If you’re in need of new flooring for your commercial business, there are a number of options to consider. One popular choice is laminate flooring. This affordable floor option offers a high-end aesthetic while remaining durable and easy to clean. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of laminate flooring installation and discuss how it can enhance your commercial interiors.
Laminate is a composite material consisting of multiple layers that are pressed together. The top layer features a photographic image of hardwood, tile, stone, or other material for a realistic look. The base layer consists of fiberboard and other materials for strength, while the core is soaked in a resin to resist spills and water damage. This protective wear layer makes laminate an ideal flooring choice for high-traffic areas, as it resists scratches and dents.
When properly cared for, your laminate floors will last a long time, but they may need occasional touch-ups to keep them looking their best. A thorough sweep and mop can help minimize dirt and grime buildup, while cleaning products formulated for laminate floors can remove most stains with ease. In addition, a good quality underlayment will provide extra cushioning to reduce the impact of walking on the floors.
Before beginning your commercial laminate flooring installation, be sure that the existing ceramic tiles are in a good condition and do not show signs of cracking or chipping. If the tile is uneven or has rough edges, it’s a good idea to use a leveling compound to even out the surface before moving on to your new laminate floor.
Installers will begin at the corner of your space and work their way across the room, leaving a minimum 1/4 inch gap between the edge of the laminate and the perimeter walls. This is necessary, as laminate floors require space to expand and contract with temperature changes. Without this “breathing room,” the floor will buckle or warp. To prevent this, installers will use spacers along the wall to maintain this spacing. After the laminate is installed, you’ll want to cover these gaps with quarter round trim or a decorative baseboard.
Another important factor to consider before installing laminate is that this type of floating floor does not attach to the subfloor. While this provides a great deal of durability, it can be challenging for moisture migration, which is why you’ll need to provide a 6-mil vapor barrier and underlayment padding before starting the project. Laminate is also not recommended over concrete-slab (below grade) basements, or if your home has a French drain or other drainage system in the basement.
While there are many benefits of laminate flooring, the most significant benefit is that it requires little maintenance. This is especially true if you opt for waterproof variations, which feature a waterproof wear layer and sealed joints between planks. This means that your floors will stay resistant to everyday messes, like food and drink spills and pet stains, while staying clean and fresh-looking. In addition, a waterproof laminate will prevent moisture from seeping underneath the floor, protecting your foundation and avoiding structural damage.
If you decide to tackle the project of installing your own floor, it is a good idea to research extensively and watch instructional videos on the process before getting started. This will help you to prepare properly for the challenge and ensure that your finished result is a beautiful floor that meets all of your expectations. While it is possible to save money by attempting to install laminate floors yourself, there are many benefits to hiring a Tampa commercial laminate floor contractor. Not only will they ensure that your floors are installed correctly the first time, but they will also save you time and hassle by handling the entire project for you. In addition, many flooring company will also offer a warranty on their work, providing you with additional peace of mind.