Tag: kitchen

Laminated Flooring Vs. Hard Wood Flooring: Which is right for you?

Laminated flooring has become one of the most popular choices in the U.S.A.

During the manufacturing process melamine resin is used at the top and Bottom of each piece to increase durability. It also makes protects the color from fading due to direct sunlight or artificial light sources.

Most manufacturers offer 15 to 30 year guarantee. It varies depending on the brand and the type of flooring.

Stains and most impacts are not a problem for this material. It handles wear and tear better than most other types of wood floors.

By waterproofing it, manufacturers alleviated one of the biggest home owner concerns. As an added bonus, waterproofing it made floor maintenance a no brainer when it comes to cost or complexity. It’s so easy to maintain.

Since laminated floors “float“ on top of other surfaces, installation can be done quickly as long as that surface is leveled.

Laminated floors style variety means they can complement whatever design style you envision. Next time chose laminated floors because:

• They’re cheaper and more durable than hardwood
• You can get a 15 to 30 year warrantee
• They’re waterproof
• They’re easy to maintain
• You have so many styles to choose from

Choose laminated floors. The most appealing choice for a price conscious consumer.

Source
http://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/laminate-flooring-pros-cons/

How Laminated Floors are made.

Water proof laminated flooring is ideal for humid environments.

Easy installation, is one of the main advantages on this material. It can go on top of pre-existing floors. Saving you time and money.

The colors don’t fade with the exposure to sunlight.

Compared to any type of hard flooring the cost vs. benefit is evident. This It easy to maintain material can last approximately 20 years. It’s resistance to cracks and scratches make it the best option for the money.

These floors are manufactured by compacting 4 layers. The top layer is melamine. It acts as the decorative layer. The asfiberboardalong layer is a high density material designed to absorb the impact. The bottom layer is called the stabilizing layers and it’s name explain it’s function, this layer provides the strength and the stability for the laminated board. The second layer, that goes on top of the bottom layer is called the Core Board and it’s job is to provide the structural layer that supports the weight and the stress of the foot traffic. This layers are fused by using 600 pounds of pressure at temperatures of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

This Technological advances y has were made to improve the material durability and water resistant factor. Making it an ideal choice for your next project. waterproof laminated flooring has become a very appealing safe choice for all your flooring needs.

Original source.

Waterproof your kitchen floor; upgrade to Laminate.

Waterproof laminate flooring, is specially designed to withstand the moisture and spills common in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms. It’s the, perfect floor surface for busy homes. Choose this type of flooring and gain these advantages.

It’s Affordable

With lower prices per Sq. It is far more affordable than other options both to acquire and to install. A small to medium-sized kitchen can be completed in as little as a day or two. This means you’ll save money on the installation.

It’s Durable

Waterproof laminate flooring is designed to be durable and hard-wearing. This is particularly beneficial in kitchens; especially those with high traffic of kids and pets coming in and out from the back door.

It Looks Just Like Hardwood

This means there’s no need to compromise on aesthetics in your busy household kitchen.

It’s Easy to Maintain

Most laminates no need for expensive varnishes or waxes and specialist care; a quick sweep with a broom when needed will clear any debris and help prevent scratches from occurring.

Original source.

The 6 Best home flooring options

Replacing the floor in your home? Here are the most popular types of flooring, their cost range, pros and cons, and the rooms for which they’re best suited for.

1. Hardwoods

Costs: High

Depending on the type of hardwoods you go with. Engineered wood will cost you a little less.

Pros: Hardwoods look great and boost a home’s resale value.

Cons: The cost is the largest drawback. Keep it away of wet areas; water can ruin hardwoods.

Best suited for living rooms. It looks good and it’s stylish.

2. Tile

Costs: Low-Mid

There are many different types of tile. It requires professional installation. A project can rack up thousands of dollars depending on the area size.

Pros: Glazed ceramic tile is very durable and resistant to scratches, it’s also water resistant, easy to clean, and stains are not much of a concern.

Cons: Tile can be a bit cold, and heating systems for tile are very expensive. Tile can crack and can be difficult to repair. (keep some of the material in storage in case you need to replace broken tile).

Best suited for: Since tile is water resistant, it is perfect for a bathroom or a kitchen where food and liquids tend to be spilled frequently.

3. Laminate Floor

Cost: Low-mid

Price ranges are variable but you can find it starting from $0.50 to $3 a square foot. If you want it to look good, you will need a professional to do the installation.

Laminate is easy to clean. You can even make your own cheap and natural house cleaners. It is also great for pets because they can’t scratch or stain it.

Cons: Standing water will ruin some laminate flooring. Make sure you choose the water-proof option.

Best suited for: Great for high traffic areas because of it’s durability not recommended for kitchens or bathrooms, since laminate should not get wet. (unless you choose the water resistant kind).

4. Carpet

Costs: Mid-high

Standard carpeting and padding is between $2 and $5 per square foot and you have to add the installation price.

Pros: Carpet is quick and simple to install and can go over uneven subfloors.

Cons: Fiber technology have enabled carpet to be more stain-resistant but it still gets stained. It also needs to be steam-cleaned occasionally to keep it fresh. Additionally, carpet is not good for people with allergies.

Best Suited For: Low traffic rooms, such as bedrooms, to minimize the dirt that gets trapped in it. It also gives bedrooms a more cozy look and feel.

5. Vinyl

Costs: Low-high

Vinyl can cost up to $5 per square foot on the high end. Installation is a couple hundred dollars.

Pros:It is inexpensive compared to some of the other flooring types.

Cons: Vinyl can be made to look like wood or tile but it still does not look as good as the real thing. and it can be a challenge to clean.

Best Suited For: Vinyl is great for a laundry room, it could also work well in bathrooms and the kitchen because of the warmth it adds.

6. Cork

Costs: The range of prices goes from $2 to $8 per square foot.

Pros: Cork is a natural material, so it is environmentally friendly. Also, it’s antimicrobial and resistant to mold, it’s safe for the family.

Cons: Since cork is a natural material, it will fade in direct sunlight. It may get damaged underneath furniture pressure points.

Best suited for: Cork would work great in bedrooms because of it softness and warmth.

Original source.

Tips for Flooring a Bathroom

With so many options available for residential flooring we know deciding  on the right flooring for your space can be hard, particularly  for bathrooms.

Here 10 of the most common types of residential flooring. Starting at worst and building up to the best for bathrooms:

10. Carpet

A carpet in the bathroom is virtually impossible to keep clean, making your floor constantly damp and giving the whole room a dank, musty smell. Avoid it like the plague.

9. Solid Wood

Solid wood flooring it is not recommended for bathrooms. Excess moisture will eventually cause the wood to warp and crack.

8. Laminate Flooring

Water can seep into the seams, causing the under layer of the floor to blister and warp. Choose the water-resistant or waterproof varieties.

7. Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is better than laminate, because it resists more water. Probably not the best for a shower, but it really goes well in a half-bath.

6. Linoleum Tile

It́s a really good option for a bathroom, the only cons are the seams where moisture can seep in and cause warping or separation.

5. Sheet Linoleum

Get the benefits of water-resistant linoleum without the problems of individual tiles.

4. Vinyl Tile

Made from waterproof plastic, it’s a really good choice for bathrooms. The only potential points of failure are the seams between tiles. Moisture can seep in and cause warping or separation.

3. Ceramic or Stone Tile

Excellent choice for showers, pools and bathtubs; durable, water-resistant and look great. Some models are designed to repel water.

2. Concrete

Concrete flooring is an increasingly popular choice, because it’s durable, can be sealed against water and is available in a variety of colors and tints.

1. Sheet Vinyl

Perhaps the best choice for a bathroom. Resistant to steam, humidity, and moisture, water will not be able to penetrate the surface of this material to do damage to the subfloor. Vinyl is also resistant to dirt, stains, scratches, and punctures, although it can be pierced if heavy furniture legs are not outfitted with protective pads.

Original source.