The Hottest Questions About Laminate Flooring

Do you want to know about laminate flooring? Here are some frequently asked questions.

1. I'm thinking about a Stein Multimaster tool. Any one have experience cutting laminate flooring?

I bought one last summer and really not bad.One must master the tool itself.I am not 100% sold on it but I have not mastered it yet.It's really pricey and not a toy for those not using it.Perhaps one day I will get it. My Best

2. What is the name of that laminate flooring that had the aluminum track and was really a great product?

Alloc is right . Sold and installed it. Very good product. Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar GL

3. How do we install new laminate flooring when our old flooring goes under our kitchen cabinets?

unless you paln to remove cabinets, trim away the old flooring at the cabinet's base. just where the old flooring meets the cabinet , install new one up to that point and if need be, use a small wood filler strip along the base to button things up -

4. I found the laminate flooring display called "CAROLINA LIFESTYLES", are they good quality?

My experience tells me that most laminate flooring is not good quality. I believe if you want the look of wood, you should just get real wood floors

5. How to clean and maintain laminate flooring | Tarkett

How to clean and maintain laminate floors Homeowners often choose laminate floors for their durability and low maintenance. At Tarkett, our laminate offers hassle-free maintenance. It has a hard sealed surface, and its overlay is stain, shock and scratch-resistant. Melamine based, it's an excellent barrier against the growth or spread of germs, contributing to a healthy home environment. Our tight locking systems also prevent dust and dirt from getting stuck on the surface and in between planks, so when cleaning time comes, a vacuum and a damp mop with soft detergent are all that's needed. To clean laminate floors simply wipe, vacuum or sweep them with a soft broom or microfiber mop on a daily basis. Once a week, use a damp mop or cloth with warm water and a mild cleaner for a more intense clean. Make sure that you do not use a wet mop, as large amounts of water can damage your laminate and cause it to warp over time. If you've just purchased new laminate floors, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean them. Tips for cleaning stains on your laminate flooring Mop up spills as they occur. Liquids left to stand on laminate floors can cause stains and more severe damage. Remove stains by rubbing them with a dry cloth moistened with a gentle cleaning agent. Never spray a cleaning product directly onto the floor. Remove rubber, plastic and heel marks by rubbing with a dry cloth and acetone. Remove shoe polish, paint and ink with a cloth soaked in acetone, paint thinner or vinegar essence. Remove candle wax and chewing-gum, once hardened, with a blunt plastic scraper. Even though laminate flooring is low maintenance, there are a few basic steps that you can follow to keep them looking better for longer. Clean laminate floors regularly to avoid a build-up of dirt and dust. You can wipe, vacuum or sweep your laminate floor with a soft broom. For a deeper clean, use a damp mop with warm water and a mild detergent. Use doormats at the entrances to prevent dirt and other debris being tracked through your home. Place floor protectors, such as pads and soft castors, under table legs and chairs to prevent scratches and dents. Protect the floor's top layer by avoiding the use of harsh scouring devices or cleaning product - both of which can prematurely wear down the top layer. Clean up spills immediately to avoid standing puddles of liquid. If water, or other liquids, penetrates the surface of your laminate floors, it will cause the boards to swell and the top layer to peel and bubble. Do not drag or slide furniture across your laminate flooring to avoid damage. If your laminate floors get damaged, either from scratches, minor chips or more severe water damage, you can generally repair them yourself using the right tools and techniques. Minor damage to your laminate floors such as nicks, dents or scratches can be repaired with a laminate repair kit. For more severe damage, such as water damage, you need to remove the damaged boards, by either cutting them out or removing the surrounding boards, and lay new ones. How do you make laminate floors shine? Regular cleaning and proper maintenance ensure that your laminate floors remain clean and shiny. However, if you allow dirt and residue to build up, or you use the wrong cleaning products, your laminate floors can start to look dull. If this happens, you need to give your laminate floors a deep clean using warm water and a mild cleaner. Avoid using abrasive scouring devices and harsh soap-based cleaning products, as these will both damage the top layer of the laminate and cause it to lose its shine. Instead, look for products that are specifically meant for laminate floors. Unlike wooden floors, you can not sand back and wax or polish laminate floors. If your laminate floors start to look dull, it's likely due to a build-up of dust and dirt. A good, deep cleaning using water and a mild cleaner should be all that's needed to restore your floor's shine.