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Laminated floors
Because laminated flooring is made of recycled wood, the misconception is that it’s of an inferior quality.
Not true!
Manufacturing technology has improved over the years, click-in systems have been perfected and these days, laminated flooring is among the most durable options available.
Why so?
• Laminate flooring has excellent wearing characteristics,
• Is fully guaranteed,
• Colourfast, and
• Resistant to fire, moisture, stains, scratches, impacts, cigarette burns and chair castors.
“The secret to getting the most from your laminate is to install it properly, select the correct abrasion class rating and prevent water spillage,” says flooring expert Jose Dos Passos.
The grading system
There are five different grades or Abrasion Classes:
AC1 is the softest or least wear resistant and AC5 is the hardest and most durable. Grades 3 and 4 are generally suitable for use anywhere in the home and AC 5 is used in commercial high traffic areas, such as restaurants and busy shops.
Top tips:
1. Select a reputable manufacturer and a supplier who is a registered member of the Southern African Wood & Laminate Flooring Association (SAWLFA), an association which was formed in 1998 to safeguard the interests of the consumer. “Many product failures occur as a result of poor installation. It is worth paying a little more to have a floor installed by a trained team,” advises Passos.
If the supplier is installing the floor, request that the fitters are SAWLFA accredited. If you are relatively handy, you will be able to install the floor yourself as most laminates are DIY friendly and are quick and easy to install. A good supplier will be able to provide you with quick and simple instructions to follow.
2. Choose a product with specifications that will match the area where you will be using it. For example, for a high traffic area, choose a product that is more durable such as a semi-commercial laminate with a class 3 or 4 rating. This means the laminate offers resistance to surface abrasion and is suitable for heavy domestic use.
3. Maintenance is important to keep the laminated floor in good condition.
- Get rid of marks and dirt by using a slightly damp cloth, but do not use abrasive cleaners or excessive water.
- A microfibre mop is ideal for laminates, simply spray a bit of water on the fabric pad and wipe the floor.
- Felt pads under furniture and soft rubber castors on chairs will prolong the life of wooden flooring.
- Periodically use specially formulated floor cleaner to maintain the lustre and allergy-free surface.
- Do not stain the floor with varnish or wax the floor as this treatment will affect the intrinsic properties of the laminate.
For more on laminated flooring, read this.
Alternatively, you can share your care and maintenance tips with our readers in the box below.
Not true!
Manufacturing technology has improved over the years, click-in systems have been perfected and these days, laminated flooring is among the most durable options available.
Why so?
• Laminate flooring has excellent wearing characteristics,
• Is fully guaranteed,
• Colourfast, and
• Resistant to fire, moisture, stains, scratches, impacts, cigarette burns and chair castors.
“The secret to getting the most from your laminate is to install it properly, select the correct abrasion class rating and prevent water spillage,” says flooring expert Jose Dos Passos.
The grading system
There are five different grades or Abrasion Classes:
AC1 is the softest or least wear resistant and AC5 is the hardest and most durable. Grades 3 and 4 are generally suitable for use anywhere in the home and AC 5 is used in commercial high traffic areas, such as restaurants and busy shops.
Top tips:
1. Select a reputable manufacturer and a supplier who is a registered member of the Southern African Wood & Laminate Flooring Association (SAWLFA), an association which was formed in 1998 to safeguard the interests of the consumer. “Many product failures occur as a result of poor installation. It is worth paying a little more to have a floor installed by a trained team,” advises Passos.
If the supplier is installing the floor, request that the fitters are SAWLFA accredited. If you are relatively handy, you will be able to install the floor yourself as most laminates are DIY friendly and are quick and easy to install. A good supplier will be able to provide you with quick and simple instructions to follow.
2. Choose a product with specifications that will match the area where you will be using it. For example, for a high traffic area, choose a product that is more durable such as a semi-commercial laminate with a class 3 or 4 rating. This means the laminate offers resistance to surface abrasion and is suitable for heavy domestic use.
3. Maintenance is important to keep the laminated floor in good condition.
- Get rid of marks and dirt by using a slightly damp cloth, but do not use abrasive cleaners or excessive water.
- A microfibre mop is ideal for laminates, simply spray a bit of water on the fabric pad and wipe the floor.
- Felt pads under furniture and soft rubber castors on chairs will prolong the life of wooden flooring.
- Periodically use specially formulated floor cleaner to maintain the lustre and allergy-free surface.
- Do not stain the floor with varnish or wax the floor as this treatment will affect the intrinsic properties of the laminate.
For more on laminated flooring, read this.
Alternatively, you can share your care and maintenance tips with our readers in the box below.
