flooringstory: October 2009

Laminate wood flooring is originated from Europe and has been popular ever since because of its versatility and easy-to-install application.

With laminate wood flooring, you can have the same effect that hard wood flooring can provide to your home but without shelling out huge sum of money.

With the same elegance and warm appearance it can provide, it is a great option for those seeking a change of interior design and appearance to either household or commercial applications.

It is comprised of several layers, usually four different types of materials. Each of these layers has a particular use to make the laminate flooring a durable and quality one. The typical materials used for the layers are the following:

1. Top layer - has usually transparent finish with specially-treated application which is the reason why the laminate flooring has high-resistance feature against scratches, dents, stains, and fire.

2. Second layer - is where the aesthetic part of the flooring is integrated, with the hard wood look or effect. Other laminate woods can also be found with stone or ceramic look as well.

3. Core layer - is the main part of the flooring which can be made of either medium- or high-density fiberboard. It is also the core layer which is responsible for containing and enduring the stress provided by feet and heavy objects.

4. Final layer - is, of course, found at the bottom most part. It is integrated to provide more stability and strength to the entire layers of the laminate flooring.

These layers are the reason why laminate wood flooring is easy and low to maintain. This is benefit highly-advantageous than others, not to mention at only a fraction of the real cost of solid wood flooring

If you are going to pick laminate wood flooring, there is a variety of types you can select from. It is available in a variety of types with different designs, sizes, and colors to choose from.

However, when selecting, remember to look for the AC rating which typically comes in the product. It is in relation to the durability levels of the flooring why you should not ignore this factor.

This will help you select one that would suit your needs. In the same manner, it will help you understand better the difference between durability levels there is available.

Installing of the laminate wood flooring is relatively easy. However, if you cannot do the job it would be better to leave it at the hands of the experts in installing floors.

For tips on choosing laminate flooring, visit http://www.buylaminateflooring101.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Lee

Cork flooring is fast emerging as a style statement in most urban homes. Its popularity can be attributed to various factors like durability, comfort, and look. It is also eco-friendly and works well with colorful rugs and other floor accessories. In addition, it has a shock absorbent quality which makes it very comfortable to walk on. It is also great at muffling noises and has excellent insulating properties.

Installation process of cork flooring

The installation of cork flooring is relatively easy. In fact, even amateurs can install cork floors themselves. There are 2 methods of installation:

Floating cork flooring installation is the preferred installation method. Since the flooring has a special edge that is designed to interlock with adjacent pieces, the cork floor can be installed over hard surfaces like ceramic tile, vinyl flooring, and wood flooring. It is advisable to use this form of installation if your subfloor is cracked, dirty, or unstable, since floating cork floors can be removed easily should you need to repair or replace your subfloor.
Glue-down installation refers to the process of gluing the flooring to the subfloor. This should be done only in cases where the subfloor is clean, even, dry, and stable. A paint roller should be used to spread adhesive evenly over the floor, and once the flooring is laid in place, it should be run over by a 100 pound floor roller. The glue-down method of installation is relatively expensive and time consuming, but can be more stable in comparison to floating type.

There are a few things you should keep in mind while installing this kind of flooring.

Since it is essentially natural, it will have color variations. If you are considering using it over a large space, you should complete the installation at one go. This way, you can make sure that all the flooring pieces are of the same hue and consistency is maintained.
Though this type of flooring is perfectly suitable for bathrooms and kitchens, you should use a sealant before installing the cork floor. This will make your flooring resistant to damage from water spills, and hence more durable.
If you plan to use this kind of flooring in your basement, it is advisable to adopt the floating method of installation. This is because the moisture content is relatively high in basements and this can damage your flooring if you don't use a moisture barrier.

Cork flooring can have a very special depth and richness. With vibrant colors and patterns, it can completely change the look of your rooms. So go ahead and install your cork floors and enjoy all the attention it draws!

Los Angeles Cork Flooring - At Contempo Floor Coverings, our mission is to provide flooring products that inspire, amaze, and satisfy your desire for self-expression.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kilian_Allen