Home Depot Laminate Wood Flooring - WoodProGuide.com (2023)

It Can Stand Up To Anything

How to Install Laminate Flooring | The Home Depot

Due to its layered method of production, laminate is one of the best materials on the market for high-traffic areas. High-quality laminate can be counted on to stand up to toy spills in living rooms and soccer cleat stampedes in entryways for at least a decade . However, its still important to take into consideration just how much repetitive motion the flooring will see, particularly when it comes to selecting the finish of the top wear layer.

TrafficMASTER Lansbury Oak 7 mm Thick x 8.03 in. Wide x 47.64 in. Length Laminate Flooring

The rule of thumb is to save high gloss laminate for less-busy spaces, and choose a more forgiving finish like something low gloss, embossed, or one thats been hand-scraped to look like wood for places where a dog-and-cat wrestling match might break out.

Due to its method of production, laminate is one of the best materials on the market for high-traffic areas.

Trafficmaster Flooring Reviews Also Say Its Durable Enough

TrafficMaster flooring reviews say the durability is acceptable it should handle ordinary wear and tear for the bulk of its lifespan. However, dont expect it to look pristine years after installation.

Remember, this is a budget floorits meant to substitute the look of the most durable wood flooring, not the performance.

Installing Pergo Outlast+ Laminate Flooring

First off, this is a floating floor system designed for placement over a flat surfaceeither wood or concrete. We had a house full of tileand that meant some serious demo. To facilitate this, we enlisted a few friends AND a Makita rotary hammer with floor scraper attachment. Theres simply no way to remove tile without some serious dust and debris. To keep the dust out of the adjoining rooms, we opted to use the ZipWall ZipDoor kit. We reviewed this system back in 2013, and it remains one of the simplest solutions for controlling dust from one room to another. ZipWall has since added new commercial products, and the line has expanded significantly over the last few years.

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Pergo Outlast Laminate Flooring Review

One of the reviewers at Pro Tool Reviews bought a rental home with a large tiled area. The tile occupied both the living and dining areas. Trouble was, the former owners used two different tiles, and the job was definitely sub-par. Fortuitously, The Home Depot had just started carrying the new Pergo Outlast laminate flooring . As the press release came across my desk, I wondered if this might be a good solution to change the look of that home. Pergo laminate flooring might just do the trick.

While tile floors are durable, they also result in several negative characteristics. First, they make a home sound very harsh when talking or even watching TV. Second, tile is hard on your feet, so walking on tile is no fun when it covers half your home. For bathrooms and kitchens we say, rock on, but for a living and dining room, wood or engineered wood is much better.

Does Home Depot Installation Include Floor Removal

Home Depot Laminate Wood Flooring - WoodProGuide.com (1)

One of the advantages of Home Depot flooring installation is that it includes the cost of removing the old flooring.

When the licensed workers come to your home to complete the installation, first they will remove all of the furniture, then they will remove the old flooring. Home Depot takes responsibility for disposing of the old flooring.

This is a big advantage because you will not need to worry about removing and disposing of old flooring yourself, which can be costly.

The laborers will also perform clean-up, removing any debris and mess from the home after they complete the installation of the new flooring.

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Home Depot Flooring Installation Process

One of the advantages of choosing Home Depot is that it has a streamlined process that is guaranteed to run smoothly. Home Depotâs installation process is designed for maximum efficiency and consumer control over the whole process.

First, a technician will come to measure the area. Before the appointment, be sure to clear the area of the floor and on the walls to allow for easy measurement. Measurement appointments can be booked online, in a store, or by phone.

After measurement, a flooring specialist will contact you to review your individualized quote and schedule an installation date.

To prepare for installation, clear the area off decor, furniture, items, and unplug all electronics.

Home Depot will move larger items such as sofas or tables and dressers, but be sure to remove all items off of these furniture pieces to allow for easy moving.

If the item requires disassembly, you may be charged an additional fee. Also, Home Depot may not move fragile items such as china cabinets.

The installation process will create a certain amount of noise and debris, so it is a good idea to keep all children and pets far away from the area being worked on. Luckily, the installation process should not take longer than a day or two, at most.

After the installation is complete, the installers will clean up and remove debris from the area, as well as move back in large furniture items.

Trafficmaster Laminates Minimum Acclimation Period Is 2 Days

TrafficMaster laminate flooring has an acclimation period of 2 whole days. Basically, this means the floor has to adjust to the environment of the room itll live in before it can be installedotherwise, it might warp or crack once the humidity or temperature changes.

Many laminate floors have acclimation periods, but 1 day is closer to the norm. Then again, hardy premium products often dont need to acclimate at all.

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Maintenance For Trafficmaster Laminate Is Effortless

The Use and Care Manual for TrafficMaster flooring recommends using dust mops or vacuumsand thats about all there is to it.

While TrafficMaster laminate is not water-resistant, Home Depot says you can use a water-based laminate cleaner for more thorough cleaning so long as you immediately dry any wet spots.

Just remember: do not use a vacuum with a beater bar. It will absolutely destroy the surface of your laminate.

Were Focusing On Trafficmaster Laminate Flooring

Bruce Mineral Wood Laminate Flooring | The Home Depot

Again: all 3 of Home Depots in-house brands offer both laminate and vinyl plank.

TrafficMaster is largely seen as Home Depots flagship in-house laminate brand, while LifeProof is largely seen as the stores flagship in-house vinyl brand.

With that in mind, were going to be focusing this review on TrafficMaster laminate flooring only. Were not talking about laminate made by Home Decorators Collection or LifeProof . If you do want a breakdown of LifeProof vinyl flooring reviews, click that link.

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Home Depot Flooring Installation Costs

The installation charge, the material selected, the complexity of the project, and the underlay cost are all taken into account when calculating the price of flooring installation.

Weve outlined the projects average cost based on a variety of materials in the table below.

  • Floating Laminate Floor

There is an installation fee of about $2, a material cost of $1.50 per square foot, and an underlayment of about 30 cents in the cost of laminate flooring per square foot.

  • Installation of tiles

Including materials and labor, a full tile installation typically costs between $1,000 and $1,500.

Setting materials cost $1.37 per square foot, and the cost of installation is approximately $6.50 per square foot.

  • Flooring Made of Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is more expensive than other types of flooring, with an average project cost of $3,600 when used in large rooms like kitchens.

Vinyl tile or plank click-lock installation costs as little as $2 per square foot, whereas sheet vinyl costs $15 per square yard.

  • Flooring Made of Wood

Home Depots most popular flooring installation is hardwood.

An average cost of roughly $7.80 per square foot is based on materials costing $3.80 per foot and installation costs of $4.

In the same way, engineered wood costs $3.50 per square foot, supplies are $2.40, and underlayment is 50 cents.

  • Carpeting for the Floor

Price is determined by the type of carpet, the amount of padding utilized, and the labor fee for carpet installation

The Best Way Is To Sort By Color Family And Species

We found that the easiest way to sort through TrafficMasters catalog is to filter the results in one of 2 ways:

  • Color Family: Brown, Gray, Tan, or Yellow
  • Species: Oak, Hickory, Pecan, Brazilian Cherry, or Teak

You can also sort by Style, Plank Size, and Gloss, but they dont eliminate many products from the list. Most of the catalog mimics wide plank wood flooring, and there are relatively few gloss options offered.

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The 7mm And 8mm Options Are Suitable For Low

Where TrafficMaster laminate flooring really excels is low-traffic areas. Were not saying you cant walk on it, but high-traffic use will wear the floor down much faster.

If you need a small amount of flooring to line a walk-in closet or replace some aging floors in a low-use summer property, TrafficMaster can get the job done at a steep discount.

Home Depot Carpet Flooring Installation

Home Depot Laminate Wood Flooring - WoodProGuide.com (2)

Home Depot carpet installation ensures your installers are certified, your materials and installation is protected with a limited lifetime warranty, and most importantly, that your carpet is properly installed.

First, you will choose from a selection of indoor carpeting listed on the Home Depot website.

You can order carpet samples online or visit a local Home Depot to browse carpet samples to get a good sense of what each carpet looks like.

Next, professionals will come to your home and measure the area that you want carpeted. They will also take note of any unique features or layouts that may require specialized tools for installation to ensure that the installation process runs smoothly.

After the area has been measured, you will be able to view quotes and price estimates for the carpet and installation costs.

Home Depot offers several financing options to help make the process easier. Finally, professional licensed installers will come to your home and install the carpet.

Home Depot is responsible for moving furniture as well as disposing of the old carpeting or flooring.

Generally speaking, Home Depot will be able to install a carpet in less than one work day.

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Why Trust The Spruce

Lee Wallender has over 13 years of experience in researching, reviewing, and writing about home remodeling, improvement, and design. He has over 20 years of hands-on experience in improving homes. Lee has written for or been cited in People, Forbes Advisor, Huffington Post, Toolmonger, BuzzFeed, ABC News, Chicago Tribune, and Cleveland Plain Dealer.

How To Install Trafficmaster Laminate

Trafficmaster laminate flooring can either be glued down or floated, which is pretty standard for most floorslaminate, vinyl plank, even some engineered hardwood

Glue-down laminate flooring is exactly what it sounds like, and you install it in the same way youd install glue-down hardwood or glue-down vinyl plank flooring. The advantage here is that you can lay planks down in any pattern you want. Want to get cool wood floor patterns like chevron or herringbone parquet flooring? This is the installation style for you.

As for floating TrafficMaster laminate, the process is even easier : simply attach planks together using the provided locking system and then place them down over the underlayment. Voila! A snap-together floating floor.

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Is Home Depot Flooring Removal Included In The Installation

Removing an old floor, disassembling it, and reinstalling the new one are all components of Home Depots flooring installation service.

Once the installation is complete, the contractor will clean up the site of any leftover trash and mess.

The entire installation should take one day to complete if these procedures are followed.

Pergo Outlast+ Laminate Flooring Finishes

Types of Laminate Flooring | The Home Depot

There are 7 different Pergo laminate flooring finishes available in the Outlast+ line:

  • Vintage Pewter Oak
  • Vintage Tobacco Oak

Each has its own attractive look, but you can easily compare them in-store and see which you like for your room. A quick visual sampling of the options follows:

Each board measures 10 mm thick, 6-1/8 inches wide, and 47-1/4 inches long. You get just over 16 sq. ft. of laminate flooring per case. The flooring has an AC 4 rating , which designates it as suitable for commercial and general traffic. Its good enough to be used in an office, boutique, or cafe. For the home, the durable should hold up under expected trafficunless you park your car in your living room!

When Pergo designed the Outlast+ line they took into account how many people today view remodeling tasksthey want it simple. To make things easier, Pergo Outlast boards include the underlayment already attached. All you really need to do, is open up the box and install it.

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How Much Does Home Depot Charge To Install Laminate Flooring

By David KrugDavid Krug is the CEO & President of Bankovia. He’s a lifelong expat who has lived in the Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, and Colombia. When he’s not reading about cryptocurrencies, he’s researching the latest personal finance software.5 minute read

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Vinyl, hardwood, laminate, waterproof, and wood-look flooring are all available at Home Depot, the nations largest home improvement retailer.

Its possible that youre wondering if Home Depot offers flooring installation in addition to the purchase of flooring? Continue reading to find out what Ive discovered!

Trafficmaster Laminate Is Made By Several Different Companies

Pinning down who makes which version of TrafficMaster laminate flooring is surprisingly difficult. Some third-party sites suggest that the bulk of TrafficMaster laminate flooring is made by Shaw, one of the best hardwood floor brands, but theres not much to substantiate these claims.

This probably wont be a problem for most buyers but it may make it hard to determine if a particular product is made in the USA or elsewhere.

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What Other Installation Services Does Home Depot Provide

All of Home Depots clients have access to installation, repair, and remodeling services.

Home Depot can help you with a variety of installation needs, including:

  • Systems for heating and air conditioning
  • A homes kitchen
  • Hardware for the doors

Now that you know about Home Depots installation services, you may also view our related topics on whether or not Home Depot cuts tiling, if Home Depot cuts blinds, and if Home Depot produces window screens.

Home Depot Tile Flooring Installation

Home Depot Laminate Wood Flooring - WoodProGuide.com (3)

Installing tile flooring can be an extensive process but with Home Depot the process is simple. The first step is picking your tile flooring.

Home Depot carries a wide selection of tile flooring choices, so you will be able to peruse their website or a brick and mortar store to choose the one that works best for you.

Next, a certified technician will come to your home, take measurements, and get a sense of the room that tile is being installed in, usually a kitchen or bathroom.

Once the room has been measured, you can receive your personalized quote. Tile is one of the more expensive flooring options per square foot, costing about $5.50 per square foot on average, so be prepared for a higher quote than you may expect.

However, homeowners tend to install tile over smaller areas of the home than they do other options such as vinyl flooring, so the cost may be less for the total project than other flooring types.

After reviewing the quote you can make your final purchase. Afterwards, you will schedule an appointment for the final installation, which should take less than a day to complete.

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Trafficmaster Is A Home Depot Brand But Other Companies Actually Make The Floors

While TrafficMaster is a Home Depot in-house brand, its floors are actually made by other big-name brands like Armstrong.

If this sounds familiar, its probably because Home Depot does the very same thing with another in-house flooring product: LifeProof vinyl flooring, which is made by Halstead New England Industries.

This is a common practice known as white labeling, in which a companys products are actually manufactured by a 3rd party. Other examples of this include Floor & Decors NuCore flooring and Lowes SmartCore flooring.

Best Overall: Pergo Timbercraft + Wetprotect Waterproof Anchor

Lowe’s

  • Limited design selection

  • No attached underlayment

Pergo invented laminate flooring. In 1977, Swedish company Perstorp brainstormed this novel concept and put it into the first homes three years later. The word Pergo itself became synonymous with laminate flooring. Not content to rest on its laurels, Pergo has been on the move since its inception: changing corporate hands several times, adding factories, and introducing innovative products.

Today’s Pergo products have crisp, deep embossing and images and colors with close fidelity to the original material. This is manifested in products like wide laminate planks that look similar to real hardwood planks or tiles that look like travertine, marble, or slate.

Pergo’s TimberCraft and TimberCraft Elite are the standout Pergo laminates due to their verisimilitude to real wood in combination with reasonable pricing. Though the TimberCraft core is compressed fiberboard, the flooring is rated as being waterproof and acceptable for steam mopping.

With high-definition imaging and deep embossing, TimberCraft not only looks like real wood but also has twice the number of uniquely imaged boards. This means less of a chance of repetitive patterning. TimberCraft offers 18 styles of wood-look laminate flooring, so you can find the right one to fit your style.

AC Rating: 4 | Warranty: Limited lifetime | Transferable Warranty: No| Thickness: 12mm

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FAQs

What is a common problem with laminate flooring? ›

Laminate flooring is tough material but it can chip, especially along exposed edges. Installation or other issues that result in gaps make the flooring vulnerable to chipping.

How much does it cost to put laminate flooring in a 12x12 room? ›

Average Total Project Cost: $3.80 - $4.80 per sq. ft. Installation: $2.00 - $3.00 per sq. ft.

Should you use Pine Sol on laminate flooring? ›

Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner is safe for use on laminate floors. Just choose your favorite scent — we like using Original Pine on laminate floors.

What is the best thickness for laminate wood flooring? ›

Thicker laminate flooring doesn't mean it's more durable. It will, however, be more resistant to warping and other conditions. A thickness of 8 to 12 mm is one of the most advised thickness levels for laminate flooring.

What is the downside of laminate? ›

Not moisture-proof

Being made of wood, laminate flooring is not impervious to the effects of moisture. Therefore, it's not suitable as a hard flooring for bathrooms and should be used with caution in kitchens or laundries. Light surface water for cleaning shouldn't cause issues, but saturation must be avoided.

Where should you not use laminate flooring? ›

Because the inner core of the material is made with wood or fiberboard that is susceptible to moisture damage, installations in any room with a floor drain or sump pump should be avoided. This also applies to bathrooms and laundry rooms; however, kitchen installation is more feasible.

Is vinyl plank better than laminate plank? ›

While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.

How much does it cost to install 1000 square feet of laminate flooring? ›

On average, it costs between $6,000 and $14,000 to install laminate flooring in a 1,000-square- foot space.

How long does laminate flooring last? ›

Laminate flooring lasts between 15 to 25 years on average. The exact lifespan will vary depending on the product quality of your floor, how well you maintain and care for it and the overall wear-and-tear it receives. In some cases, laminate floors can last over 25 years.

What is the number one cleaner for laminate floors? ›

Overall, the best laminate floor cleaner is Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner Spray, because it's easy to use, removes dirt and grime, and leaves no streak behind.

What is the best all purpose cleaner for laminate floors? ›

Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner is our top choice as the best overall cleaner for laminate floors for their newly improved formula, affordability, quick-drying time, and versatility. We also love that this cleaner is EPA Safer Choice-certified and comes in two scent options: lemon mint and unscented.

What cleaners should not be used on laminate floors? ›

What not to use to clean laminate floors? It's important to steer clear of harsh tools and abrasive cleaners, such as bleach and ammonia, which can cause irreversible damage even if heavily diluted. You'll also want to skip acetone and nail polish remover, even if you think it could get rid of a stain.

Which is better 8mm or 12mm laminate flooring? ›

12mm is much more impact resistant than 8mm. Sharp items that accidentally fall on a thicker base will have very little effect on it. That's the reason why people prefer 12mm laminate in high traffic areas.

What is better 10mm or 12mm laminate? ›

Of course, you could argue that the 10mm is just as durable and resistant as the 12mm seeing that there's only a 2mm difference. However, there are advantages of going for the thickest and best quality laminate. 12 mm laminate flooring are the closest you can get to a hardwood look and feel.

What to look for when buying laminate flooring? ›

Look for an option that is extra durable and has a scratch-resistant finish. Check the AC rating on laminate flooring—this stands for abrasion criteria and it's the rating system used to test for durability, abrasion and impact resistance. In lower traffic areas you can use a lower rating.

What is better than laminate? ›

Vinyl flooring clearly is a better choice in high-moisture environments than laminate flooring, making it an excellent choice in bathrooms.

Does laminate devalue a house? ›

Whether laminate will increase or decrease a home's value will also depend on what flooring was there before. If the laminate replaces old, worn carpet or sheet vinyl, you could see a value boost.

Why not to buy laminate flooring? ›

The inability to sand and refinish is a major disadvantage of laminate flooring. If laminate flooring is heavily worn, deep scratched, or grooved, it cannot be sanded or refinished like solid hardwood—it must be replaced.

Will Swiffer ruin laminate floors? ›

Yes, you can use a wet Swiffer or Swiffer WetJet on laminate floors. "The wet Swiffer is best for quickly cleaning small spaces," Forte says.

How can you tell if laminate flooring is good quality? ›

Good-quality laminate floorboards should lock together seamlessly and create a flat surface – if the edges seem rough or uneven it may cause installation issues, so look for a precision-machined edge.

Do you have to put anything under laminate wood flooring? ›

Some laminate flooring planks come with the underlayment attached to each plank. Underlayment is not optional. If your laminate planks don't have it already attached, we recommend that you buy rolls of underlayment on which to install your laminate floor.

What cost more luxury vinyl plank or laminate? ›

Generally speaking, vinyl can cost as low as $1.00 or even $. 50 per square foot for glue-down vinyl flooring and $3.00 to $5.00 per square foot for LVT planks. Similarly, laminate ranges from $1.00 per square foot for thin planks and around $3.00 to $5.00 per square foot for lower-end 12 mm-thick planks.

What is more expensive laminate or vinyl plank? ›

#5 Laminate is overall more affordable.

The initial costs associated with laminate flooring are typically lower than that of vinyl, with labor and materials starting at around $1 per square foot for laminate (versus $2 per square foot for vinyl).

What is the disadvantage of vinyl plank? ›

Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl doesn't feel quite as comfortable to walk on if barefoot. Vinyl won't look as luxurious as natural hardwood. Vinyl wood plank floors are not able to be refinished. LVP flooring if glued down can be very hard to remove if you ever want to replace.

Is laminate flooring the same as Pergo? ›

Pergo is the flooring brand that invented laminate flooring. Founded in 1977, has since expanded its offerings to sell hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in addition to laminate.

How long does it take to install laminate flooring? ›

It typically takes one to two days after the acclimation period to install a new floor, depending on subfloor conditions.

Which is cheaper carpet or laminate? ›

When it comes to the cost of these two types of flooring, laminate flooring is more expensive than carpeting. For example, the average cost of installing laminate flooring in a 500-square-foot home is around $2,000, while the average cost of installing carpeting is about $1,500.

What is the best time to buy laminate flooring? ›

Whether you're buying hardwood, laminate, or tile, there's a best time to buy flooring to get a good deal. In fact, it's usually right around the New Year. The difference in flooring is it's not because new models are coming out, and stores want to get rid of new product. It's because demand is lower.

What time of year is best to install laminate flooring? ›

The fall months are the ideal time! Some new flooring materials such as laminates, hardwoods, and luxury vinyl tiles will need to acclimate a day or two inside the home before being laid.

Can you use a spray mop on laminate flooring? ›

To help control how wet your floors get, spray mops are a smart choice for your cleaning routine. “A good spray mop with a microfiber mophead is perfect for laminate as it offers a quick clean that won't damage the finish,” Cohoon shares.

Is Murphy's Oil soap good for laminate floors? ›

Never use Murphy Oil Soap or similar products to damp mop wood or laminated floors. Oil soaps leave a film on floors that dull and damage the finish. Remove the film by mopping with one-half cup distilled white vinegar per gallon of water and a clean terry towel.

How do I get my laminate floors to shine? ›

Ways to Bring Back the Shine to Your Laminate Floors
  1. Sweep and vacuum the floors. Use a microfiber mop or a soft broom to sweep the debris out of the room. ...
  2. Prepare a laminate-formulated floor cleaner. ...
  3. Spray a thin layer onto your floor. ...
  4. Mop the floor. ...
  5. Air-dry the room. ...
  6. Buff any additional dull spots.

Can you use Windex to clean laminate floors? ›

You can either use plain water or dilute some white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Remember to avoid pouring liquid directly on the floor when cleaning. For stubborn spots or areas of buildup, some people turn to glass cleaners like Windex. This method is helpful in a pinch, but use it sparingly and only in small areas.

Is vinegar and water good for cleaning laminate floors? ›

Yes, it is safe to clean most laminate floors with a solution of vinegar and water, which is yet another reason to love vinegar! Mix 1 cup household vinegar with 1 gallon warm water. Use a slightly damp mop. Do not overwet the floor — water is laminate floors' enemy, as it can cause water spots or even warping.

Is dish soap bad for laminate floors? ›

The best way to clean laminate floors is to use products made especially for them. If you don't have laminate floor cleaner, you can use a teaspoon of unscented clear dish soap in a gallon of water. A teaspoon of baby shampoo in a gallon of water will also work. Be careful not to soak the floors.

Can you use Clorox wipes on laminate floors? ›

Because laminate flooring is sensitive to excess moisture, it should only be damp cleaned, making Clorox® Scentiva Disinfecting Mopping Cloths the ideal choice for routine or deep cleaning.

What is the most hard wearing laminate flooring? ›

This is a commercial range and therefore covers any residential use with ease of mind. AC5 Laminate Flooring - This is close to the highest durability level and covers commercial areas that have a high level of footfall e.g. Restaurants, retail spaces, busy offices etc.

Why is my laminate floor peeling? ›

Laminate floor lifting or buckling can be caused by changes in temperature and humidity levels. Use a hammer and chisel or putty knife to remove baseboards or molding near the damaged boards. If spacers were used between the wall and the board closest to it, replace them with smaller spacers.

Do you need underlayment for 12mm laminate? ›

Underlayment for laminate flooring is a must. Since laminate is a floating floor, it must be evenly distributed across your subfloor. Underlayment is what allows the floor to float, gives it stability, support, noise reduction, and supports the locking systems in between planks to assure the sturdiest flooring project.

What is the best thickness of laminate to buy? ›

Thicker laminate flooring doesn't mean it's more durable. It will, however, be more resistant to warping and other conditions. A thickness of 8 to 12 mm is one of the most advised thickness levels for laminate flooring.

How thick should a good laminate floor be? ›

Laminate ranges from 6-mm to 12-mm and, as a rule, it shouldn't be less than 8-mm. If, however, budget is an issue and if your subfloor is level and debris-free, you might be able to get away with 7-mm; keep in mind that subfloor imperfections can telegraph to the surface floor, so make sure it's okay.

Is it better to buy laminate with underlayment attached? ›

Laminate flooring manufacturers typically recommend an underlayment. What happens if you don't put padding under laminate flooring is moisture coming through the subfloor can cause it to warp and mildew. And footsteps on the floor will be louder.

What is considered a good price for laminate flooring? ›

Laminate flooring can vary significantly in price. The national averages are as follows: Laminate: $0.79 to $3.00 per sq. ft. Underlayment: $0.29 to $0.79 per sq. ft.

What color is best for laminate flooring? ›

As most medium laminate floors have warm and yellow undertones, try colours such as yellow, orange or red for harmony. For contrast try a little violet. Walnut is a warm and dark shade, so works well with lighter colours to avoid making the room appear too heavy.

What is the downside to laminate flooring? ›

Not moisture-proof

Being made of wood, laminate flooring is not impervious to the effects of moisture. Therefore, it's not suitable as a hard flooring for bathrooms and should be used with caution in kitchens or laundries. Light surface water for cleaning shouldn't cause issues, but saturation must be avoided.

How long should laminate flooring last? ›

Laminate flooring lasts between 15 to 25 years on average. The exact lifespan will vary depending on the product quality of your floor, how well you maintain and care for it and the overall wear-and-tear it receives. In some cases, laminate floors can last over 25 years. In many cases, it won't last ten.

Why is it so hard to keep laminate floors clean? ›

Despite their durability, though, laminate floors don't respond well to many of the cleaning techniques used on hardwood or vinyl. Harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers can damage the surface, and the buildup from wax or polish can leave your floors looking dull.

How long does it take for laminate flooring to settle? ›

Any new laminate floor product, including Swiss Krono, needs to sit in your house for at least 48 hours in the room it will be installed in order to acclimate or to become accustomed to a new climate or conditions.

Why is my laminate floor spreading? ›

Humidity can make your laminate floor boards shrink or expand a bit. This fluctuation in humidity levels can cause them to click loose and move, resulting in openings between the boards. Fortunately, you don't have to remove the entire floor to close these open joints.

Should you mop laminate floors? ›

Do (carefully) mop your laminate floor every two months. To keep laminate floors fresh, mop them every two months. Damp mops (a.k.a. microfiber mops) are gentle enough to use on laminate floors. If you're going to use a regular mop, just wring it out until it's almost completely dry.

Should you vacuum laminate floors? ›

It's OK to sweep or vacuum your laminate floor as long as you don't vacuum with a beater brush.

Can you walk on laminate straight away? ›

Tiles or planks that are glued down, however, need time to set. This process takes at least 48 hours. Like luxury vinyl, carpet and laminate that is not glued to the subfloor can be walked on immediately. Brands that must be glued down are not ready for furniture for at least 24 hours.

Can you walk on laminate flooring immediately? ›

Before you use your new floor or move into the room, make sure the floor is completely cured. Do not walk on the floor for 24 hours after installation. If you do, it will damage the installation, resulting in an uneven floor.

Why is my new laminate floor buckling? ›

Buckling occurs when laminate flooring does not have enough space to contract and expand with temperature changes. Since it is a floating floor, the planks tend to contract when it is cool and expand when it is warm. Therefore it is crucial to take precautions to prevent buckling.

Why does my laminate floor crackle when I walk on it? ›

Laminate flooring will snap and pop as you walk on it if it's bridging across hollow spots under the flooring. Your weight stresses the interlocking tongues and grooves in the flooring, causing the noise. It's nearly impossible to stop this noise after a laminate floor is installed.

What laminate flooring won't swell? ›

Luxury Vinyl Plank is the most popular form of flooring today for your entire home. It looks and feels just like laminate and hardwood flooring, except it is 100% waterproof; when exposed to water, it won't swell, buckle or lose integrity.

What do you put in the gap between laminate flooring? ›

Any clear or yellow wood glue will work just fine. Invest in a high-strength adhesive to spare yourself followup repairs in the future. Alternatively, you can also use caulk or wood putty to fill in gaps in laminate flooring.

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