Flooring San Diego - How to choose the right laminate floors for your home

Dilemma: I want new laminate floors but there are so many options, how do I know which laminate to choose?

Choosing the right laminate flooring may be an overwhelming thought at first, as there are many manufacturers and finishes out there, but here are some tips that will help make this process a smooth one.

Whether you are planning on laying the flooring yourself, or you have already decided to leave it to a professional, the tips covered in this article are sure to be of great value.

There are various different attributes that need to be taken into consideration. These include the thickness of the desired flooring. For example, if you choose to have the thickest option available, that would be approximately 12mm, this would feel similar to a glue down flooring, and set it apart from an 8mm product. The thicker the laminate the less sound resonance you will have. Many premier manufacturers’ offer warranties in excess of twenty years, so think about how long you would like, or expect your flooring to last. For example, if you only plan on residing in your home for five years or so, a lower warranty may suit your needs best. Whereas, if you plan to retire or live in your house for a considerable amount of time, then a high warranty would suit you better. A warranty covers certain defects that may affect your flooring. By choosing a higher quality manufacturer, not only will you receive a longer warranty, but you will also avoid having to tear up your floor years later due to defects that may not be covered by a lower warranty. Therefore, choosing a reliable high quality manufacturer will give you peace of mind. So consider these options, when evaluating your budget and expectations.

Over the last couple of years, laminate flooring has evolved greatly. There are now many styles that make it difficult to differentiate laminate flooring from real wood. Manufacturers now offer high quality hand scraped flooring and wide plank laminates with beveled edges at a fraction of the cost of their engineered counterparts.

With less expensive install and material pricing, these floors generate great value for the customer. While laminate floors are very durable and can provide you with decades of walking pleasure, take into account the traffic use that you intend to have. Bare this in mind when choosing your laminate flooring, as less expensive laminate will not wear as well in these thoroughfares.

We understand that there are many homeowners’ who have no problem diving into a laminate install themselves. Having said that, there are many products that can be offered that make these self installs go more smoothly. There are specific manufacturers that offer a better locking mechanism than others. A click together laminate is much easier to install than your traditional tap and look products. As a DIY though, be wary of products with the padding attached to the back. They can have more issues with joint integrity further down the road.

Floor width and length are factors that many homeowners overlook when choosing laminate flooring. Boards are available in either various, or fixed lengths. Various boards are mixed multiple lengths, whereas fixed boards are all the same length. Widths of the boards come in many different sizes. In addition, there are many different sheens to choose from, and this choice will be based on your personal taste. It is important to note, that the higher the sheen, the more visible dirt will be, although if maintained it will look very pleasant. Less shiny floors are more forgiving, and will stay cleaner for longer. So consider all of this when you are imagining your new space, and the effect that you wish to see.

Please take note all of you DIY experts out there, that before you embark on your installation, the flooring that you choose, must acclimate in your home or garage for at least 72 hours before it is ready to be installed. This is due to the fact that laminate flooring is volatile to temperature and will expand and contract in its initial placement in new surroundings.

By now you will be able to evaluate your needs, and find the product that is tailored for you. Best of luck to you with your home improvement project, and remember at West Coast Flooring we’re always available to answer any questions you may have about San Diego flooring!