Laminate flooring is a versatile and affordable home flooring option for many homeowners. It offers the realistic look of hardwood, stone or ceramic without the high price tag associated with the real versions of these materials. Laminate flooring first appeared in the United States in 1994 (invented in Sweden in 1977), making it one of the newest types of home flooring available.

Pros and Cons of a Laminate Floor

Laminate flooring comes in a wide variety of designs and closely resembles real hardwood, stone or ceramic. Installation is relatively painless, and laminate is easy to maintain and highly durable.

Unfortunately, a laminate floor does not respond well to moisture. Water can cause the floor planks to swell or warp, making laminate a poor choice for bathrooms and other high-humidity areas. It also lacks the warmth of real hardwood, and can produce a hollow or creaking sound if improperly installed. In addition, although laminate is very durable, it lacks the longevity provided by natural materials.

How to Install Laminate Flooring

If you’re wondering how to install laminate flooring, you’re in luck: Laminate flooring is simple to install. If you’re relatively handy around the house, there’s no need to hire a professional. Laminate is usually laid over the concrete slab of the house. Check to make sure the slab is absolutely flat before putting down the underlay. If the slab isn’t flat, your floor will creak once it’s finished.

Once you’ve checked the concrete slab for flatness, apply the underlay. The underlay acts as a sound reducer and keeps the laminate dry. Buy the underlay at the same time as your laminate home flooring, and inform your retailer about your installation plans, so you’ll be sure to get the right kind of underlay.

If you’ve decided on “floating” laminate flooring, you don’t have to worry about attaching it to the concrete slab. Floating floors are designed to be laid on top of an existing floor.

Laminate floor planks are designed so they can click into one another. This makes installation a breeze. Most manufacturers provide an installation guide or video to walk you through the process. If you’re unsure about your ability to install the laminate tile flooring properly, consider hiring a professional installation company.

Caring for a Laminate Floor

Use protector pads under your furniture to keep it from scraping and wearing down your laminate floor. Never drag furniture across the floor: Lift and carry it instead. Consider putting an area rug over high-traffic areas to reduce the daily wear and tear on laminate flooring. Since moisture is the enemy of a laminate floor, clean up any spills immediately.

Do not use a wet mop, ordinary soap or harsh cleaners on your floor. Cleaners made especially for use on laminate home flooring are safer. These cleaners usually come in spray form, and can be used with a soft cloth or dry mop.