Laminate Flooring Tips from a Nemeth Family Interiors Expert

Laminate flooring is an increasingly popular, durable, and stylish choice. To ensure your new floor looks fantastic and lasts its full lifespan, our experts at Nemeth Family Interiors have compiled the essential installation and maintenance tips.

Essential Installation Steps

While professional installation is recommended for guaranteed results, these factors are key to a successful job:

• Acclimation is Critical: Laminate planks must sit in the room for at least 48 hours before installation. This allows the material to adjust to your home’s environment, preventing warping or gapping after installation.

• Flawless Subfloor: The subfloor must be perfectly clean, dry, and level. Any unevenness will compromise the integrity of the floating floor system and lead to premature wear.

• Underlayment and Vapor Barrier: A quality underlayment is necessary for cushioning, noise reduction, and moisture protection. For concrete subfloors or basements, a separate vapor barrier is essential.

• Maintain the Expansion Gap: Laminate is a floating floor and needs a small gap (typically $3/8$ inch) around the room’s perimeter to expand and contract. This gap is hidden by baseboards and trim.

Maintenance Do’s and Don’ts

Follow these simple rules to protect the wear layer and maximize the lifespan of your laminate floor:

Do’s ✅

• Sweep or Vacuum Regularly: Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a soft floor attachment to remove gritty dirt, which can scratch the surface.

• Use a Damp Mop: Clean your floors with a very slightly damp microfiber mop or a cleaning system specifically approved for laminate.

• Wipe Spills Immediately: Prompt cleanup is the best way to prevent any moisture from seeping into the seams.

• Protect the Surface: Use area rugs at entryways to trap dirt and place felt pads on all furniture legs.

Don’ts 🚫

• Do Not Use a Wet Mop or Steam Cleaner (unless your floor is specifically rated for it). Excess water can cause seams to swell.

• Do Not Use Abrasive Tools or Cleaners: Avoid steel wool, harsh chemicals, bleach, or ammonia, as these can strip and dull the protective layer.

• Do Not Wax or Polish: Laminate has a protective finish and does not need, nor should it receive, waxing or polishing.

• Do Not Drag Heavy Furniture: Always lift and carry heavy items to prevent gouges and chips.

For the best selection of quality laminate from trusted brands like Mohawk and Mannington, and for expert, guaranteed installation, call or visit Nemeth Family Interiors today!