Laminate flooring is one of the fastest growing flooring categories. This type of flooring has been used widely in Europe for over 20 years. Laminate floors are related to laminate counter tops, such as Formica., but do not let that fact deceive you.

Laminate floors are incredibly durable and are available in many wood or tile looks.

Stop by an Alexanian store for a look at the latest laminate flooring styles!

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a tongue and groove interlocking flooring system that floats on top of an existing subfloor. The subfloor could be wood, a concrete slab, an existing vinyl floor or many other existing flooring types. The word "floating" means the laminate floor is not attached to the floor underneath.


Above: Laminate floor details, wood and tile examples

Laminate flooring is made up of a hard core material that is laminated between a top printed layer and a special backing. The boards are saturated in plastic-type resins. Laminate floors are quite similar to "Formica" type counter tops. What makes this a great flooring system is the extremely tough melamine resins in the wearlayer combined with the floating installation method.

Laminate Floors are Tuff!

Some laminate manufacturers boast a hardness 10 times that of traditional wood floors. The resin-filled wearlayer is so dense that it becomes extremely difficult to stain, scratch, or even burn with a cigarette. It is possible to scratch any of the floors but you really need to try hard. Many laminate floors have a wood grain appearance. Newer more abstract designs are coming to the market, such as sandstone, marble, and accents. Although most of the laminate floors are made in long rectangular shaped planks there are some square tiles also made.

A unique aspect about this process is that the printed film technology used can create an extremely realistic looking hardwood floor in any hardwood species. This allows for a unique visual look. Because laminate floors are so dense, they are easy to keep clean. All that is really required is vacuuming, dust mopping, and maybe a damp towel. Most laminate floors have a 10 to 25 year residential warranty against staining, wearing, and fading.

Laminate Flooring Installation Tips

Every laminate flooring manufacturer has their own installation procedures. You must always follow these installation procedures precisely. This is important in order to not void any warranty.  But first you must have a flat sub floor to lay the planks over. Flat means no more than 1/8 inch variance over 8 feet. This is generally the industry standard.  Before installation the laminate flooring should also be allowed to acclimate to its final surroundings for 2 to 3 days prior to the job installation.

Alexanian's recommends a professional installation. There are many little details that require a certain amount of experience for a good installation.

If you wish to try a Do It Yourself installation, most manufacturer's have detailed installation information.

Generally all that is required for laminate floors is vacuuming, dust mopping, and occasionally a damp towel. Consult the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedures for further details. Some manufacturers offer special cleaning and touch-up solutions.

There is also a technique for replacing severely damaged boards. Check the manufacturers guidelines for the precise way of doing this. It usually requires saved boards from the original installation. If you do not know the manufacturers, Alexanian's can recommend an installer who may be able to help.

Care and Maintenance of Laminate Floors

Generally all that is required for laminate floors is vacuuming, dust mopping, and occasionally a damp towel. Consult the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedures for further details. Some manufacturers offer special cleaning and touch-up solutions.

There is also a technique for replacing severely damaged boards. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for the precise way of doing this. It usually requires saved boards from the original installation. If you do not know the manufacturers, Alexanian's can recommend an installer who may be able to help.

Alexanians carries a wide selection of quality oriental and area rugs from around the world. Online or in our Ontario, Canada stores.
Shop by area rug type: hand-knotted area rugs, machine-made area rugs, tufted area rugs, Braided, Sisal, & Shag area Rugs, Outdoor and Patio Area Rugs.
And we service what we sell with carpet and area rug cleaning.


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