Laminate flooring is widely accepted at the current time. It floats on top of the previous flooring, and therefore generates no rubbish since it is not necessary to remove the old floor surface and it doesn�t need any subsequent treatment (varnish, oil or wax), since it is treated in the factory.

 

It can be laid on all types of floor (ceramics, terrazzo, floorboards, carpet, cork), but it must be level and protected with a damp proof plastic membrane, on which the laminate flooring is installed.

 

It can be fixed with clips, glue or nails, the first being the best option as it simplifies the installation, enables you to walk on the floor as you fit the pieces of wood, allows you to dismantle the flooring without damaging the pieces and guarantees that the joins meet perfectly.

 

DIY experts will not have any problems installing laminate flooring in their own homes. All of the models on the market come with clear instructions for how to lay them correctly. Nevertheless, there are some fundamental points that should be considered before getting down to work.

 

Basic recommendations 
 - It should be laid in a dry season, such as summer, since a dry atmosphere lowers the probability of the joints opening.
- The surface on which the laminate flooring is to be laid must be flat, so differences greater than 3mm per metre must be levelled out using paste.
- The sheets of wood should be kept in the room where they are to be installed for three or four days in order to acclimatise.
- Changes in temperature and humidity will cause the laminates to expand and contract, as such it is essential to leave a 10-15mm expansion gap between the walls, doorframes and other pillars.
- If the flooring is laid using glue, sufficient good quality glue must be used to ensure that the pieces join perfectly.
- Laying it on top of the previous flooring will raise the room such that it must be borne in mind that any rooms where it is not installed will be lower.
- You must always buy more laminate sheets than will be required to cover the surface, since it is common to make a few mistakes and waste some material.
- Before starting work, you need to decide which direction the pieces of wood are going to be laid in. A longitudinal arrangement will make the room feel narrower whilst laying it crossways will make it feel wider. In order to highlight the contrasts in tone between the pieces of wood, they must be laid perpendicular to the light source; if you would prefer a  homogeneous floor, the pieces of wood should be placed in the same direction as the light source.

 

Laminate flooring works well everywhere in the house, except in those areas where there are frequent changes in humidity such as kitchens and bathrooms. For lounges, dining rooms, bedrooms, sitting rooms and offices it is the perfect surface with countless advantages over other types of flooring.

 

As well as being easy to lay it is also quick to install, since in three or four days laminate flooring can be laid without any mess and without having to move out of the house.

 

It is resistant to footprints, general wear and tear and sunlight, which does not affect the original colour, as well as showing great strength and robustness in the most used areas. Its tolerance of contrasting temperature and humidity are complemented by its high level of soundproofing and its compatibility with under floor heating systems.

 

Laminate flooring is a warm material which goes with almost every type of furniture and ambience, but it is sensible to choose between the different ranges based on the brightness and decoration of your home. The market offers laminates of varying quality and tone, some of them are coloured, and the most suitable option for each case will be based more on criteria concerning durability than on financial reasons.

 

Furthermore, it is very easy to clean and maintain. It is cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or mop soaked in a mixture of vinegar and water or a product suitable for this kind of surface. It is important not to use harsh liquids which could damage the varnish and to avoid using excessive water. To keep it in perfect condition, a floor polish can be applied every now and again and it is strongly advisable to also put rubber or cloth protectors on table and chair legs and other pieces of furniture.