Laminate Flooring in Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley

Laminate is often referred to as a “hybrid” floor because of its high-density fibreboard (HDF) core topped with an image layer and wear layers.

• Wear layer: Wear layers are commonly waterproof, protect the floor from scratches and stains, and provide a realistic feel. Wear layers can include rougher, more natural-looking scrapes and knots. For the most hyper-realistic look and feel, explore our embossed in register options, where the image layer and wood-grain wear layer align perfectly.
  

• Image layer: This holds the pattern or print, making the laminate look like real hardwood and stone.
  

• Core layer: This layer is typically made of compressed high-density fibreboard, giving the floor durability and stability. It’s resistant to water, but not necessarily waterproof. The core layer is also where the locking system is located.
  

• Backing: The backing keeps water from penetrating the subfloor. A high-quality backing can protect your floor from peaking and moisture damage.

Laminate flooring comes with several attractive benefits for the home, such as:

• Scratch resistance:  Laminate can stand up against high-traffic environments, especially for homeowners with young children and pets.
  

• DIY installation:  Laminate’s interlocking plank design allows the flooring to “float” above the subfloor without adhesives, nails, or tape.
  

• Easy to clean: Maintenance is minimal with laminate, so you’ll always have great-looking floors.
  

• Realistic feel: Laminate flooring mimics real wood grains and looks for the most realistic experience underfoot. With the laminate’s HDF core, it also holds heat and “walks” like traditional wood flooring.

Although laminate has several appealing perks to it, there are some downsides to be aware of.

• Moisture: Traditional laminate can be susceptible to moisture. However, with today’s technology, there are various water-resistant and 100% waterproof laminate options.
  

• Refinishing:  Laminate flooring’s synthetic construction does not allow it to be refinished like solid wood.

The Abrasion Class (AC) rating determines how much traffic your laminate flooring can handle. To find the best laminate option for areas around your home or business; follow the ratings below:

• AC1: Sufficient for bedrooms and closets.
  

• AC2: Perfect for family rooms, living rooms, and dining rooms.
  

• AC3: Great for high-traffic residential spaces and light commercial use.
  

• AC4: Fantastic for residential spaces and commercial areas with medium foot traffic.
  

• AC5: The best option for heavy commercial applications.

Yes, many laminate floors are waterproof! The great news is that you can choose from various water-resistant and waterproof options to find what suits your needs best. Waterproof laminate does not allow any moisture to penetrate, no matter how much time has passed. Water-resistant laminate, although highly resistant to moisture, can soak in liquids eventually if left unattended. Depending on where you intend to install your floors, 100% waterproof laminate flooring can offer the most resistance to damage in moisture-prone areas of the home. In addition, cleanup is simple with waterproof laminate, as liquids stay on top of the surface. Wipe them away when you get the chance for stain-free floors. Benefits of waterproof laminate floors:

• Their waterproof core is less susceptible to swelling and lifting from the subfloor.

• A water-repellent seal that prevents moisture from reaching the core of the floor.

• Some waterproof laminate plank floors come with bevelled edges that help keep moisture from the cracks between planks.

You can install laminate above and below grade and practically anywhere in the home. We recommend waterproof laminate for high moisture areas, like the kitchen and bathroom, and suggest that you clean up any water or spills right away. If you’re a business owner and are interested in laminate floors, we have heavy commercial options that can stand up against heavy foot traffic and resist scuffs and dents.

Yes! For the best results, you must use underlayment with an attached vapour barrier underneath your flooring. Underlayment provides several benefits, such as sound absorption, insulation, and protection against moisture. Some of our laminate flooring options include an attached underlayment. If not, we have a variety of foam and cork underlayment options available for you to choose from. Additionally, if you intend on installing laminate flooring over concrete floors, you must have a vapour barrier. Concrete is porous, and a vapour barrier will prevent moisture from coming up from the subfloor, potentially ruining your laminate.

For weekly maintenance, sweep your floors with a soft-bristle broom to clean off dust, debris, and leftover crumbs. Then, with the lowest setting of your vacuum, lightly do a runover of your floors. It’s important to gently clean laminate, as higher vacuum settings can lead to scratches and damage over time.

Damp-mop your laminate with a liquid cleaning solution specifically formulated for it. Use a damp microfibre mop or another absorbent mop that will prevent too much water from getting on your laminate. Once you finish mopping, use a dry microfibre cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

The best laminate floor cleaners are non-abrasive, natural, or PH-balanced.  Before trying a new laminate floor cleaner, check the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Maintain your laminate by regularly sweeping and removing stains promptly to avoid staining. You should never wax or polish your laminate floor as its shiny appearance requires no additional solutions.

There are several preventative actions you can take to reduce scratches on your floors.

• Place entrance mats at doorways.

• Remove shoes – especially heels and cleats.

• Apply felt pads underneath all furniture to avoid scraping.

• Never drag or push objects across the floor – ask for help to pick them up instead.

• Add area rugs throughout the space for added protection and style.

• For rolling chairs, attach rubber wheels to them.

Laminate flooring is durable and great for high-traffic areas; however, scrapes and damage are inevitable after years of use. Below are some quick DIY fixes to reduce the appearance of scratches on your laminate.

1. Use touch-up markers - they’re great for very fine, superficial scratches on your laminate flooring. Also, touch-up markers are a speedy and cost-effective way to clean up the small areas of your laminate without fully repairing them.

2. For deeper scratches and dents, use wood wax. Check the manufacturer for wax filler sticks that match the exact colour of your laminate flooring. You can quickly fill in the scratches by melting the wax and applying it to sections of your laminate floor.

3. Coloured putty kits are another option that works great to fill deep imperfections. This option requires buffing the area and precision to apply the putty evenly for a flawless finish. Make sure to check with the manufacturer for kit availability.

If the damage to your laminate floors is too extensive, you may want to consider replacing individual planks for an entirely new finish. Removing laminate sections can be challenging, so consult professional advice before doing so.

Most of our laminate floors come backed with an extensive warranty ranging from five years to a lifetime guarantee. With proper care, your laminate can look beautiful in your home for years of enjoyment. When shopping for laminate flooring, we find it helpful to compare the AC ratings of the laminate you’re interested in. Floors of a higher AC rating of 4 or 5 are commercially rated and therefore made to withstand tougher conditions for more extended and up to 20 to 30 years.