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From Homes to Businesses: How to Choose and Install Laminate Flooring for Every Space

Laminate floors are the perfect combination of design and functionality. Always ready for all kinds of uses, and with a wide range of styles and finishes, you can create an infinite number of atmospheres and spaces. This post will explore the versatility, uses, and installation of laminate flooring to help you make an informed choice for your next project.

Uses of laminate

The versatility of laminate is undeniably another of its strong points. It can be installed almost anywhere: homes, offices, commercial buildings, schools, etc.

Residential space

Laminate is very suitable for domestic use and can be installed in any room: living room, bedroom, hallway... It is an ideal option for homes with children and pets. Unlike real parquet, it can even be used in damp rooms, such as the kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom. For instance, 9.5mm laminate flooring is a great choice for these areas due to its durability and moisture resistance. You must, of course, choose a waterproof model with joints that ensure perfect sealing.

You can also combine some laminate flooring models with a low-temperature underfloor heating system (maximum 27 °C). This concerns hot water heating systems and electric systems, as well as cooling substrates. However, make sure to use a suitable underlay to achieve a total thermal resistance of < 0.09 m² K/W.

Commercial spaces

Laminate flooring is also suitable for professional use; it can be installed in premises such as shops, offices, hotels, restaurants, etc. It is also an ideal material for communities and public places of all kinds, to which it brings charm and warmth. For a stylish and durable option, Elka parquet flooring is often recommended for commercial environments due to its high-quality finish.

Be careful; however, you must choose a model that can withstand frequent traffic. To do this, do not hesitate to consult the classifications, including the AC classification, which measures the resistance of laminate floors to wear. Laminates classified as AC4 are suitable for commercial use with medium traffic frequency, such as boutiques and small businesses. Laminates classified as AC5 are suitable for premises with high traffic frequencies, such as restaurants. Laminates classified as AC6 can be installed in areas with high traffic, such as supermarkets or airport terminals.

Home Improvement and DIY Projects

While laminate is popular in new builds, it is also perfect for renovations. As already mentioned, this type of flooring can be laid over other flooring, such as tiles, carpet, linoleum flooring, or even old laminate. If you’re considering a warm aesthetic, barlinek parquet flooring provides a rich, natural look that complements various interior styles.

Laminate flooring can be installed by a specialist, but it can also be done by yourself. You can use it for small DIY jobs, such as covering the floor of a dressing room or fitting out an office area.

Choosing the right laminate

If you want an aesthetic floor that lasts, choosing the right floor covering is essential. Here's how to do it.

Needs assessment

Before you start selecting your flooring, you need to assess your needs. Think about the use you are going to make of it, the style of decoration of the room in question, its level of brightness, etc. For example, if you're aiming for a bold statement, consider red tone laminate flooring for a vibrant touch that can energize your space.

Ask yourself the right questions. Does your flooring need to be water-resistant? Does it need to withstand heavy traffic? Do you need extra insulation?

Also, don't forget to factor in your budget, including the cost of installation if you're not doing it yourself.

Feature Selection

Once your needs have been identified, you can determine the characteristics that your covering must have: its design and format, its thickness, its compatibility with underfloor heating, its water resistance, its usage class (AC classification), etc.

Coordinating with other decor elements

Technical criteria are of capital importance when choosing your laminate flooring, but aesthetic criteria should not be neglected either. It is important that your floor fits well with the decoration of your room and highlights it.

In a classic interior, for example, you can install laminate imitation oak parquet in a light color. In a more modern space, it is possible to opt for a floor with a more marked character, imitation concrete, or dark wood look. The aged wood decor will match well a rustic-style house, while the bleached effect will be perfect for a Scandinavian interior. Additionally, 9.5mm laminate flooring offers a sturdy option that enhances the overall decor.

Laminate Installation

Installing laminate flooring is within the reach of any good DIYer.

Soil preparation

Laying laminate begins with preparing the floor. Even though this covering can be installed on almost any type of support, the latter must still be sound, clean, and level. Otherwise, leveling may be necessary.

The installation of a soundproofing underlay is mandatory. Moreover, this can also make it possible to compensate for a difference in level of 2 to 3 mm. A vapor barrier is also required in the case of installation on an uninsulated ground floor or without a crawl space, on heated floors, and directly on cement-based screeds.

Step-by-step instructions

Laminate flooring is installed using the so-called "floating" technique, without nails or glue. Each board is equipped with clips that allow it to be connected to other boards.

It is advised to start by laying the first board in a corner of the room and placing the tongue on the wall side. Then, snap the second board into place by clipping it with the end of the first so that it can easily be inserted into the groove. Continue in this way until the end of the space to be fitted out while making sure to leave an expansion space between the wall and the parquet around the entire periphery (for this, it is possible to use a set of shims).

Tips for a professional and lasting result

Although installing laminate is relatively simple, knowing certain tips is nevertheless necessary for a quality result.

First, allow for 10% more flooring area to compensate for the cuts.

Secondly, before installation, remember to mix the blades from the different packs to harmonize the color variations.

Choose the direction of installation carefully; this way, you can highlight the advantages of your room and minimize its disadvantages.

For a perfect finish, install the skirting boards, which will hide the cuts and the expansion space.

To summarize

Laminate flooring is a good choice for both residential and business settings due to its adaptability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. It's ideal for any project because it supports a variety of conditions and has simple installation procedures. Consider visiting Floor Land to locate the ideal flooring solution for your needs.