Categories
Roofing Kildare

ARK Laminate Flooring – Everything You Need To Know.

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831

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Laminate flooring mimics the look of traditional woods while offering easy installation and lasting durability. At first glance, it can be difficult to spot the difference between hardwoods and laminate flooring. What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really a thin layer of decor paper (a photographic image) under a tough-as-nails protective film that is glued and pressed to a high-density backing board. Laminate Flooring comes in an array of wood effects as well …


Laminate Flooring

To find the best Roofing Kildare company, click here for Ace Roofing Kildare.
Laminate flooring mimics the look of traditional woods while offering easy installation and lasting durability. At first glance, it can be difficult to spot the difference between hardwoods and laminate flooring. What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really a thin layer of decor paper (a photographic image) under a tough-as-nails protective film that is glued and pressed to a high-density backing board. Laminate Flooring comes in an array of wood effects as well as stone and ceramic effects.

Laminate floorings main advantages are that it is easy to install, is very hardwearing and relatively inexpensive compared to real hardwood flooring.

Laminate flooring is a floating floor, which means it does not fasten directly to the sub-floor. Instead the planks are clicked together. This enables the floor to be fitted fast and with no real mess.

Most laminate floors today fit together with a click system with the most common being the UNICLIC system as used by Quick-Step. This is extremely easy and fast to fit. The ingenious UNICLIC-system has a special shape of tongue and groove. You simply place the tongue of one plank into the grove of another at an angle and press down. Their sophisticated and very accurate milled shape makes it possible to create a very tight connection during the installation. The floor can be walked on straight away.

If you are laying laminate flooring over a concrete sub-floor then you will fist need to lay down a damp proof membrane (DPM). This is basically a sheet of plastic usually around 5mm which helps protect the Laminate from moisture. On top of this goes the foam underlay this acts as sound absorption and also helps even out minor irregularities in the sub-floor.

Most manufactories now offer a combined DPM and underlay along with several underlay’s that have better sound absorbing qualities
Most of the leading laminate floor manufactories now also have ranges of flooring that also include built in underlay. This underlay is pre-fitted to the bottom of the flooring and is usually of sound absorbing quality. You do not need to install this type of floor a secondary but if you are laying over a concrete sub-floor you still have to lay down a D.P.M. (Damp Proof Membrane) first.

Laminate flooring has been around in Europe for around 15 years and has seen massive growth in the past few years. In 2004 over 750 million square meters of laminate flooring was sold worldwide this was an increase of 13% on the previous year. The biggest growth market is in the US with an impressive growth rate of 25%.

What is laminate Flooring Made From?
Laminate flooring is usually made up of four layers:

1. Overlay (Wear Layer)
The top wear layer is provided by the melamine resin, a highly wear resistant material that makes laminate flooring so hard wearing. This top layer is very similar to the top layer on counter or kitchen work tops but is usually around 40% stronger. This makes the laminate flooring highly resistant to scratches, burns, dent s, stains, etc.

2. DPL (Decorative Paper) or HPL (Decorative Paper + Add High Strength Paper)
It is the decorative paper which gives the laminate flooring its individual appearance, ranging from highly authentic wood reproduction, ceramic or stone designs. An important thing to look out for when purchasing laminate flooring is to understand the difference between DPL and HPL. We will talk about this latter

3. Core layer
This is made up of either high density fibreboard (H.D.F.). or medium density fibreboard (M.D.F.) This is saturated in resins to make it extremely hard. Most manufactures also add a moisture resistant resin to the core. This is important as it helps keep the flooring protected against moisture penetrating the boards.

4. Stabilizing layer
The bottom layer is the stabilizing layer; this is what gives the laminate floor its stability. It is made up of moisture resistant resins

How is Laminate Flooring Produced.

This is where DPL & HPL are different.

In the direct-pressure laminate process the decorative covering layer and stabilizing layer are pressed together onto the core layer.

While the high-pressure laminate process, on the other hand, the decorative paper and overlay are pressed onto special high-strength paper first. Only in a second stage is this so-called high-pressure laminate glued to the core layer. This makes the flooring a lot more tougher and more resistant to dents etc.

How is Laminate Flooring Graded
Apart from the different warrantees that manufactures offer and the difference between DPL & HPL the other thing to look out for when purchasing laminate flooring is industry standard load and traffic categories. These are broken into two different categories and are as follows.

Residential

Class 21 Moderate Loads. Ideal for bedrooms etc.

Class 22 Normal Loads, Ideal for living rooms etc.

Class 23 Heavy Loads. Ideal for anywhere in the house (except bathrooms)

Commercial

Class 31 – Moderate Loads. Hotel Rooms, meeting rooms, etc.

Class 32 Normal Loads. Offices, waiting rooms, etc.

Class 33 Heavy Loads. Large offices, shops, public buildings.

Categories
Patios Dublin

APD Ever Heard Of A Barcelona Chair?

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303

For the best patios dublin company, call Active patios dublin.

You might have heard of a Barcelona chair, but do you really know anything about it? I didn t think so. The Barcelona chair is considered to be on of the most classic and elegant chairs of the 20th century. It was designed by Mies van der Rohe. He designed the chair in 1929 at an international exposition.

His inspiration came from some old designs; the Egyptian folding chair and the Roman folding chair. The chair is light but strong at the same time. It just spells classy…

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You might have heard of a Barcelona chair, but do you really know anything about it? I didn t think so. The Barcelona chair is considered to be on of the most classic and elegant chairs of the 20th century. It was designed by Mies van der Rohe. He designed the chair in 1929 at an international exposition.

His inspiration came from some old designs; the Egyptian folding chair and the Roman folding chair. The chair is light but strong at the same time. It just spells classy.

Mies improved on his creation in 1950. He eliminated the extra braces at the welding points. He figured that the one piece frame made from stainless steel would offer more strength and spring.

But George Nelson was the one who made the design popular in the United States. Originally the chair was hand made. But then it started getting mass-produced by a company named Knoll Associates, who now manufacture the chairs in the US and 29 other countries.

The chair can be purchased at a variety of furniture stores. They might even have online catalogs, which you can browse through. Though there are many forms of the Barcelona chair that are on the market.

They are usually made from chrome stainless steel with a single frame. There is individual leather panels on the upholstery, the panels are crafted from a single hide. The most popular colors are tan and black. There are many other subtle differences, but the same style and luxury is kept within the chair.

Even thought the Barcelona chair has seen a few simple changes through mass production, this modern version still offers the greatness of the original handcrafted beauty. This beautiful piece of furniture can cost up to $1000. But that is a small price to pay for having an elegant and lavish Barcelona chair.

Categories
construction project management consultancy

EKCS Preventing Basement and Crawlspaces Mold

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446

For the best construction project management consultancy company, call EK Consultants.

Basement and crawlspaces present serious challenges in mold prevention mainly due to lack of air circulation and dampness. These conditions make it harder to control air quality. However, using simple prevention methods, preventing mold in the basement is possible.

To find the best construction project management consultancy company, click here for EK Consultants.
Mold is a very common basement and crawlspaces problem as it presents a real challenge in controlling air quality. Basements and crawlspaces are is usually damp and in many cases use as a storage area, providing optimal growth conditions to molds. There are two important aspects to basements and crawlspaces mold prevention:

1. Controlling Humidity Levels

The first step to mold prevention is to successfully control humidity levels. Start with measuring humidity levels and detecting any unusual readings. Take measurements every 3 months to keep track of any changes that may occur when the weather changes. If humidity levels readings are higher than 45 percent, your basement is likely to suffer from mold and you must take action to detects and fix any moisture sources to lower humidity levels. Regularly inspect your basement for any water damages that generate visible or hidden moisture sources. Act fast to fix problems such as leaks or standing water. Another way to control humidity is to allow air circulation. Although it may be hard to generate air flow in the basement or crawlspace it is important. You can improve air flow by keeping you basement tidy and opening the basement door from time to time and leave a fan running for a few hours. Consider installing a dehumidifier in the basement to reduce air moisture especially during warm months. If you detect any cracks in walls or floor, seal them immediately.

2. Smart Storage

If you organize your basement and crawlspaces you take another important step towards mold elimination. Try to avoid storing papers, clothes, in the basement and crawlspaces because these materials can be used as nutrition for molds allowing it to spread even faster if humidity levels rise above 50 percent. If you must store these materials in your basement or crawlspace, do your best to reduce the amount of these stored materials and discard if badly damaged. In addition, if you must store these materials in the basement or crawlspace, make sure to place them properly. Proper placement means that you need to store them away from outer walls, since that is where moisture is most likely to originate. For the same reason, raise these stored materials from the floor and place them on a table or a raised surface. Never store firewood in the basement or crawlspace because it is common for firewood to become likely to become moldy within hours from the minute humidity levels raise. When firewood becomes moldy, it generates airborne mold spores that may contaminate your indoors air quality and in some cases penetrate the HVAC system and contaminate your home by traveling through your ducts.

For more information visit http://restorationsos.com
Free guides are available

Categories
Davitt Tarmac Wicklow

Save Money While You Survive the Heat

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360

For the best Tarmac Wicklow company, call Davitt Driveways.

Staying cool this summer could become a challenge when the waves of summer heat come lapping at your door. If you haven’t prepared your home to keep the cool air indoors and the heat out, you may lose in the battle to survive the summer with reasonable cooling bills and optimal comfort.


Save Money While You Survive the Heat

Article Body:
Staying cool this summer could become a challenge when the waves of summer heat come lapping at your door. If you haven’t prepared your home to keep the cool air indoors and the heat out, you may lose in the battle to survive the summer with reasonable cooling bills and optimal comfort.

The company that brings you Heil brand heating and cooling products suggests the following steps to keep your energy bills affordable and your home comfortably cool:

* Lock your windows and shut your garage door. It’s important to minimize the loss of cool air from your home. Sunshine can heat up your garage and cause your air conditioner to work much harder than necessary. Windows not shut tightly will allow cool air to escape. Lock your windows to give them a better seal, and shut your garage door to help keep your cool air indoors.

* Clear the area around your thermostat. Keep the area around your thermostat clear of electronics and lighting. The thermostat will sense heat from these appliances and run the air conditioner longer than necessary.

* Program your thermostat. A programmable thermostat can save money and energy by

operating at a more cost-efficient temperature while you’re asleep or away from home, and automatically lower the temperature to cool your home just before you wake up or return. New Heil brand programmable thermostats can help save money and are backed by a five-year warranty.

* Evaluate your landscaping. Plant trees and shrubs to shade your air conditioner but not block its air flow. A shaded air-conditioning unit will run more efficiently than one that operates in the sun. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an air conditioner uses as much as 10 percent less electricity when working in the shade.

* Re-examine your air-conditioning system. Your heating and cooling system may be sending hundreds of dollars in wasted energy bills through the roof. Purchasing a new, more energy-efficient system can cost less than keeping an older, less energy-efficient system.

For example, the Heil QuietComfort line of 14 Plus air conditioners saves energy, uses an environmentally friendly, chlorine-free refrigerant, and can save you up to 57 percent on your summer cooling costs.

Categories
Maths Tutor Ireland

homeschool-field-trips-184

Homeschool – Field trips

If you are going over a particular subjec
t with the family and
feel that a field trip would be beneficial, then that’s what you
should do – go for a trip. If you are attached to a support group,
you can plan to include other children too.

Here are some guidelines that will help you plan:
1) Collect the rates
2) Allowed ages
3) Special highlights
4) Size of the group
5) Timings
6) Eating facilities

Inform your support group of all these details well in advance so
that the necessary circulars may be sent out. On the appointed
day, arrange to meet with other parents and children in a
particular place. Plan the mode of travel and reach the place at
least 10 minutes in advance.

The field trip is not just fun. So, let your kids bring their
writing material. Allow them time to stare and admire. Do not
hurry them along. Collect data beforehand so that you can clear
doubts. Get help from a guide, if necessary. And most importantly,
have fun and enjoy the time you spend with your children.

(word count 184)

PPPFor the best Maths Tutor In Ireland company, call Ace Solution Books. PP

Categories
QDD

QD Better Have File Cabinets Than Clutter

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591

For the best Driveways Dublin company, call Quality Driveways Dublin.

If you have tried locating a misplaced piece of paper for hours and have not succeeded or if you have scoured the stack of files locating one single document and was frustrated, this article is for you.

The most common error for misplacing an object is dropping it at a place that is convenient during the time. A regular space for keeping important objects and documents makes it easier for anyone to locate them when the need to remember them arises.

This is why filing c…


file cabinets

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If you have tried locating a misplaced piece of paper for hours and have not succeeded or if you have scoured the stack of files locating one single document and was frustrated, this article is for you.

The most common error for misplacing an object is dropping it at a place that is convenient during the time. A regular space for keeping important objects and documents makes it easier for anyone to locate them when the need to remember them arises.

This is why filing cabinets are special tools for safekeeping that when used regularly is the best way to track documents and important objects not only at work but also at home. A good filing system can save you hours and even money, without which would otherwise have been frustrating.

Filing cabinets are constant fixtures in any workplace that requires safekeeping and tracking of documents despite the rise in the electronic data keeping systems. Choosing one will require more than just deciding on the number drawers. There are subtle differences in filing cabinets that are adapted to particular requirements.

The two main types of filing cabinets

The vertical file cabinet is the traditional type where you can have anywhere from two to five drawers. The drawers are designed to fit the legal sized files and are stored facing the front of the drawers. Vertical file cabinets are space savers that make them the preferred choice in offices where rents are at a premium.

The other option, although not as commonly used are the lateral type files cabinet. These file cabinet types are much wider than standard designs. The files can be stored side to side or front to back. The design is not as deep as the vertical file cabinets that it can also be used as a wall partition or a wall divider. The lateral file cabinets have more versatility in terms of file storage and takes up less wall space.

The quality of the file cabinet is also one area that is to be given good attention. The best way to examine the quality of the file cabinet is the suspension system. A good file cabinet has strong suspensions that enable it to carry weights and still close and open smoothly. Some file cabinets have built in safety features that allow only the opening of one drawer at a time. Usually safety feature includes counterweights or internal locking devices. File cabinets that do not have this feature can accidentally tip over when all the drawers at the upper part are open.

Good file cabinets have to be built to take some abuse. It is important then that file cabinets be made of quality and thicker metals so that it protects the internal parts preventing it to be easily damaged.

Because of the valuable material that could be stored in a file cabinet, many are made to be fire and impact resistant. Fire resistant cabinet can maintain inside temperatures less than 350 degrees (most paper burns upward of 350 degrees Fahrenheit) enough to prevent the burning of its content even when outside temperature rises to 1700 degrees.

File cabinets depending on the feature, design, materials and number of drawers are priced starting from $20 to about $1,800 dollars for the top of the line option.

File cabinets also come today in designs and color that are veering away from the traditional types. Newer file cabinets can no longer be the ugly steely types of cabinets. They can come in a variety of decorative colors, materials and designs that can be blended with your furnishings.

Categories
Roof Repairs Kildare

ARK Bathtub Repairs FAQ

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571

For the best Roof Repairs Kildare company, call Ace Roofing Kildare.

There will always be problems as a bath tub grows old. Stains and cracks will show. Leaks will appear and faucets will not work. While some of these can be remedied easily, others will require help. Here are some questions most bath tub lover will ask about repairing their bath tubs.


bathtub repairs, bath tub repairs, repairing a bath tub, repairing a bathtub

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A bath tub is a relaxing thing to have in one s bathroom. After a very stressful day at work or at school, a person could just retire and relax at the comfort of his/her bath tub. It has proven its usefulness and most people who have it will spend a lot of money to make sure it is working properly and that it stays that way.

However, even if these people loved and took care of the tub, there will still be some problems as the bath tub grows old. Stains and cracks will show. Leaks will appear and faucets will not work. While some of these can be remedied easily, others will require help. Here are some questions most bath tub lover will ask about repairing their bath tubs.

Why Repair a Bath Tub When You Can Just Buy a Replacement?

This question is the most frequently asked question by most bath tub users. Bath tubs costs just around $100 and most of them can afford it. However, when they consider the cost of the demolition, removal and disposal of the tub plus plumbing then add the cost of setting tiles and flooring/carpentry involved, they might have an estimate of about $2000. This cost is too much when a repair will just cost them much less than that.

What is Bath Tub Restoration?

During years of use bath tubs tend to have stains and will probably have scratches here and there. Bath tub restoration includes taking those stains and scratches out. These can be done either by hired help or by yourself. Even though this can be done by untrained people, it is recommended to hire a trained person to do this for your bath tub.

Bath tub restoration involves washing the surface and applying a solvent. It will then be neutralized, etched and sandpapered. Bath tub restoration, when done properly will give your bathroom a new glow, making it look cleaner and brighter.

What is Bath Tub Refinishing?

After bath tub restoration, refinishing must be done to make it last longer and to require you to restore it less than necessary. Refinishing should be done by trained craftsmen as they use a special chemical called Aliphatic Acrylic Polyurethane Enamel. This job can be easily finished in a day so you should have your bath tub in less than a day.

What are Bath Tub Liners and Why Should I Think of Using Them?

Bath tub liners are custom-made to fit your bath tub. These liners will make sure that chipping and scratches on your tub is already history. A new bath tub liner is installed on a bath tub and it can be done a matter of hours. There is no additional cost as the plumbing, flooring and tiles are completely untouched.

Should You Do the Job Yourself or Should You Hire a Specialist?

A specialist will cause you more but repairs on your tub will last longer. Unless you do a very satisfactory job, it is recommended to ask for a specialist s help as the cost of hiring one is worth than the cost of doing it again and the inconvenience it will bring you.

When Should I Consider Buying a New Tub?

Buying a new bath tub is only recommended when the total cost estimated by the specialist will cost you more than buying and reinstalling a new tub, then go for a new tub.

Categories
Driveway reselling dublin

L2LL Which Ladder Should You Choose?

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482

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There are many jobs that need to be done within and around the home but which are made much easier by using a ladder to reach those hard to get to places. For example, cleaning windows or replacing roof tiles are very difficult to accomplish without having a ladder to assist you in reaching the required height. On a smaller scale, you may find that it is useful to purchase a set of stepladders for jobs within the home, when painting ceilings, for example, or reaching items fr…


ladders, little giant, ladder rack

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There are many jobs that need to be done within and around the home but which are made much easier by using a ladder to reach those hard to get to places. For example, cleaning windows or replacing roof tiles are very difficult to accomplish without having a ladder to assist you in reaching the required height. On a smaller scale, you may find that it is useful to purchase a set of stepladders for jobs within the home, when painting ceilings, for example, or reaching items from high shelves in your kitchen cupboards.

There are two basic types of ladder available the rigid ladder and the rope ladder. I cannot think of an occasion in the home where a rope ladder would be required and a rigid ladder would not suffice, so I am going to concentrate only on rigid ladders. Almost all rigid ladders are portable and as such they are most commonly made of aluminium. This material is lightweight and yet sturdy, making it the ideal material for a ladder. The horizontal steps of a ladder are known as rungs, but less commonly known is the fact that the vertical sides of the ladder are called stiles. For those who use ladders regularly and have a certain level of agility, the ladder can be descended by sliding down the stiles, rather than the rungs. This is not recommended for those who are not confident in doing so though, as care must always be taken when using a ladder.

Rigid ladders come in various styles, such as the fixed ladder – your standard ladder consisting of two stiles joined by several rungs, the extension ladder a fixed ladder which has been divided into more than one part for easier storage and which can be extended to increase the height of the ladder, the telescopic ladder this works on the same principle as the extension ladder but is made of pieces of tubing which slide inside one another for even more compact storage, and the stepladder. The stepladder is much smaller, and is usually used for indoor jobs. This consists of a frame which opens into a V shape with steps up one side. The V formation allows it to be freestanding, whereas the other types of ladder need to be leant against a stable surface, such as a wall, before they can be ascended.

When using a rigid ladder it is important to ensure the ladder is safe before it is climbed. It is recommended that the distance from the base of the ladder to the surface it is leant against is a quarter of the height of the ladder. If the angle is greater the ladder can lose its grip and slide down the wall, if it is smaller the top of the ladder could topple back from the wall due to the added weight of the climber on it.

Categories
DPC

DPC Dream Home Remodeling: Is It Really a Dream?

Word Count:
511

For the best House Extensions Cork company, call DPC Construction Cork.

Dream home remodeling may not always be a dream experience…


dream home remodeling, Creative home remodeling, home remodeling, ranch style remodeling, home improvement remodeling, mobile home remodeling, design, create, remodel, interior design

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Dream home remodeling may not always be a dream experience. Many people have waited years to start building their dream home. They have labored over the designs, cabinets, and floor plans. Now the time has finally come to start building their home.

Handling the Stress

Once the building or remodel process begins the stress may at times be overwhelming. Building homes takes a lot of people and making sure all those people are doing what you want them to do can be a difficult task.

To help manage the stress that comes with this time you can follow these simple steps.

1. Be Prepared – Don’t start building your home until the design is finished and you even know what the interior design is going to be. Creating a home before the plans are finished is a sure-fire way to disaster and a whole lot of stress.

2. Budget – Have a budget and stick to it! One of the biggest mistakes people make in new real estate is not properly planning their budget. Create a thorough list of all your costs and leave a big cushion. You don’t want to get halfway done and run out of money. Then you’ll have a half finished house that you will still have to make payments on.

3. Get Help – If you are not an experienced contractor then don’t try to act as your own general contractor. It will be worth your money to hire someone else that is trained. Plus the amount of stress a general contractor can relieve is worth its weight in gold!

4. Relax – At times this may seem impossible to do…but finding time to relax during your building or repair project is absolutely essential. During your creative home remodeling it may seem impossible to relax, so try to pre-schedule time for it.

Braving the Elements

Weather can be another huge stressor when it comes to building and remodeling projects. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do to control the weather or even predict it. Despite the weatherman’s best work, the weather is often still very unpredictable.

Even though you can’t predict the weather you can plan ahead for the possibility that bad weather may come. When designing your timeline make sure and leave plenty of cushion for rainy days and other weather related issues that may arise.

Discuss the effects of weather on your building project with your contractors so you are well informed. Ask questions if you are unsure of anything. Discussing the subject openly with your contractors before the building begins will make it easier to develop your timeline. Most contractors are very good at predicting real timelines, but they choose to bid shorter ones to get your work.

Discuss your honest need for a firm timeline and your willingness to accept a longer time frame that is more accurate instead of an inflated timeline that is wishful thinking. Your contractor will likely give you a date that is several weeks later than their original bid, but this is much more realistic and will provide you better information for you planning.

Categories
paving contractors dublin

APD Laminate Flooring, A FLOOR FOR ALL SEASONS?

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629

For the best paving contractors dublin company, call Active Paving Dublin.

Laminates can be made to look exactly like your hardwood of choice, be it mahogany, oak, or cherry. Because laminates are stress resistant, they can be engineered for use most anywhere in the home.


laminate , laminate flooring, laminates,

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Laminate Flooring

Real wooden floors can bring warmth and comfort to a room, turning ordinary dwellings into cozy cottages, gray office quarters into lounge-like spaces, and a house into a home. But with the current shortage of trees, and with forests disappearing all over the world, hardwoods will be harder and harder to come by.

There is a substitute, however, for hardwood floors. Laminates are sold as planks or panels, and are fashioned to look like wood, stone, or tile. These planks are made of thick, water-resistant material, and are shaped so that they fit together like snug, interlocking pieces. They are fitted through the floating installation method, where they rest on top of a subfloor, which may be made of plywood, concrete, or existing flooring.

Laminates can be made to look exactly like your hardwood of choice, be it mahogany, oak, or cherry. Because they aren t made of real wood, they can withstand extreme impact, scratching, cigarette burns, and exposure to sunlight, all without fading or being heavily damaged. Not much is needed to maintain a laminate floor: all that laminates need are regular vacuuming, or a wipe-down with a damp mop or rag, and with no wax or polish at that.

Because laminates are stress resistant, they can be engineered for use most anywhere in the home, including wet areas such as the kitchen. They can also be built over heated concrete slabs an advantage when laminates have to be fitted in countries with very cold climates. Laminates can be easily installed, and as they don t need much cleaning or protection, need not be covered with carpets or rugs, which can carry dust mites or allergens. Thus, laminates are not only beautiful and cheap, they can contribute to healthy living as well.

Laminates, however, also carry their disadvantages. They can be scratched if heavy objects are dragged across them, or if large domestic animals such as big dogs or cats trudge or paw their way through them. They may be largely resistant to sun and scratches, but laminates might not be able to stand moisture. The laminate inner core is made up of a special strong material which is not especially resistant to excessive moisture. If moisture does seep into a laminate floor, the planks may be deformed, and may no longer be as scratch-proof and burn-ready as before.

Since laminates are installed above a subfloor, they can be noisy if walked on. As such, laminate manufacturers also provide special paddings to be installed in between the subfloor and laminate not quite an advantage if you don t want to spend more for a cheap, but nature-friendly hardwood finish.

Despite the fact that laminates are considerably cheaper than hardwood floors, and can be installed by most anybody who wants to fix their home up, any damage done to them is not easily fixed. Laminates are maintained through touch-up kits, or chip repair kits, but these kits are difficult to find, and are only designed to maintain the floor, not repair major damage.

Laminates have their goods and not-so-goods, but in the end, the decision all comes down to you. If you think you can install a floor on your own with minimal cost, and if you don t have large animals for pets, then a laminate floor may be the best for your needs. However, if you aren t quite sure what animals might come in the future, and if you are concerned about floorboards creaking, or getting misshapen from heat and moisture, then maybe cutting down a few trees won t hurt.

Whatever the case, wherever you may be, laminates or not, hardwoods or floorboards, a house won t be a home if the ground you walk on doesn t appeal to your tastes.