#quick step laminate

The latest flooring solution to take the market by storm is laminate flooring. Easy to maintain, versatile, and reasonably priced, laminate floors have now become popular as the super material for flooring in residential and commercial spaces alike.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring, also known in the United States as floating wood tile, is a synthetic flooring product. The multi-layers of the synthetic flooring are fused together with the use of a lamination process. This type of flooring stimulates wood, and sometimes stone, along with melamine resin as well as fiber board materials for making up the inner core layer.

Quick Step laminate flooring is made of three different layers – a tough aluminum oxide wear layer which has a photograph of wood, brick or stone stuck to its underside, a processed moisture-resistant core or carrier made of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF), and a plastic laminate backing final layer for sealing the piece against pests and moisture.

The Advantages of Laminate Flooring

Quick Step laminate flooring has grown in popularity over the years due to the fact that it is easier to install and maintain than hardwood flooring and other traditional surfaces. Its other advantages include low cost installation as well as the requirement of fewer skills for installation of this flooring. Its durability and easy maintenance make it a preferred flooring option for homes and offices. Most laminate flooring manufacturers back their products with warranties depending upon the brand and the model.

Cost Effectiveness

The monetary benefits of buying laminate flooring are better than those of most other types of flooring. These floorings cost less than half of what hardwood floorings would cost without compromising on the beauty and appealing look of the floor. They are also cheaper than carpets. They also allow for long term savings as they do not need to be replaced for years in a row.

Strong and Durable

The top layer of laminate floorings is made with durable melamine plastic wear layer. This makes laminate floorings resistant to impacts, dents, scratches, stains and sunrays. Yes, laminate floorings also retain their colors when impacted by sunlight; unlike other floorings such as marble, hardwood or carpets. In combination with the tough core-board beneath, they are capable of withstanding pressure up to 1200 pounds per square inch. Indeed, the versatility of this product is highly appreciable and for more reasons than one.

Available in different styles

At one time, laminate flooring was available only in hardwood-like images. But, today, the process of printing can reproduce the appearance of various natural stones, and other ceramic floor materials. Thus, this kind of flooring now simulates different kinds of prints, stones, tile patterns, and wood. Quick Step laminate flooring is a composite board with a printed strip of vinyl over it. This enables the replication of various textures, colors, shades and styles. There is also the added advantage of homeowners being able to beautify their houses with floors resembling hardwood or tiles; but at a lesser price and lower labor costs.

Easy Maintenance

The best part of having Quick Step laminate flooring is the ease that this flooring offers in terms of cleaning and day-to-day maintenance. Just use a broom to clean it. Wet cleaning with a mop is not recommended as it damages the floor. Occasionally, the floor can be cleaned with more specialized mop-type products which do not leave excess water on the floor for gaining enhanced results.

Easy Installation

One of the main reasons for you to choose laminate flooring is its ease in installation. This "floating floor" can be directly installed over the existing hard surface floor (hardwood, linoleum or concrete) or over existing plywood subfloors. Unlike hardwoods, these laminate planks seldom have any defects or imperfections, and hence, there is little waste during the use of this flooring. While hardwood needs 3 – 6 weeks to acclimatize to its environment, Quick-Step laminate and engineered floor installation is completed within 36 hours. Also, its ease in installation makes it a cheaper proposition when installed by professional flooring contractors; especially when compared to tiles or hardwood.

Health Benefits of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is especially advantageous in houses with allergic people. It is resistant to the growth of bacteria and mold and the flooring doesn't absorb dust as carpet does. They are also easy and quick to be cleaned, and can be made safer with the treatment of special anti-bacterial and allergen-resistant coatings. An airtight locking system and plastic exterior prevents moisture from getting in and makes it a very useful product to have under feet. Unlike Quick Step hardwood flooring, laminate neither contracts nor expands; and in case moisture does manage to get in, it can be replaced easily.

Ease in Expansion and Contraction

Due to the nature of its installation process, laminate is not stuck directly to the subfloor; the pieces are all interlocked and adhered to one another. This means that the floor material is at liberty to expand or contract with changes in temperature or pressure, without snapping or buckling against the subfloor.

Eco-Friendly Product

Ecologically sustainable pine trees or wood waste, which would have otherwise been burnt or dumped in landfills, make up the HDF core of a laminate plank. Hence, laminate flooring gives any space the look of exotic hardwood without affecting the environment or its exotic surroundings in any way.

Convenient Packaging

Hardwood flooring planks are available in sizes ranging from 8 to 10 feet, or even longer. In contrast, laminate planks simulating hardwood are available in convenient sizes of 4 feet. Laminate flooring and simulating tiles are also sold in varying sizes.

Quick Step laminate flooring has the capability to endure heavy traffic. So, if you have children and pets running around the house, such flooring ideas will withstand the traffic much better than hardwood or tile floors. Laminate floorings also features lifetime warranties against most defects and problems. Go for them – you will be glad you did!