminate flooring is made of pressed wood and is not waterproof. Some manufacturers apply a clear, water-repellent seal on top of the protective layer — but this doesn’t protect against long-term exposure to moisture. Instead, it’s designed more for protection from scratches and quick spills.

Floors installed in high-humidity areas or rooms with water access (i.e., bathrooms, kitchens, utility closets, etc.) are more susceptible to water damage. In addition, flooring placed in these high-moisture areas may not last as long as laminate installed in other rooms.

Long-term exposure to liquids or high humidity will penetrate the protective layer and cause the core to swell, ruining the floor. Once a laminate floor is water damaged, it cannot be sanded down and refinished — the entire floor needs replacing.

Thickness and Quality

When choosing laminate flooring, pay attention to the thickness — the thicker, the better. Thicker laminate increases the floor’s lifespan, as it is more durable and less prone to wear and tear.

In addition, you’ll want to observe the quality of laminate closely. Many low-quality laminate floors will have a cheaper appearance and, typically, a shorter lifespan. In addition, cheap laminate flooring locks do not hold planks properly, causing them to buckle, which significantly reduces the lifespan of your laminate.

How to Make Laminate Flooring Last Longer

Properly caring for and maintaining your laminate flooring will preserve and extend its lifespan. This section will cover how you can ensure that your flooring lasts as long as possible.

Clean Them Regularly

Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain your laminate flooring, but it’s vital that you adequately clean it to avoid damage.

As mentioned earlier in this article, laminate flooring has a thin transparent coating that protects the decorative layer. It’s vital that you use non-damaging chemicals when cleaning your floors. Avoid using strong, acidic cleaners like ammonia. Never use a soaking wet mop to clean laminate as standing water can seep into the joints and cause swelling.

Perhaps, it would be best if you’ll choose a cleaner made specifically for laminate floors. I recommend Black Diamond Floor Cleaner or any product from this list.

It’s also best to sweep floors with a regular broom and dustpan. You can use a vacuum cleaner, but you should avoid the beater brush, as it may nick and scratch the surface of the laminate’s protective layer. Use a vacuum hose to suck up dirt from any cracks and the corners of the flooring.

Consider Foot Traffic and Pets

To prevent damage from pets, keep their nails trimmed or filed down. When an animal’s sharp nails scratch the surface of the laminate, it allows water, dirt, and other debris to fall into the crevices, leading to an unsightly surface. In addition, moisture can seep into these crevices and lead to warping.

Prevent damage from heavy foot traffic by placing area rugs and runners wherever possible. Rugs and runners increase the longevity of your laminate floors, especially in areas like entryways and living rooms.

Place Furniture Pads Under Tables and Chairs

To further extend the life of your laminate flooring, always use furniture pads under tables, chairs, and other furniture. These felt pads are essential when moving furniture around, as they prevent scraping the protective layer and helps avoid any unsightly scratches.

Choose Flooring With a Warranty

Always purchase laminate flooring from a trusted retailer and manufacturer and ensure that a warranty backs it. Manufacturers of premium laminate flooring sometimes offer warranties for 15+ years. Even budget flooring options should come with a warranty, usually for at least ten years. Beware of companies that do not offer warranties on their laminate flooring.

How Installation Affects the Longevity of Your Laminate Flooring

Installation of laminate flooring involves leveling the subfloor, laying underlayment if required, installing the flooring with spacers, and sealing it along the wall with a silicone sealant. Proper installation is essential and increases the lifespan of your flooring.

Most homeowners can install laminate in a day with little to no help. Below, we’ll discuss the steps to installing laminate floors and how installation affects their longevity.

Leveling

Before beginning the laminate installation process, the subfloor must be level. A level subfloor provides stability and support. Conversely, unlevel subfloors can damage the locking system, resulting in a less durable floor and, therefore, reduce its lifespan.

Check out this article for more information on how to measure the slope of your floor.

Underlayment

Some laminate flooring comes pre-fitted with underlayment on the bottom of the planks. The manufacturer’s instructions should say whether you need additional underlayment.

It provides stability, support, noise reduction and keeps the locking system in place. Without underlayment, the laminate flooring is more likely to buckle, resulting in the need for a whole new floor.

Installation With Spacers

When installing laminate flooring, it must be appropriately fitted from wall to wall, using spacers. Changes in temperature and humidity cause the floor to expand and contract — spacers create an “expansion gap” to allow that movement. Without an expansion gap, the floor will buckle with environmental changes.

Staggered Flooring

When installing planks, install them in a staggered, alternating pattern. Staggering is necessary, not only for appearance but for additional stability and support. It puts less stress on the floor’s locking mechanism. Unstaggered planks can compromise the floor’s strength and stability and will result in greater wear on the flooring.

Sealing

Seal flooring along the wall with waterproof protection. Silicone sealant is recommended for laminate. Sealing the floor ensures that it is protected from water damage, prevents shifting, and increases the longevity of the flooring.

Conclusion

Laminate is a cost-effective, visually appealing flooring option that’s easy to install. It offers both durability and longevity and is resilient to nicks, dings, and dents. Quality laminate will hold up to heavy foot traffic and, with the proper installation and maintenance, has the potential to last for over a decade.

The post Laminate Flooring Durability: How Long Does It Realy Last? appeared first on HomelyVille.

Laminate flooring is a popular choice because it can be installed directly over ceramic tile without damaging the surface underneath. It is easy to install, visually appealing, and much more comfortable underfoot. But there are other options you can use as well.

In the rest of this article, we will take a closer look at the main flooring choices that can be installed over ceramic tile, including hardwood, vinyl, and laminate. We will compare the advantages and drawbacks of each so you can make an informed decision based on what works best for your home.

Why New Flooring Over Existing Tiles

Ceramic tile is durable and as tough to damage as it is to remove. Since the material is set in dries like concrete, the removal process breaks the brittle material. It is not only messy but also expensive.

Whether you choose to have different flooring because of comfort or aesthetic reasons, the better solution is to install flooring right over your ceramic tiles.

Can You Install Tile Over Tile?

It is possible to install new ceramic tile over an existing layer. However, this is a labor-intensive process that requires sanding or scuffing the old tile, ensuring the surface is level, and using the appropriate adhesive.

In addition, most homeowners look for alternatives to ceramic tile because they want a more comfortable floor. Adding another layer of tile usually defeats that purpose.

Still, if you simply want a visual update and prefer the look of tile, installing a new layer of ceramic tile can be a practical option.

Other Types of Flooring That Can Go Over Tiles

Since you are looking at the flooring options that are compatible with ceramic tiles, it is essential not to look at which flooring can go over the tile, but the advantages and disadvantages of each flooring type. Since the flooring is being installed over ceramic, the tile is omitted from the comparison.

The following types of flooring can be placed over ceramic tile:

1. Cork Flooring

Cork is an ideal flooring option for ceramic tile in spaces where water is likely to be spilled. These include kitchens and bathrooms. Of all the options mentioned in the article, cork is the most water-resistant.

While it is ideal for bathroom floors and similar surfaces, it has too many drawbacks in other areas. Therefore whether you should use this flooring over tile depends entirely on the space you plan to install the flooring. The more in-depth comparison later in this article explains why.

Pros of Cork Flooring

When it comes to bathrooms, cork flooring has the edge over all other types of flooring. It resists water naturally. That is why it is used as a stopper in wine bottles. Wine bottles are meant to stay unopened for decades. Cork does not soak up the liquid like a sponge and remains dry on the other end.

That kind of water resistance means it can withstand water-spills in the bathroom. It also has other advantages like soundproofing. Though not as sound absorbent as most carpets, cork flooring can absorb sound like most natural wood flooring. It is also gentler on the feet because it is not as brittle as laminate floors.

Cork can withstand more foot traffic than other wooden choices, but carpets beat cork flooring in durability against foot traffic. It is the need to regularly clean that introduces more wear and tear to carpets.

Cons of Cork Flooring

Cork flooring has a set of sensitivities that make it less-than-ideal for almost any other place than bathrooms. It easily fades with direct exposure to sunlight. It does not do well in certain climates as well. Extreme climates, where the summer is very hot and the winter too cold, are not great for cork floors, and the temperature-fragile flooring fades and gets weaker.

2. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is preferable because it is easy to install, doesn’t require an adhesive, and has padding underneath, which cancels out any small unevenness in the tile beneath it. If you cover the tile with flooring, it is best to start with the option that can be reversed.

Since the laminate floor does not include the use of glue-like vinyl floors, it can be easily disassembled if the need arises. Moreover, laminate floors are made with a slim plank that does not take away from your space’s height. You can check out this article for more information.

Pros of Laminate Flooring

Among the advantages of laminate flooring is that it is relatively inexpensive. Again, this provides a direct contrast to hardwood floors, which require you to pay top-dollar. Laminate flooring, like hardwood floors, is not as easily stained as carpets. Therefore, one can assume that laminate flooring has all the advantages of a hardwood floor with a lower durability, smaller price tag, thinner planks, and the possibility of self-installation.

Cons of Laminate Flooring

There are certain drawbacks of laminate flooring that you must keep in mind. One of these, as mentioned earlier, is the relatively lower durability compared to hardwood floors. Not only can it get damaged from impact, but there is also the possibility of water damage. Tiles are often used in the bathroom, and if you are looking to use flooring over tiles in a bathroom, laminate flooring must be quickly taken off the list.

You do not want molding and other water-related problems. It also looks unnatural because it is made from recycled hardwood. That also makes it noisier than hardwood floors. Again, if you have tile in your house, you are accustomed to lowering sound output. You will have to purchase laminate flooring with sound-absorbent padding/underlayment, or you will be disturbed for a while before getting used to a noisier environment.

3. Hardwood Flooring

You can have hardwood flooring installed over ceramic tile as long as there is an underlayment that accounts for patch-leveling and stickiness. The underlayment, typically made of plywood, alongside hardwood’s thickness, raises the height of your floor.

Pros of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are very durable and shield well against the brittleness of tile. They do not crack as easily as ceramic and can, therefore, lend a protective layer to your flooring. Moreover, they give homeowners the freedom to choose from multiple types of wood like oak and cherry and can also be dyed/stained.

This is a key benefit for those installing flooring over tile for a visual change. If the aesthetics variety is important to you, you may want to keep your options open when making further changes.

Cons of Hardwood Flooring

Unfortunately, that is also where the drawbacks of hardwood start to surface. While you have the freedom to change the look of the wood by staining it, you don’t have the option to easily take the flooring off if you wish to make a replacement.

Furthermore, installing flooring atop hardwood will take away from the room’s height because the wood and the underlayment are already significantly thick. It is advisable only to go for this option if you do not mind a difference of up to one inch in the room’s height.

It is also quite expensive and, more importantly, very noisy. Hardwood’s noisiness is worth mentioning because homeowners with tile are accustomed to far less noise from people walking or running across the floor. This disadvantage somewhat carries to laminate floors, but at least laminate floors are easily replaceable.

4. Carpet

Carpet is highly compatible with ceramic tile as it can provide a softer texture that lends comfort. However, carpets can get stained very easily, and the adhesive used to stick the carpet can leave behind marks on the tile underneath. One way to avoid marks is to only glue the corners. Doing so leaves behind marks but only on the corners.

Pros of Carpet

Here, the carpet comes out ahead because it absorbs more noise than all of the options above. Not only does it absorb noise generated by walking and running across its surface, but it can also keep noise generated in one room from reaching another. This reduction of echo is especially advantageous when the space is quite large, and sound tends to echo off the walls and the floor naturally.

It is also relatively easier to replace than hardwood floors and only leaves behind marks than can be covered by alternative flooring. And on the subject of visual appeal, carpets provide the widest range of styles one can choose from. If your home has a look that does not go well with wooden-looking floors, carpets are ideal for you.

It is worth mentioning that carpets’ softness provides two benefits that directly contrast hardwood and laminate floors. The first is the warmth and comfort provided by carpets. It is gentler on the feet and more comfortable to walk on. The second advantage a carpet has is that it is warmer.

Moreover, the carpet is safer. If there are children in the house, carpet is a way of toddler-proofing the space. Little falls don’t cause as much damage as bare-tile or impact on wood. It also is less likely to slip on a wet carpet because it absorbs water.

Cons of Carpet

That also is its first disadvantage. Because carpets absorb water quickly, they get stained much quicker than the alternatives. Carpets are also magnets for dust and require you to vacuum regularly.

Every month, a deep cleaning may be in order. If you cannot vacuum the carpet as often as needed, dust-related allergies can emerge. And compared to laminate floors and hardwood, both of which require only semi-regular dry mopping, carpets are much more high maintenance.

Comparing carpets to wooden options, it is worth noting that carpets have a shorter lifespan. Most carpets are not as durable as hardwood, though they are only slightly more durable than laminate flooring. Because you will be shampooing and vacuuming the carpet more often than its alternatives, the high-impact cleaning methods will wear down the carpet.

It is not like you can opt to clean the carpet less often. After all, it is the easiest to get stained, which is why it is never the right choice for bathrooms.

What Glue Should You Use to Install Flooring on Ceramic?

If you are looking to install flooring over ceramic, you will likely require adhesive depending on the option you go with. Even if you are not personally installing the adhesive, it is good to know which adhesive will be used in the process.

• Urethane adhesive is used to stick hardwood flooring on tiles. It sticks the flooring permanently to the tile. Any attempts to remove the hardwood will only unearth the underlayment that will require alternative flooring (after sanding) to be usable.
• No adhesive is needed to stick particular laminate flooring as long as it has the right padding underneath, and the ceramic underneath is the right level. Laminate planks leverage joints to gain traction for stability. You may ask the provider if the glue would be required for your specific placement and opt for an all-purpose flooring glue.
• You will need cork-adhesive to install cork flooring over ceramic tile. Though specific substrate and padding may be in order, this installation is better left to professionals.
• Carpets can be placed without adhesive. If one uses it as an overhaul of the flooring underneath, an all-purpose flooring glue can be applied either across the borders or only on the corners. This is to avoid damaging a larger area of tiles underneath should you choose to return to exposing the tiles.

The Verdict

Laminate flooring is generally the right option to select because it is easy to install and replace. Therefore, even in the instance that it is the wrong choice, there is not much effort or regret involved. It does not cost as much as the other options and takes so little away from the space that a carpet can be added if the homeowner changes his mind.

For bathrooms, it is highly recommended to opt or cork flooring over ceramic tile. Carpets don’t make a lot of practical sense in such spaces, and hardwood floors and laminate flooring will open you up to the possibility of water damage.

Moreover, areas of the house with direct exposure to sunlight will wear out and make the cork flooring fade much earlier than they will impact wood or laminate flooring.

The post What Type of Flooring Can You Put Over Ceramic Tiles? appeared first on HomelyVille.

While you can use a steam mop on laminate floors occasionally, it’s crucial to avoid high temperature settings. Excessive heat and moisture can damage laminate flooring, so steam cleaning should always be done with care.

Before turning to a steam mop, consider trying other gentler cleaning methods outlined in this article. You’ll also find tips on how to use a steam mop more safely on laminate floors, along with other key considerations to protect your flooring.

How to Safely Use a Steam Mop on Laminate Floors

Steam mops have an efficient cleaning mechanism that involves using heat and water. The steam acts as a sanitizer killing most germs and bacteria, and helps maintain extreme hygiene. However, moisture and heat are both dangerous to laminate flooring.

Therefore, you should avoid using steam mops on laminate floors. If you insist on using a steam mop, make sure you follow the precautionary cleaning practice outlined below.

• Vacuuming or sweeping using a soft-bristled brush is highly recommended before you steam mop.
• Once the floor has been lightly swept, you can go ahead and fill up the tank inside the mop while maintaining a temperature of about 120°C (248°F). If the mop has a heat setting that goes even lower, opt for that.
• While the pad at the foot of the mop uses moisture to wet the dirt and dust so that it comes off the floor more easily, you do not want to drench the laminate floor lest the moisture seeps between the planks.
• The heat works as an effective sanitizer, killing most germs and bacteria. But if the temperature setting is too high, the flooring might sustain damage. You want the heat to evaporate the moisture but not hot enough to damage the floor.
• Steam mops come with a wide range of options in terms of size, types, super powerful to moderately powered, etc. When you have a laminate floor, it’s best to buy a steam mop with the lowest heat settings.

Is Laminate Floor Waterproof?

Laminate flooring is usually made of recycled hardwood with an additional coating that gives the product a laminated finish. Because of the laminate floor planks’ finish and feel, it is easy to assume that the flooring may be waterproof.

A laminate floor is not waterproof, and while the planks don’t absorb water, water can go through the seams between floor planks and cause damage.

Therefore, it is advisable to make sure any areas with potential spills are covered by waterproof material, and any liquid spilled is immediately removed with a water-absorbing fabric.

What to Avoid When Steam Mopping Laminate Floors

Here are some points to keep in mind while using a steam mop on laminate:

• Too high of a heat setting is not good for the floor. It might soften and weaken the firmness of the floor, leaving it buckled. Maintaining the heat is very easy with steam mops.
• Avoid slow motions of the mops. This is because the longer the moist mopping pad stays in a spot, the warmer and softer the floor would turn.
• Avoid using harsh cloth material. To protect your laminate flooring, it is highly recommended that you use decent quality cloth while cleaning the floors, before and during the cleaning process.
• Avoid putting vinegar, bleach, floor cleaners, or any other chemicals into the water tank. These can damage both your floor and your steam mop.
• Steam mops are best reserved for occasional thorough cleaning of stubborn and sticky dirt that does not come out from regular mopping or sweeping. Therefore, you should try using lower-impact cleaning techniques before resorting to steam mopping your laminate flooring.

So, What Should You Use When Cleaning Laminate Floors?

As mentioned earlier, steam mops should really be your last resort when cleaning laminate flooring. There are better alternatives that come without the risks associated with steam mops. One of these is a microfiber mop.

You should use a microfiber mop when cleaning a laminate floor because it is safe for the flooring material and cleans most stains with relatively low effort.

To get the best results, it is also important to use the right cleaning products. Be cautious when using cleaning liquids that contain chemicals that can reduce the shine of your laminate floor.

Microfiber Mops

When looking for microfiber mops, ensure that you purchase mops with reviews from individuals who have used them on laminate floors. If you don’t want to spend time going through hundreds of reviews, I’ve compiled a list of three microfiber mops with positive reviews from Amazon customers who have laminate floors.

1. Turbo Microfiber offers this ‘floor cleaning system,’ which has a long lifespan. The product is eco-friendly and machine-washable, but most importantly, it has over seven thousand reviews and ratings. Many of these reviews are from people who have used the product on laminate floors.
2. Temples Pride’s Professional Microfiber Mop is a cost-effective mop that is safe for laminate floors and covers a broad area in each sweep.
3. Mr. Siga’s Professional Mop is a microfiber mop with thousands of positive reviews, including people who have used it on vinyl floors as well as laminate floors. This speaks for the mop’s ability to clean delicate surfaces without causing damage.

Cleaning Liquids

If you are wondering which cleaning liquids are safe for laminate floors, again, I would suggest shopping for products reviewed by homeowners who have laminate floors. To save you time, I have listed a few cleaning liquids below with positive reviews on Amazon:

• The Bona Tile and Laminate Cleaner is on the top of my list because of the manufacturer’s emphasis on laminate floors. This cleaner comes in the form of a spray and is for spots and stains. You should squirt the liquid on a small area and use the right fabric to clean a stain left by a coffee spill or a muddy foot.
• Bona Stone’s Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner has over five hundred reviews, of which over a hundred are from people with delicate flooring. The bottle is economy-sized and is well worth the price.
• Zep’s Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner is made to avoid impacting laminate floors. It is made in the United States and is the lowest-priced option on the list. With over 176 ratings, it is a must-buy.

You should be cautious not to let any type of liquid sit on the laminate floor for a long time. While the planks themselves may not react adversely to liquids, water can seep through the tiniest seams and cause mold to grow below the flooring.

How Often to Clean

You should clean laminate flooring once a month with low-impact cleaning techniques. Do not use heavy equipment, chemically active detergents, or harsh scrubbing to clean your laminate flooring.

Remember that while the laminate floor has a protective layer that is resistant to certain scratches, it is advisable not to test this material’s limit. If an area is used very often, you may have to dry mop it every week. The only exception to this schedule is when there is a spill or a spot stain. In such an instance, you should immediately clean up the affected area.

Laminate vs. Vinyl Floors

Since steam mops are not ideal for both vinyl floors and laminate floors, some people might wonder whether both vinyl and laminate flooring refer to the same thing.

Laminate floors are different from vinyl floors in material, heat resistance, and durability. Vinyl may look like wood but is 100% synthetic, while laminate flooring is usually made from recycled hardwood.

In Summary

Steam mops can damage laminate floors, so you should take precautionary measures to protect the floors from heat and water damage.

When using steam mops, you should use the lowest heat settings, clean and sweep the floor using a vacuum cleaner or regular broom before using the steam mop, and lastly, not hold the mop at one spot for a long period.

However, the best way to clean a laminate floor is to use a microfiber mop with a neutral cleaning liquid.

The post Can You Safely Use a Steam Mop on Laminate Floors? appeared first on HomelyVille.

What Exactly Is Laminate?

Laminate floors were invented in the 1970s, and since then, they gained enormous popularity. That’s partly due to their price, ease of installation, and resistance to scratching and damage. Other than that, though, laminate is appealing because it has the look of real wood without the disadvantages that come with it.

But what exactly is this flooring type made of? Well, laminate floors usually have three layers — base layer, image layer, and wear sheet. Here is what you need to know about each of these:

• The base layer or core is about a half-inch thick and made of densely compressed wood-chip material. Because wood is susceptible to water, most laminate manufacturers add another layer of plastic under the core to protect it.
• The image layer is what makes laminate so unique — it contains several sheets of photo paper that show the picture of different flooring. For instance, your laminate can look like hardwood, ceramic, or natural stone, depending on the design you choose.
• The wear sheet is the top layer of laminate applied to protect it from damage and scratches. Typically, it’s a transparent plastic sheet or a coat of aluminum oxide.

Can You Install Laminate Over Tile?

The short answer to this question is yes, you can. Laminate is a floating floor, which means you don’t have to glue it or nail it to the subfloor. In a way, floating floors work like giant puzzles — each floorboard locks into place with other boards without adhesives.

Obviously, since a floating floor doesn’t need to stick to the subfloor, it can be installed over other materials. That means that you don’t have to tear off your old floor before you lay down laminate. In fact, it goes quite easily over hardwood, vinyl, linoleum, and of course, tile. So if you’re thinking of replacing your tile floor with laminate, don’t hesitate — it’s quick and simple!

Why Would You Install Laminate Over Tile?

As practical as laminate is, there’s no doubt that tile is more durable and sturdy. If taken care of properly, it can last between 75 and 100 years! With its lifespan of up to 25 years, laminate is nowhere near as long-lasting, nor is it quite as resistant.

Still, many people nowadays choose to replace their tile floor with laminate. Their reasons may differ, but a popular one is that tile often feels cold and hard, whereas laminate is fairly soft on the feet. On top of that, laminate is easy and quick to clean. Tile, on the other hand, requires a little more maintenance.

But most importantly, when you grow tired of your old tiles, there’s no easier solution than adding laminate on top. You won’t have to pay for an expensive tear-off and installation of the new floor. In fact, you can do everything yourself and have a brand new floor in just a couple of hours!

In addition, you may pick any design you like! If hardwood floors often catch your eye, but they’re too pricey to lay down, laminate is the way to go. It looks just like wood, and it’s quick and cheap to install!

How to Install Laminate Floor Over Tile

Whether you’re laying it on the subfloor or tiles, a laminate floor is extremely simple to lay down. You won’t need any professional help — it’s enough to look up a guide on how to do it. Luckily for you, we have one right here!

What You’ll Need

• A knife
• A hammer
• Tape
• Circular saw or handsaw
• Underlayment (like Roberts Moisture Barricade Underlayment)
• Laminate boards
• Baseboard molding (Orac Decor Baseboard Moulding)

The Process

Before you begin, you’ll need to prepare the old tiles. They have to be smooth, clean, and flat, so make sure to sweep or vacuum the floor thoroughly. Once that’s done, you may wish to test the layout of your laminate floor by laying down the boards. This step isn’t really necessary, but it will give you a better sense of where the planks should be and what areas could cause trouble.

Now remove the boards and place the underlayment on the tiles. Usually, it’s enough to lay down a foam sheeting, but if you’re worried about moisture, add a plastic layer underneath. Cover the whole floor, tape the sheets together, and use the knife to trim the edges so they fit against the walls.

When you finish that, it’s time to begin laying down the boards. That’s fairly easy, but you might have to measure and cut the planks to make them fit. You’ll do that using the circular saw or handsaw. Make sure to leave some space between the wall and the first row of planks — a ¼ inch, for instance.

To lock the planks together, you’ll need to use a hammer. Don’t leave any gaps between joints — they should be firmly closed. Keep laying boards until you cover the whole floor. Finally, install baseboard molding along the walls to close the gaps you left.

If you’re more of a visual type, here’s a perfect video to guide you!

Potential Problems

Though installing a laminate floor over tile may seem fairly straightforward, there are still some things you should pay attention to. After all, if you don’t do the job well or ignore potential problems, you can end up having to do additional work and repairs. So here is what you should look out for when laying your laminate:

Uneven Tiles With Wide Grout Lines

As we’ve said before, the tiles need to be flat, smooth, and clean. If there is any bumpiness, or the grout lines are wide and deep, you could experience issues. For example, if a joint happens to lie just over a hump on the tile, it could suffer additional pressure and eventually separate when you step on it.

The solution to this problem is relatively simple — you need to level the floor with a leveling compound. Just pour it on the tiles and wait for it to settle. Once it does, you can start laying the floorboards.

Floor That Is Too High

Adding laminate and underlayment can raise your floor height by ½ inch or more, which will be quite visible in doorways and transitions to other floor types. Luckily, that isn’t too much of a problem — you can easily solve it with some transition strips. All you have to do is leave a small gap between the two floor types and nail the strip there. The height difference will become virtually invisible!

Moisture

Unfortunately, laminate isn’t waterproof, and moisture can warp and ruin it. Thus, it’s best not to put it in rooms where there is a lot of water, such as bathrooms. And to be on the safe side, make sure to add some water-resistant underlayment and wipe the laminate carefully when you spill any liquid on it.

Related: How to Waterproof Wood for Bathroom

In Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to replace your old tile floor, covering it with laminate is the way to go. You don’t need to hire any help, nor will your house be unusable for days. In fact, grab all the necessary materials and do it yourself — you’ll have a brand new floor in less than a day!

The post Can You Put Laminate Flooring Over Tile? appeared first on HomelyVille.

Laminate flooring is not waterproof because it is made up of layers of recycled hardwood that can soak up and fall apart if saturated with water. It is, however, water-resistant and won’t suffer any damage from topical and surface spills if cleaned and wiped dry quickly.

The rest of this article will discuss in detail why laminate flooring is not waterproof, what to expect when laminate flooring becomes wet and how to deal with it, and how you can improve the water-resistance of your laminate floor.

Why Laminate Flooring Is Not Waterproof

It’s not hard to figure out why laminate flooring is not waterproof. The problem with laminate flooring is that it is made of recycled hardwood or wood fibers that don’t hold well against water. Even some products marketed as “waterproof” by manufacturers are disputable since the materials and entire manufacturing process makes it almost unrealistic.

Another reason why laminate flooring is not waterproof is the click-and-lock system used in its installation. While it is easier than the glue-down method, the seams are not perfectly locked. This provides gaps in the surface layer through which water can sip and damage the board’s core.

A better way to understand why laminate flooring isn’t waterproof is to look at how it is designed. Laminate flooring is made up of four layers. The bottom-most layer or the backing layer acts as a moisture barrier between the board and the floor. There is another layer on top of the backing layer, known as the base or core layer.

The base layer is made of high-density fiberboard and forms the main structure. There are two other layers above the fiberboard core; the design layer gives the flooring its color and pattern, and the wear layer protects the board against fading, scratches, and wear.

Although the wear layer also serves as a moisture barrier, if enough water gets into it and reaches the base layer, it can swell up and start to shift or buckle depending on the type of material used. If it is allowed to absorb more water, the layers will fall apart, ultimately destroying the whole floor.

What Happens When Laminate Flooring Becomes Wet?

When some manufacturers say “waterproof,” what they actually mean is “water-resistant.” These two concepts are completely different and are sometimes misunderstood. Water-resistant simply means that your flooring can prevent water penetration to some extent, but not completely. Waterproof, on the other hand, means that the material is completely and permanently impervious to water.

A laminate floor can withstand water spills, such as water dripping off your body when you get out of the shower, rainwater from your shoes, or routine spills from a glass of water. If these surface spills are wiped dry immediately, no harm would be done to your floor.

However, if you allow laminate flooring to absorb enough water, the layers will become soaked, and the fiberboard core will swell up, resulting in the surface layer’s delamination. It’s similar to when a table made of particleboard gets wet. The boards will bubble up, bend, and eventually crack.

Is There Waterproof Laminate Flooring?

By improving their technology and adding new materials into the fiberboard, manufacturers are now creating laminate flooring that they claim to be waterproof. However, these products may not be as exactly as marketed, and their claims are not a guarantee that the flooring won’t fall apart if attacked by excess moisture.

The difference between the standard laminate plank and the specially constructed board will only be its increased resistance to water, rather than being completely impervious as sheet vinyl or ceramic tile is. For a flooring material to be truly waterproof, it must be manufactured so that the fiberboard core is eliminated.

A few companies offer laminate flooring made out of synthetic materials such as PVC plastic, but they are very limited and hard to find. Whatever brand of laminate flooring you’re buying, it should be water-resistant to some degree, but don’t expect it to be completely waterproof except it’s made of a different material.

What to Do if Your Laminate Floor Gets Wet

If the water on your floor is topical, you can still save it if you quickly clean it up and dry the boards. If water seeps into the open seams, use a wet-dry vacuum that can extract the water. Not cleaning the water and drying the boards will allow water to get under your flooring. When this happens, you must remove the water immediately or risk irreversible damage.

Because laminate fiberboard is dense, it can take weeks to dry. To speed up the drying process, use a high-volume fan or dehumidifier. This method can reduce the drying time to 12 to 36 hours.

You should also remove all the floorboards and lay them flat instead of drying in place. Don’t expose them to high temperatures as it can cause them to warp or shrink. Also, your laminate flooring may not retain its original dimensions after completely drying.

If heavy water is left long enough under your flooring, it can become damaged. Unfortunately, you’ll have to replace your laminate if you find signs of water damage on it. Look for swollen plank edges, buckling at the sides, cupping or peaking at the sides or center, and cracking of the board’s surface. Any of these signs means you need a replacement.

You should also identify the source of the leak and deal with it immediately. Besides swelling and bending, mold can also form on saturated laminate flooring. If you don’t dry out your laminate 48 hours after being soaked, molds can begin to develop on it.

The time it takes for some types of mold to form vary depending on the conditions of the house and the cause of the flooding. If the flooding is caused by sewage or groundwater flooding, it will develop mold faster and the longer you leave it, the lower your chances of saving your flooring. Be sure to remove moisture from the baseboards, wall cavities, and carpet padding.

Can You Make Laminate Flooring Waterproof?

You can increase your laminate’s resistance to water and make it more durable. One of the ways to waterproof laminate or increase its resistance is to apply silicone sealant to the cracks and edges where water can seep into and cause damage.

Another way to protect your laminate flooring is to apply a polyurethane coat over the entire floor. This helps to protect your floorboards and reduce the chances of water damage. To make your flooring even more resistant to water penetration, apply two or more layers of coating.

Conclusion

If you live in a high-moisture environment and looking for waterproof flooring, laminate flooring may not be your best option. Standard laminate flooring can last for up to 25 years if properly maintained, but it is not completely waterproof because of the way it is manufactured.

Some manufacturers design special laminate by adding new materials and referring to them as waterproof. However, this only improves its resistance to water and does not make it completely waterproof. If you’re looking for genuine waterproof flooring, luxury vinyl, ceramic or porcelain tile, and sheet vinyl are your best options.

The post Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof? What to Expect When It Becomes Wet appeared first on HomelyVille.

To remove scratches from your laminate floors, try filling in the scratches with filling pencils, melted crayons, or colored floor putty. You can also try using burn-in sticks, or even toothpaste. If all else fails, you can replace the damaged plank.

There are even more ingenious hacks to remove scratches from your flooring. Keep reading for everything you need to know about removing scratches from laminate floors.

Gather the Needed Materials

Before beginning to remove scratches, you should gather your materials. To repair your damaged laminate flooring, you will need:

• Filling pencils
• A washcloth
• A broom
• Colored putty
• Burn-in sticks

You may also want to try some cost-effective DIY hacks, like toothpaste and melted crayons.

Best Ways to Remove Scratches From Laminate Flooring

1. Apply Filling Pencils and Markers

One of the first things you should try when attempting to remove scratches from your laminate floors is to use a filling pencil. Filling pencils are often used for repairing scratches on wood, and they work just as well on laminate floors!

You should be able to find a filling pencil at your local hardware store or online. Be sure to pick one that matches the color of your floor (try to get it as close as possible.) Luckily, most brands offer them in many different colors.

Before filling in the scratch, prepare the floor by cleaning it. Sweep it free of dirt and wipe it down with a wet cloth. Once the area is fully dry, apply the filling pencil directly into the scuff or scratch. The marks should disappear.

2. Apply Melted Crayon

If the filling pencil doesn’t work for you, you may want to try using melted crayons. Crayons are made of wax, and when melted, it will work well to fill in any scratches or dents in your laminate floors.

Find a crayon that matches the color of your laminate flooring, and then melt it either in a microwave or over the stove.

Just like with the filling pencil, you will want to prepare your floor by cleaning it. Sweep away any dust or debris, and then wipe it down with a wet towel. Allow the area to dry before proceeding.

Apply the melted crayon into the scratch or scuff mark, and once it cools, it should look good as new.

3. Apply Colored Putty

Another method to try and repair your scratched laminate flooring is to apply colored putty. You can purchase this at most hardware stores, and it is easy to use.

Prepare the colored putty, and then use a putty knife to apply it onto the floor. You will want to be sure to scrape up any excess putty before it hardens.

4. Use Burn-In Sticks

Another option to help you remove the scratches from your laminate floors is to use burn-in sticks. Burn-in sticks come with laminate floor repair kits. It’s a special kind of filling that you apply to your floor with an electric knife.

Prepare the area by sweeping away debris and wiping it down with a towel. Once the area is prepped, begin by melting the wax sticks with a burn-in knife. All of these materials should be provided in your floor repair kit.

The wax should match the color of your laminate floors as closely as it can. Once the wax melts and becomes more creamy, scoop it onto the burn-in knife and apply the melted wax at the top of the scratch, spreading it into the hole.

For best results, do this all in one smooth motion. Stopping along the way as you are spreading the wax will cause an uneven fill, and look visually displeasing.

5. Use Toothpaste

It sounds crazy — but toothpaste is an option to consider for repairing your laminate floors! It’s an old hack, and cost-effective, as you most likely have toothpaste lying around your house.

Toothpaste works best for minor scratches. Use a dab of toothpaste with WD 40 on the scratch mark. You should see them disappear!

When you are done dabbing the toothpaste, use water and vinegar to clean off any greasy residue. Your floor should be looking as good as new!

6. Replace the Damaged Plank

The last method of attack for repairing damaged laminate floors is to replace the damaged plank. You may have some leftover laminate planks from when you originally installed your flooring.

If you don’t have any spare planks, you may need to purchase them. The great part about laminate flooring is that you can replace the damaged plank without redoing the entire floor.

But the best thing to do to remove scratches from your floors is to prevent them in the first place.

7. Tip: Avoid Abrasive Material

When removing scratches from your laminate floorings, you do not, under any circumstance, want to sand, buff, or scour your floors. Do not take steel wool or anything abrasive to your floors. This will only damage the top layer of the laminate further.

Be as gentle as possible. Try to fill in pencils, burn-in sticks, and colored putty first — you should be able to fill in the damage and make your floors good as new.

Preventing Scratches in Your Laminate Floors

Prevention is key to keeping your floors scratch-free. Consider using welcome mats or rugs to protect the surface of your floors.

Implement a No-Shoe Policy

You may also want to implement a no-shoe policy. Shoes can scuff the floors themselves, or carry dirt into your home. Dirt may seem harmless, but it is rather abrasive and can wind up, causing scratches on the surface of your flooring.

Use Furniture Pads or Any Protective Flooring Tool

Another method to prevent scratching your laminate floors is to use furniture pads. Furniture is a major culprit of floor scratching — any time a chair or table is dragged across the floor, it can potentially damage your laminate.

Rubber furniture pads fit beneath the table legs or chair legs. They reduce the chance of scratching when you have to move your furniture around.

Clean Your Floors Regularly

Cleaning your laminate floors regularly is also a great way to prevent scratches, marks, and scuffs. Dirt and debris are huge offenders when it comes to scratched-up floors. Don’t underestimate the power that regular sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping can have when it comes to preserving the integrity of your floors!

Conclusion

That’s all you need to know about removing scratches from your laminate floors! Hopefully, you found the article informative and helpful. Good luck getting out all those scuffs and marks — sometimes, all you need is a little toothpaste.

The post How to Remove Scratches From Laminate Flooring appeared first on HomelyVille.