When you compare laminate floors between all the different types you can choose from, you will be hard pressed to find which one is the best. Laminate floors can have a v-groove, a rustic look, wide plank and many more options that the average person will not even understand.

That is why I will explain what it all means to you. When you get done learning this laminate flooring information, you will be wise enough to make the right decision and properly compare laminate floors.

Carpet vs Laminate Flooring

Before we talk about the different type of laminate flooring, we need to discuss the pros and cons of both carpet and laminate flooring. This will help give you a better understanding of which type of flooring you should put down, because laminate may not be the best choice.

Carpet is best at covering up an ugly floor that has problems like sagging and warping. If this is the case for you, then carpeting is what you should get. If your floor has none of these problems, then it all comes down to preference.

With carpet, when you spill something on it you have to really work to get the stain out. Like vacuuming, using a stain remover and scrubbing, or maybe even going as far as using a carpet cleaning machine like a steamer. With laminate flooring though all you have to do is wipe up the stain with a damp rag or paper towel.

The cleaning part is much easier of course and obviously is a plus for laminate flooring. But the downside to laminate flooring is that it can start to peel and wear down after about 10 years if you don't take proper care of it. Of course if you care for it the right way, then your laminate floor can have just as long as life as carpet can.

In the end, you just need to look at the big picture and see what you would live best with when you compare laminate flooring.

Laminate Flooring 101

Locking Mechanism

First we need to discuss the locking mechanism on your laminate flooring that will allow it to securely connect together and stay that way. Before buying your new laminate flooring, you want to test this of course. The best way to tell if it has a good connection is to run your hand across the connection, and if one side is higher then the other, then that means it is ledging and is NOT a good connection.

Another aspect of the connection you need to consider when you compare laminate flooring, is the thickness of the locking mechanism. The thicker it is, the stronger the connection will be between the pieces. Also, consider how much force it takes to lock the pieces. The more force it takes the better, but not to hard of course or it could become to difficult to install.

The locking mechanism is actually one of the most important aspects to be considered when purchasing your laminate flooring, because a bad lock can make your seams show much more in the future and give your floor a very bad appearance. Water would also be able to enter between the laminate flooring easier as the seams get farther apart.

The laminate flooring with the best locking mechanism is 11 3/4 WP and Balta, which can be ordered online. The tongue and groove is about fifty percent stronger that most other laminate flooring and it has an isometric lock which keeps equal pressure on all sides.

Surface Texture

This is another very important part when you compare laminate flooring of course, because this is what everyone will see. The most amazing thing about laminate flooring is that it allows you to have the texture look like real wood even though it isn't.

The best way to really look at the surface texture of laminate flooring, and make sure that it will look real under all conditions, is to rotate it around under light to examine the surface texture shadows. Also, a heavier texture allows for a more slip resistant surface which could be more important to some people.

Examining the Wear Layer

Laminate flooring is made with a wear layer that's on the surface and protects it from common wear and tear. The wear layer is made from aluminum oxide which is the fourth hardest material that can be found on earth. The problem is though that different laminate flooring has various levels of wear layer protection, which means that some are tougher than others.

The best way to tell how strong the wear layer is when you compare laminate flooring, is to read the rating that is given for that laminate flooring. The best ratings are AC3, which is made for heavy residential traffic, and AC4 which is for commercial purposes usually.

Core Material

The best thing to do when you first compare laminate flooring is to take home some samples first. Not only to see how it will look on your floor, but to also find out some important information that will determine your floors finishing quality.

The core material of your laminate flooring is the material that is inside of it, and determines the strength and appearance of your specific laminate flooring.

The best thing to do is to take a knife and examine the core material of your sample piece, and check to see how dense it is. Density is important because the denser it is, the more strength, water resistance and stability it will have.

Tip: To get a really good idea of how your laminate flooring will look after water damage, just soak your sample in some water overnight.

Laminate Flooring Backing

What is on the back of laminate flooring is almost just as important as what is on the front. The reason is because the backing needs to retain moisture and also keep stuff out that might try to get through.

The most common material that is used for backing on laminate flooring is a thin layer of melamine. Just scratch and spray water on the back to really see how tough it is.

Service Makes the Floor

If you are dealing with a local store when you compare laminate flooring, then you most likely be talking to an employee who makes almost minimum wage and doesn't know that much about laminate flooring. This type of service is going to reflect the quality of floor you get, since that employee might lead you in the wrong direction.

The best thing to do is talk with someone who has knowledge and experience with laminate flooring. The best way to do this is to order your laminate flooring online from a professional who offers their knowledge for free, and send you samples completely free of charge too.

Laminate Floor Cleaning