Hardwood flooring, especially laminate flooring, has become more and more popular as times have moved on. It is a sign of a modern home and it is also more practical and convenient within certain rooms such as the kitchen or the bathroom. However, despite its convenience, it still needs looking after so you need to ensure that you have a decent laminate floor cleaner in order to keep it looking clean and tidy.
Laminate Floor Cleaner
The best laminate floor cleaner is not always the one which you buy from a store. It is possible and more cost effective sometimes to make your own cleaner and you should notice that it is just as effective as a leading brand. You may even be able to get away with using other household cleaners to clean the floor without damaging it which could save an awful lot of time and money.
Before you start it is best to try out any new cleaner on an unnoticed piece of flooring. That way, if the cleaner does leave a mark on the floor it will not be noticeable and you will not have really damaged anything.
Generally different cleaners suit different floors and if you are worried about which cleaner to use, you could always try asking the professionals. They will be able to tell you the best products to use and exactly how to use them. This might be extremely helpful in the beginning when you really have no clue as to what you are doing. However, the more experienced you get, the more you will be able to experiment with different products and methods.
One tip that you should bear in mind is that if you leave water on laminate flooring for long periods of time, it can ruin it. This is because the water expands into the flooring and it causes it to rise and go soft. You can purchase waterproof laminate flooring but some homeowners do not bother and that is when problems arise. So if there is a spillage, always ensure that you mop it up straight away.
If you do want to attempt making your own cleaner, many people have found that simple water and vinegar make a great cleaning solution. It has the ability to effectively cut through dirt and grease which makes it ideal for use in kitchens. Now due to the fact that excess water does cause damage if left, it would be a good idea to rinse the mop out as thoroughly as possible before using it on the laminate flooring.
Overall it is always best to experiment and do your research as to the possible products you might be able to use on your laminate, before you actually use them. A quick mop a couple of times a day should help to keep it looking clean and clear.
A vast majority of construction in the United States is plywood over floor joists with basements below. The preferred type of product would be the more traditional solid 3/4" material that will outlast our lifetimes, providing it's taken care of properly. These products can be completely refinished many times over. In most cases color changes can be made, but requires very knowledgeable professionals.
Other products gaining popularity in recent years would be prefinished engineered. These are constructed in ply fashion similar to that of common plywood with an actual hardwood veneer on the surface, commonly called the wear layer.
Wear layers can vary from one prefinished manufacturer to the next. One key to look for in choosing anengineered product would be the thickness of the veneer or wear layer. Nearly all manufacturers produce thin and thicker wear layers, the latter having the ability to be refinished. Often price can dictate the wear layer thickness. Some cannot be completely refinished.
How many times an engineered hardwood can be refinished should be a concern for those that plan on living with their new hardwood floor more than 10-20 years, but will depend on what you perceive as needing refinishing. Minor scratches, dings and dents add to the character of hardwood flooring. Some are fine by the added character that comes along with age and use, others may not be.
If you're seeking near perfection and desire a flawless appearance, your floors may need refinishing every five years. Choosing a product with the thickest wear layer should be considered. Most of the better engineered hardwoods have veneer thicknesses of 1/8" and more. With the right professionals and a flat subfloor these can be successfully refinished at least two or three times. Color changes may reduce this number. Finally, engineered products are more stable (minimal if any expansion and contraction)ยน than solid hardwood due to the way they are constructed. They are recommended for in floor radiant heating systems as well.
Random Length or One Size Lengths?
All manufacturers are different. Some may offer random length or one set length hardwood. Random length is defined as each piece being different in size between the shortest and longest. For example, one may say 12" - 60" random length. This means the shortest pieces will be 12" and the longest 60" with the others being different sized in between. Random lengths offer a more traditional look. Some products may be manufactured in one length only, but to an untrained eye will look similar to a random length hardwood floor if installed properly.
Some confuse one length hardwoods as being too uniform in appearance. One length products should be installed randomly. Creating the random look begins with using different sized boards at the starting area. They should be cut randomly with no particular measurement used. Once starter boards are cut and full length pieces are installed adjacent to them, a random look appears as shown in the first illustration above.
Both A.caxton & Lara Newcomb are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
A.caxton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Blood Pressure, Lawn Mower and Home Management. Andrew Caxton loves writing for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com. A website with tips on , amongst many related t. A.caxton's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
Lara Newcomb has sinced written about articles on various topics from Certified Public Accountants, Search Engine Marketing and Architecture. - Net Floors provide wholesale flooring - laminate flooring, hardwood flooring and other flooring online.. Lara Newcomb's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.