FAQs on Laminate Flooring Installation (continued)
Continued from “Answers to Ten of The Most Frequently Asked Questions on Laminate Flooring Installation”
(5) Is It Safe To Install Laminate Flooring On Stairs?
A laminate flooring installation can be done on stairs. In this case however, you don’t need an underlayment.
The flooring planks are adhered to the subfloor with glue. As a finish, stair noses are glued and nailed to the stairs.
Just be very careful if you have been cleaning the flooring. Any dampness may cause the stairs to be extremely slippery.
(6) What Is The AC Rating?
One of the most important aspects of a laminate hardwood floor installation, is matching the flooring to the traffic it will be bombarded with.
Using a low quality, thin floor in a high traffic area will be disastrous. The AC Rating has been devised to help consumers when they have to make a buying decision.
The AC Rating of between 1 and 5 gives an indication of the suitability of the flooring planks for a particular area. In most residential situations, an AC Rating of 3 is high enough to ensure the long term durability of the laminate flooring.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that a higher rating will give your flooring a longer life. While this may be the case, a higher rating also comes with a rougher surface texture that can be tough on bare feet and socks.
(7) I Love A Tiled Look. Is There A Laminate Flooring Option For Me?
A fairly recent development in the laminate flooring installation industry, is the introduction of planks with an extremely authentic ceramic or stone tile appearance, complete with realistic grout lines.
Just imagine getting the tiled look you adore, without any of the grout messes. No more cracking, moldy, discolored grout to spoil your hard work. Just a smooth, multi-hued tiled look clicked together within a day. This truly is a decorating and interior design dream come true.
(8) Doesn’t Laminate Flooring Have A Plastic Look?
With the latest engineering, the days of plastic, fake-looking laminates are over. You will be amazed at the authenticity of the real wood or stone tile designs. Textures can be refined to be completely realistic.
Planks are now beveled to come even closer to the real thing. In addition, weathering has been brought in to give that unique warm and rustic real hardwood appearance.
(9) Do I Need To Acclimate My Laminate Flooring Planks?
Some manufacturers stipulate that the unopened boxes of flooring planks should be stored horizontally in the room where they will be installed, for a period of around 48 hours. This gives the planks a chance to acclimate.
Your supplier should be able to give you the correct instructions. Alternatively, you can go to the manufacturer’s website for more information. Make sure that you allow for this period when you do your planning. Don’t rush into the installation. Follow the instructions to the letter if you don’t want to void your warranty.
(10) What Do I Do If There Is A Nasty Scratch On My Floor?
One of the main benefits of a laminate flooring installation, is that you can repair minor mishaps with ease, and replace a whole section of flooring in the event of a serious calamity.
It is always better to try and prevent scratches by using felt pads under furniture, keeping pet nails trimmed, and avoiding spiked shoes. Entrance rugs are also a good idea, as they catch some of the gravel and grit before it gets onto the flooring. If there are scratches, color-coordinated pens are available to make them less conspicuous.
For more noticeable scratches, a filling putty can be used. Neaten the edges of the area with a small, sharp knife. Fill it with putty, and smooth the surface gently with a plastic scraper. Wipe excess away with a damp cloth and your floor should be as good as new.
Follow the laminate flooring installation guidelines to the letter, give your flooring the tender loving care it deserves, and you will enjoy its good looks for years to come.
About the author: For more information about patio awnings, window blinds and shutters visit awnings-and-blinds.com
