Categories Laminate flooring has become an increasingly popular flooring choice in recent years due to its realistic wood-like look and feel, durability, low maintenance, and affordability compared to solid hardwood flooring.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about laminate flooring including:
Laminate flooring is made by fusing layers of composite wood and resin together to create planks with photographic prints on the surface that mimic hardwood, stone, or tile. But unlike solid hardwood, laminate flooring needs no nails or glue for installation, making it a great DIY flooring option.
Laminate provides the realism of wood with exceptional durability and moisture-resistance. It holds up well to scratches, stains, dents and everyday wear-and-tear. Just a few of the benefits of laminate flooring include:
Keep reading our guide to learn everything you need to consider when deciding whether laminate is the right budget-friendly flooring option for your home.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| By Structure | |
| High-Pressure Laminate | - Most common type<br>- Top layer made from melamine resin |
| Direct Pressure Laminate | - Top layer is saturated decor paper <br>- Not as durable as high-pressure |
| By Locking System | |
| Glueless | - Tongue-and-groove edges <br>- Floats freely over subfloor |
| Glued | - Planks glued on all sides <br>- Creates single uniform floor |
| By Core Layer | |
| High Density Fiberboard (HDF) | - Extremely dense wood fibers <br>- Provides rigidity and impact resistance |
| Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) | - Less dense than HDF <br>- More affordable but less durable |
When shopping for laminate flooring on Sivilima.lk, you’ll find there are a few main ways that laminate floors are categorized. Understanding the differences can help you select the best laminate flooring type for your home.
Laminate flooring falls into two main categories based on its structure and how the layers are fused together:
Both produce durable floors, but high-pressure laminate is considered superior.
Laminate planks are connected together through either a glueless or glued locking system:
Glueless “floating floor” systems are the easiest for DIY installation.
The internal core layer provides laminate strength and stability:
For best durability, go with high density fiberboard cores. This gives a good overview of the main laminate types available from Sivilima.lk.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Subfloor Prep | |
| Level surface | - Use floor leveling compound for dips and uneven spots |
| Clean | - Sweep and vacuum up any debris |
| Moisture test | - Test for excess moisture and address issues |
| Underlayment | |
| Foam | - Basic and affordable option |
| Felt | - Provides cushioning and sound absorption |
| Cork | - Natural material that insulates and cushions |
| Laying the Floor | |
| Layout | - Plan direction and layout of planks |
| Expansion gaps | - Leave small gaps along edges |
| Stagger rows | - Offset end joints between rows |
| Spacers | - Use spacers to maintain gaps |
| Tapping block | - Connect planks together with tapping block |
| Cutting | - Use saw to cut final edge planks |
Installing laminate flooring yourself can save you money compared to hiring a professional. Here are some tips for how to install laminate flooring purchased from Sivilima.lk:
Proper subfloor prep is crucial for a successful laminate floor installation:
Underlayment goes underneath laminate flooring to provide a smooth, quiet surface:
Follow these tips when laying the laminate flooring planks:
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific laminate flooring brand from Sivilima.lk. Taking your time with proper installation will help ensure your new laminate flooring lasts for years to come.
Let the floor acclimate in the room 48 hours before installing. Use spacers around all edges to allow slight expansion and contraction of the flooring.
| Topic | Tips |
|---|---|
| Regular Maintenance | |
| Sweeping/Vacuuming | - Remove dust and debris regularly |
| Damp Mopping | - Use laminate floor cleaner sparingly |
| Spills | - Wipe up moisture immediately |
| Furniture | - Use floor protectors on furniture legs |
| Repairs | |
| Damaged planks | - Replace individual planks as needed |
| Scratches and chips | - Use laminate filler kits for minor damage |
| Refinishing | |
| Sanding | - Cannot sand or refinish laminate |
| Worn areas | - Use laminate resurfacing kits to renew top layer |
Once your new laminate flooring is installed, be sure to care for it properly to extend its beauty and lifespan. Here are some laminate floor care tips:
Be sure to refer to the care instructions for the specific laminate flooring brand purchased from Sivilima.lk. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning products and procedures.
With proper care and maintenance, quality laminate flooring from Sivilima.lk can maintain its like-new appearance and last for many years before needing replacement.
| Cost Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Material Cost | |
| Cost range | - Rs. 1000 - Rs. 2500 per sqft |
| Thicker planks | - More expensive due to better wear layer |
| Advanced textures | - Add cost for realistic wood grains |
| Installation Cost | |
| DIY installation | - Rs. 200 - Rs. 300 per sqft |
| Professional install | - Rs. 400 - Rs. 600 per sqft |
| Comparisons | |
| Solid hardwood | - Laminate much cheaper than real wood |
| Vinyl | - Similar total cost as vinyl |
| Ceramic tile | - 2-3x less than tile installation |
One of the biggest advantages of laminate flooring is that it is very budget-friendly compared to other flooring options. Here’s an overview of laminate flooring costs:
Laminate provides an attractive, durable floor at a fraction of the cost of real hardwood. And convenient DIY installation kits from Sivilima.lk make it easy to install laminate flooring yourself without high labor fees.
Be sure to get quotes for both materials and installation to find the best laminate flooring deal from Sivilima.lk.
| Pros | |
|---|---|
| Affordable | - Much less expensive than hardwood |
| Durable | - Scratch and dent resistant surface |
| Low maintenance | - Easy to clean and care for |
| Variety of styles | - Many wood look options |
| DIY friendly | - Easy click-lock installation |
| Cons | |
|---|---|
| Not real wood | - Just a photographic layer |
| Cannot refinish | - No sanding or refinishing |
| Not for wet areas | - Can swell and warp from moisture |
| Artificial looking | - Doesn’t look natural up close |
| Minor gapping | - Expands and contracts leaving gaps |
Laminate offers many benefits but also has some downsides to consider.
When deciding between laminate flooring from Sivilima.lk and other options, weigh the pros and cons carefully. The affordability and low maintenance of quality laminate flooring often outweighs the drawbacks for many homeowners.
Laminate provides the look of real hardwood for a fraction of the price. And modern laminate floors mimic wood textures very convincingly. Discuss your needs with the flooring experts at Sivilima.lk to decide if laminate is the right choice for your home.
Laminate flooring available from Sivilima.lk provides a beautiful, realistic wood look for a fraction of the cost of genuine hardwood floors. Laminate offers the appearance of planks or tiles with exceptional durability and moisture resistance.
When shopping on Sivilima.lk, you can choose from a wide variety of wood species, colors, plank sizes, and textures to find the perfect laminate floor for your home. Advanced printing technology allows laminate floors to mimic the look of natural wood very convincingly.
Laminate is the budget-friendly solution for stunning floors due to its low cost, easy maintenance, and extreme durability. Click-lock laminate planks make DIY installation fast and easy. And laminate flooring adds value and style to any home in Sri Lanka for years to come.
For affordable, stylish, and durable flooring, laminate from Sivilima.lk can’t be beaten. Browse their wide selection of laminate floors today to transform the look of your home. Their knowledgeable customer service team is also ready to answer any questions and help you pick the ideal laminate flooring for your needs and budget.
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