Laminate floors are a great addition to any home, but before they’re installed, homeowners naturally have a lot of questions about this popular material. What is it made out of? Is it durable? Is it easy to look after? Does it need to be refinished?

There are many do’s and don’ts when it comes to your new laminate flooring and we’re going to go over them below so you can ensure they remain in mint condition for many years to come. This material is becoming increasingly popular for a reason and we guarantee you’ll love having them in your home too.

What Are Laminate Floors Made From?

Despite popular belief, no, laminate floors are not made from plastic. They’re made from four layers of synthetic materials (typically resin and fibre materials) that are fused together with heat and pressure to mimic the look of real wood or even stone or marble. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, are made from various wood species or layers of plywood. While the texture and grains of the wood are more natural, they can easily dent or scratch. Laminate wood floors are nearly an imitation, but they can actually be much more durable especially if there is heavier foot traffic or you have pets.

More About Laminate Floor Durability

Thanks to the multi-layer construction of laminate flooring, they are actually extremely durable. They’re also virtually fade and scratch-resistant. Therefore, if you have kids and pets running around or have heavy furniture, laminate flooring will become your best friend.

Not only that, but they can absorb moisture very well. With real wood floors, you have to be careful with things like a damp mop or steam mop, but with laminate floors, you can use water to clean them without worry. You especially won’t need to fret if you don’t get to clean the spills immediately. You won’t be left with an unsightly stain on your beautiful floors.

However, if your laminate floors are scratched or dented, the damage will clearly show and repair won’t be as easy as with wood floors. And when it comes to longevity, will they last as long as natural wood? No. But with the proper care and finishing, they can last upwards of 20+ years before needing to be replaced.

How To Clean Laminate Wood Floors

Most flooring companies (or floor installation contractors) will provide instructions on how to clean laminate floors, so remember to always check those first. But as a general rule of thumb, you should consider the following:

• Don’t leave spills even though laminate floors are stain-resistant. It’s best to wipe up spills as they occur so you limit the chance of any liquids seeping through the cracks and damaging the layers beneath.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners and tools on tough stains such as steel wool or a rotating brush on a vacuum. It’s best to use a microfiber cloth, a dust mop, or a gentle vacuum attachment.
• Avoid mopping and completely soaking the floors. Use a microfiber mop that is damp. You can also purchase a laminate floor cleaner from your nearby hardware store and use a microfiber mop to evenly spread it out. Don’t use any cleaners or floor protectors that aren’t labelled for laminate floors. They can leave streaks and damage the protective coating. Therefore, don’t use a hardwood floor cleaner for cleaning laminate floors – they’ll only get damaged.
• To further protect your laminate flooring from scuff marks or dents, place furniture pads under the legs of your tables and chairs. Area rugs with slip-proof mats underneath also work wonders!

Do Laminate Floors Need To Be Refinished?

A laminate floor is a little different than a real wood floor, so no, they do not need to be refinished. Because of the blend of materials, it’d also be quite difficult to refinish and sand it. In fact, it’d just end up damaging it.

Many people choose to add a protective coat, also referred to as “top coat”, that protects their laminate floors from water and moisture damage called polyurethane. However, this isn’t absolutely necessary and it can be difficult to adhere to the material. But, if you wish to still add it, spread a thin layer evenly with a dry mop and allow it to try for one to two hours. You’ll need to apply at least several coats.

They Don’t Need Special Treatment After Installation

One of the best things (and most appealing traits) about laminate wood floors is the fact that they really don’t need anything added to them after they’ve been installed because of the material. This makes them a lot easier to look after and maintain than real wood flooring. But, while they don’t need additional treatment, they will need to be cleaned properly in order to preserve the shiny finish and stain and scratch-resistant appearance. They can be cleaned with a labelled laminate floor cleaner, or even with a soft, damp cloth and a touch of unscented dish soap or baby soap.

Need Help From Flooring Experts?

Whether you’re looking to have laminate floors installed or have questions about them, don’t hesitate to contact our flooring experts that are based in Mississauga, Ontario. We have over 25 years of valuable experience in the flooring industry and can assist you with whatever you may need. We also offer hardwood flooring installation, staircase installation, doors and trim, and more. Contact us today!