Story and photos by Linda Galway

Special Sections Editor



Matt Toohey, manager of the Wood Floor Super Store in Scarborough, calls laminate flooring a “destination floor – destined for certain types of applications.”

Although it may be one of the hottest new products in floor coverings in the United States, Europeans have been using it for more than 20 years. This tongue-and-groove interlocking floor system can be put down in any room in the house and cover up a myriad of problems quickly and relatively inexpensively; one of its early uses was on cement floors such as those in a daylight basement.

“If you were to put in a hardwood floor in a daylight basement,” Toohey explained, “you would need a subfloor raised up, and that could cause problems with the height of doors already in place.”

Laminate flooring essentially floats over the existing substrate and simply lays there on top of plywood, concrete, sheet vinyl flooring, wood floors or any other basically flat, hard surface.

Rich Veilleux, who spent several years as a sales rep for Shaw Laminate Flooring and now works as a sales associate at Floor Systems at the Bates Mill Complex in Lewiston, explained that a laminate floor is “basically like a laminate countertop with a computer generated picture of a wood surface. A truly high-quality laminate floor,” he added, “will have a minimum of four layers.” It is also designed to endure more-than-average wear and tear and is resistant to scratching denting and sunlight fading.

According to the web site, startremodeling.com, a laminate floor consists of at least four main components bonded together. There is a wear-resistant decorative surface made of resin-based material bonded to a moisture-resistant wood composition-based core. A balanced backing is bonded to the underside of the core, and on the top a clear cap sheet provides protection and stain resistance. The key word here is “resistance,” not “proof.”

Wear and care

It’s possible to scratch any floor, the experts say, so it is important to keep them free of sand and other gritty materials that could accelerate wear or mar the surface.

“The durability is very good in high traffic areas, and each product has its own warranty, but like hardwood, you have to watch out for sand. However, it’s not ‘bulletproof,’ ” added Veilleux, “and we recommend walk-off mats and felt pads under chairs and table legs. Use as little water as possible.”

Mark Sheink of Lewiston, a certified laminate flooring installer, said each manufacturer makes a cleaner for their product, and he recommends to all his customers they use that product. “It will bring the best shine out on your floor,” he added. Both Toohey and Veilleux say a “Swiffer” or dry mop will keep the floor dust free. “A boot mark may need a floor cleaner, but keep the water off the floor,” Toohey stressed. “It’s water resistant, not water-proof.”

The good and the good

There are several distinct advantages to selecting a laminate floor over some of the other options, not the least of which is cost. “It’s certainly a lot less expensive than hardwood or tile,” noted Veilleux. The price is about 50 percent that of hardwood and installation is about two-third less, added Toohey.

Laminate is also a great product for a radiant heat system as it can be installed over anything except carpet without having to rip up the entire floor. Clearance is another good point. If that’s an issue, Veilleux said, “hardwood is not the way to go,” and as far as ease of installation, anyone who is handy and familiar with making molding cuts should be able to install it themselves. Others should leave the installation to a professional. Remember, too, that failure to follow a manufacturer’s instructions or failure to use their recommended products for installation may void a warranty.

A thin foam pad sits underneath the interlocking or glued panels, which are assembled randomly to give a more natural wood feel. Also, there needs to be breathing room left at the edges to allow for expansion and contraction caused by the atmosphere and humidity levels. “It acts just like a wood floor” in that respect, Sheink said. Narrow thresholds to match the wood finish create an easy transition from one room to another or from one floor type to another.

Damage repair depends upon the laminate installed and the process used. If it is an interlocking system without adhesive, such as that from Shaw, it can be taken apart up to where the damage is, the damaged pieces replaced, then the panels can be reassembled since there is no fading. However, systems installed with adhesive cannot be repaired without ripping up the floor, Toohey noted. An average size room (12 x 20) can be installed in four to five hours and is ready to be walked on immediately, Sheink said.

All finished

Laminate flooring is available in a wide variety of “wood” finishes, some glossier than others, but all quite durable. The decorative layer of the floor is actually a highly detailed photograph giving the laminate the appearance of wood or tile. It often comes in varying widths to simulate period floors, and some manufacturers, such as Shaw, are adding textured finishes that look and feel like real wood without the real wood price. It’s a good alternative to a floor constructed of Eastern white pine, for example, which is prone to dimpling and scratching with only the slightest provocation.

As far as value is concerned, Toohey said it’s more in the eye of the beholder. “The added value to the property itself is minimal,” he explained. “When you sell a house with a laminate floor, it doesn’t add much value, unlike a hardwood floor, which people see as an investment. However, the laminate flooring is a great option for many people, especially in unfinished basements or in kids’ rooms.”

Sheink says being able to revert to the original flooring that remains undamaged by installing laminate is a nice option for homeowners, but finds the general reaction to a completed room is very positive.

“It’s a really good deal,” he said. “No, it’s not permanent, and you won’t get 30 or 40 years of use from it, but what you get for the money is worth it. When the room is all finished, they just love it.”

CLEANING and PROTECTING laminate flooring:

Clean your laminate flooring with these general guidelines provided by the Shaw flooring company:

Remove loose dirt by using a non-beater bar vacuum or a dust mop.

With a damp mop or cloth, clean your laminate flooring once a week with EverClean from Shaw’s line of floor covering care productsn (or the product recommended by the manufacturer of your floor). If EverClean is not available, use a vinegar solution (1/4 cup of white vinegar to 2 gallons of clean tap water) or a nonabrasive household cleaner, such as ammonia and water solution. Do not saturate the flooring.

Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, soap-based detergents, waxes, polishes, or scouring powder because they may scratch or dull the flooring surface.

Wipe up spills immediately. Avoid allowing liquids to stand on your flooring.

A more frequent dust mopping or vacuuming schedule may be required in high traffic or sandy areas.

For tough spots, such as candle wax or chewing gum, harden the spot with ice and then gently scrape the spot with a plastic scraper. Even a credit card will do. Be careful not to scratch the flooring surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Do not use any type of buffing machine



Protect your laminate flooring from scratches and wear. Any laminate flooring may scratch if not maintained properly. Follow these simple steps to keep your flooring looking like new.



Use protective mats

Good quality entry and exit mats will help collect the dirt, moisture, grime, and sand that can damage your laminate floor.

Use floor protectors on furniture

Place glides or floor protectors under furniture legs. For items on caster wheels, use only clean, seamless plastic wheels to prevent scratches.

Frequently vacuum

Frequently vacuum using a non-beater bar vacuum cleaner or dust mop to remove dirt and grime.