You've decided to have laminate flooring installed in your home, but once you saw the available choices you became confused. With dozens of manufacturers offering hundreds of styles and colors at a wide range of prices, it may seem like an insurmountable mission to decide among laminate floors. Luckily, when it comes to choosing a laminate floor there's a method to the madness, and you'll be able to make your choice with confidence.
Instructions
1. Examine the warranties of the laminate flooring you are choosing from. Manufacturers offer a range of warranty coverages for their laminate products, and the products with the longest and best guarantees should go on your short list.
2. Research the manufacturers. A warranty is only as good as the company that offers it, and a 30-year warranty offered by a newer company will be worthless if the company isn't around in five years. Look for the manufacturers with the most experience in producing laminate flooring, and check their customer service reputations. In addition, look for the North American Laminate Flooring Association certification seal, which assures you that the product has passed the association's standards and quality tests.
3. Determine your flooring budget. Because laminate prices have such a wide range, by setting your budget in advance you may eliminate a variety of special-order products and possibly some of the most- and least-expensive products.
4. Pick what you prefer from the remaining laminate floors, considering the colors and styles that suit your taste and lifestyle.
5. Narrow your choices to the top three or four on your list.
6. Request samples of each laminate on your list. Typically, flooring retailers have sample boards available that you can take home to see how they will look when they're installed.
7. Scrutinize each sample individually in the room where the laminate is to be installed, placing the samples in different areas of the room and under both natural and artificial light. This will give you the assurance that you have chosen the laminate floor that is perfect for your home and lifestyle.
Tags: laminate floor, laminate flooring, laminate floors, wide range, your home, your list