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Selecting a laminate floor

Before you decide to purchase laminate flooring, there are a few things you should consider. I this article I am going to talk about the various types of laminate and how they suit ones needs.

Laminate flooring is quickly becoming a floor of choice for many consumers, mostly due to price and durability. The single most important factor when purchasing laminate is whether it is high or direct pressure. (Many retail sales people do not even know the difference.) I will not get into this subject to due to post length. I do recommend however checking out Wilsonart's website to learn about the differences. www.wilsonartflooring.com. The next item to consider is color. Laminate flooring has evolved in the last few years and now more colors are available than ever before. What ever color you decide, choose the color of the floor first. You can always change the color of the paint at a later point. Another question you might ask yourself is, whether or not you want a product that is hand-scraped or distressed. Distressed or hand-scraped laminate floors may just be the most durable cost effective floors in the market today. Laminate floors have evolved to the point where they really do look like real hardwood. Also, laminate flooring is available in a 3-strip profile (butcher block look), two strip and single strip. Many laminate floors now have a beveled edge giving the product a real wood look. For years a square edge laminate was all that was available. Laminate flooring is more kid and pet friendly, making it more suitable for an active home. Laminate floors are fairly easy to install, making it a great option for do-it yourself projects. One last thing to consider is the AC rating for laminate.
Laminate is rated AC1-AC5, AC1 being the least and AC5 being the most durable. Not all laminates are created equal, so be sure to ask questions before purchasing your new floor. If there were one downside to laminate, it would be that it does not add resale value to you home like real hardwood. If you are considering purchasing laminate flooring and would like some some suggestions with regard to product or color, feel free to leave a comment or email me at cooperjm68@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
The Floor Man

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