BKC Solutions Corner

Even though hardwood and carpet are two of the most popular choices when it comes to flooring ideas, they are sometimes unsuitable.  Spaces like the kitchen, or garage, commonly demand a greater degree of durability and resilience.  Carpet absorbs stains and moisture too easily, producing a spotted looking surface that may also attract odors.  Wood floor covering offers a tougher surface than carpet, but it also falls prey to moisture.  A moist hardwood gradually warps and cracks.  After many years of expansion and contraction, moisture damage can really degrade the appearance of a hardwood floor.

Areas in which water damage and accidents occur can cause scratching or gouging in the flooring as well.  Laminate flooring is a great answer to all these problems and more.  With a laminate floor, decorators can have the classic appeal of hardwood if they so desire, while avoiding many of the typical pitfalls.  Laminate flooring is largely impervious to moisture problems and will not absorb water.  Stains are not an issue, and as long as they are cleaned up promptly, will cause no lasting damage at all. Best of all, laminate flooring is very well priced, and can be found in a large selection of shades, colors, and styles. 

Laying down laminate flooring is also a fairly simple DIY home improvement project.  As soon as a set of tiles can be unwrapped, check each to ensure that each tile is intact.  Once certain that the entire package is intact, give the tiles a few days to acclimate to their new atmosphere.  There may be some contraction or expansion that occurs when the laminate flooring tiles arrive in a new setting. 

Be sure to follow all manufacturer guidelines that are included with the tile packaging.  Specific instructions on how to glue the tiles are very important, and can affect the overall aesthetic quality and durability of the end product.  It is also important to give the tile a quarter inch between wall and flooring.  Although a great number of tools aren’t required for in home installation, you may have to cut the tiles to fit around corners, fireplaces, stairs, etc.  A wet tile saw would definitely be adequate to cut laminate flooring.

Having a level surface for installation is also crucial.  Be sure to fill any holes in the subflooring, or sand away any protruding areas that might stick up afterward.