Laminate Flooring Guide
Here’s a quick breakdown on what makes laminate flooring different form hardwood:
- Construction. While hardwood flooring is made of solid wood, laminate is a composite wood material that is pressed together to make a plank. Laminate flooring is made of several layers, the top two being a photographic layer (to replicate hardwood, tile, stone, etc.) and a protective layer.
- Cost. Because laminate flooring is not made from a single piece of wood, costs can go down tremendously. More expensive laminate flooring is usually cheaper than inexpensive hardwood flooring.
- Repair. Laminate is extremely durable, but cannot be refinished like hardwood. Any deep damage to laminate flooring needs be replaced. Laminate flooring has a typical lifespan of 15 – 25 years.
General Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining laminate and hardwood flooring, the techniques used are basically identical.
Daily
Use a microfiber dry mop or a vacuum without a rotary brush to pick up everyday dirt and debris. This is the first line of defense since these particles, if left to accumulate, can scratch/wear down the protective surface of laminate flooring.
Weekly
Use a laminate floor cleaner to refresh and revitalize your floors. Avoid DIY laminate floor cleaners since most of these recipes are water-based. Water and wood don’t mix!
Monthly
Deep cleaning and/or polishing your laminate floors will help extend its life and beauty. Again, it is recommended to use a specially formulated laminate floor cleaner to avoid issues with DIY accidents that may lead to spots, streaks or other unwanted blemishes.
Bona offers a laminate floor mop and laminate floor cleaner that also works for stone and tile too! Find the right tools to bring out the beauty in your floors.