Plank / Laminate flooring
Laminate is a layered plank with a printed wood image under a hard, clear wear surface. It feels firmer than vinyl plank and resists scratches well, which is why it is popular in bedrooms, offices, dens and upstairs rooms where the floor sees chairs, toys and daily foot traffic but few spills.
Like vinyl plank, laminate floats. It is not glued or nailed down, so it moves slightly with the seasons as the indoor air changes. That is why a gap is left at every wall and hidden under the trim, and why we take time to set the first row dead straight off the longest wall.
How the work goes
Rest and prepare
Boxes rest in the room as the maker asks. Meanwhile we lift the old floor and check the base.
Underlayment
Foam underlayment rolls out wall to wall, with seams taped so it does not shift.
Rows
The first row is set straight off a line. Each row after clicks in with joints offset from the last.
Trim and thresholds
Spacers come out, trim goes on, and transitions are set where the laminate meets another floor.
Laminate or vinyl plank?
Both are floating floors with a wood look. Laminate usually has a harder surface and a more convincing wood texture, and it feels solid underfoot. Vinyl plank is softer, quieter and more forgiving of spills.
A simple rule we use: bedrooms, offices and living rooms that stay dry are a natural fit for laminate. Kitchens, entries and laundry rooms usually go to vinyl plank or tile. Many homes use both, with a clean threshold between them.
Sound and comfort
Laminate can sound hollow if the base is uneven or the underlayment is thin. A good underlayment and a flat base make it quiet. In upstairs rooms, an underlayment with sound reduction keeps footsteps from carrying to the room below.
In winter the floor can feel cool. A rug with a pad made for hard floors adds warmth in bedrooms and keeps the surface protected under the bed and the desk chair.
Care
Sweep or use a soft vacuum head. Clean with a barely damp mop and a cleaner made for laminate. Wipe spills soon and keep felt pads on furniture legs. Laminate does not need wax or polish.
Questions about laminate flooring
Can laminate go in a kitchen?
In a dry kitchen with quick cleanup some people choose it. If spills tend to sit, vinyl plank or tile is a safer choice.
Why do you leave a gap at the walls?
Laminate expands and shrinks a little with the seasons. The gap lets it move without buckling, and the trim covers it.
Can laminate go on stairs?
Yes, with matching stair nosing, though it takes more time than a flat room. Many people put laminate in the rooms and pick stair treads that match.
How long does one room take?
A typical bedroom is done in a day, including trim. Rooms that need a lot of leveling can take longer.
