Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we are asked about laminate flooring.
A. It is a multiple layer laminate surface designed for strength and durability, that sometimes exceeds other flooring products by years in durability.Laminate flooring can add character and beauty to your home. Laminate flooring is an attractive, durable affordable alternative to hardwood or other flooring surfaces. Laminate flooring has a photograph of a real wood surface on the outer layer which accurately and beautifully simulates the look and character of wood floors and laminate flooring holds up to many conditions that other products will not.
A. From time to time we may sell any brand of laminate flooring. Because of the way we acquire merchandise there is often a diverse choice of brands on the floor. We do carry many regular, well known national and global brand names on our floors. The reason you may not see these names on our site is likely due to an agreement with these manufacturers not to advertise their products at such low prices.
A. Laminate flooring has many benefits over other flooring choices. Laminate flooring can add a level of style and sophistication at considerably less cost than hardwood. Laminates also are an ideal solution for consumers with allergies, as the non-porous surface does not allow for the collection of dust and allergens. Another advantage laminates have over other flooring surfaces is that, unlike other products, laminate flooring has a high UV resistance and will resist sun damage and fading much more than other surfaces.
The ability to clean a flooring surface is likely of utmost importance to most consumers and laminate flooring offers a surface that requires very little in the way of specialized cleaning materials or effort. Most often, you will find yourself simply wiping away marks and stains or sweeping the smooth surface quickly to restore your laminate floor to a clean, attractive shine.
A. One of the reasons laminate flooring has become so popular in recent years is that almost anyone with a saw and a few simple tools can install a beautiful, professional looking laminate floor. Most laminate flooring manufacturers now produce a glueless laminate flooring product in which floor boards slot or snap together instead of requiring glue or nails. It is quite literally a matter of measuring and cutting boards, then fitting them together. This makes laminate flooring an ideal choice for the DIY consumer and the contractor looking for high quality flooring at fair prices.
Another large advantage laminate flooring offers is that compared to other flooring products, laminate boards are typically much wider, allowing you to install much more product in less time. Many projects can be viewed as afternoon or weekend projects!
A. While laminate floors of different brands and designs have been created to work in many situations, it is important to have a discussion with a knowledgeable sales representative about which specific product suits your needs best. Important information to have available may be things such as traffic level, moisture exposure, undersurface and other unusual exposures which the product may or may not be designed for.
A. Typically you will want to purchase 10% more product than you will install. This allows for the small pieces of waste you will produce when cutting pieces to fit and starting new rows. It is important to note that Marden's does accept returns on whole, unopened boxes of material within 30 days of purchase date with reciept. This means you don't have to worry about overpurchasing and wasting money on product you don't need!
A. There are many situations in which you should install a moisture barrier beneath your laminate flooring. In any instance where you will be installing over a concrete or cement pad, or over a crawl space where there is no foundation or other heated living space beneath your floor a moisture barrier is required for warranty purposes.
A. Laminate floor products sold by Marden's ARE covered under warranty in most instances. It is important to be aware that all warranties are subject to manufacturers guidelines. Marden's proudly stands behind the products they sell. We can not, however, cover warranties on abused or improperly installed flooring products, or on floors which simply show signs of wear and use consistent with the age of the floor.
A. We do offer a brief worksheet that will provide you some guidance to measure your floors properly. It is important to remember to measure the extreme outer dimension of your floor. Remember not to exclude appliances, closets and other spaces from these dimensions, and to think of your space as a whole, not as small pieces of floor space. It is very helpful to draw out a diagram complete with dimensions and descriptions of your space to bring in to one of our representatives.
Click here for the worksheet.
Remember to purchase about 10% more product than you actually plan to install to make up for small pieces of waste due to trimming and starting new rows.They can take it from there!
A. Yes. It is very important to acclimate your laminate floorboards before installing them. Simply allowing the flooring to sit in the same environment it will be installed in will allow it to adjust to the moisture levels and temperature in the room. This will prevent unwanted surprises associated with slight moisture and temperature variations.
A. Yes. Our full service flooring departments have professional installers available and ready to install a beautiful new laminate floor in your home. Just stop by your local Marden's flooring department for more information.