The Lowdown on Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring often can carry a bad rep as a low-end product. Yet Glenn Altarac, owner of Floor Décor Carpet One Floor & Home in Rockville Centre, is trying to change this thinking by emphasizing great flooring is not about cost, but rather quality.

According to Altarac, laminates have been victim of two trends that hurt the entire flooring industry: the availability of inferior Chinese imports, and second, home centers and buyers clubs touting discount price points per square foot. He finds buyers often make decisions based on their wallets rather than the expectations they have.

Before purchasing, consider what goals you have in mind for the new laminate flooring, such as the life expectancy in your home. If you only plan on staying for a few years, then a cheap floor will suffice. But for a long-term investment, don’t shortchange your budget. By putting more dollars in at the beginning of the project, the end results will pay you back tenfold, such as not having to rip up your floor for replacement sooner. Fail to heed this advice, and, “you will end up spending more money in the long run than in the short run,” warns Altarac.

A significant aspect of a flooring installation that many people forget to factor in is the condition of the subfloor.

Structurally sound and level subfloors are essential to properly install laminate flooring.

Another common misconception is that all laminate floating floats can be installed over any floor condition, but on Long Island, especially the South Shore where ground areas can be uneven, proper leveling is required if there’s not a flat surface. Altarac recommends hiring a professional to do the job right, as tricky installs are, “truly not a do-it-yourself project.”

Though laminate flooring can be commonly found in kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms, bedroom installations are becoming more popular. For those with health concerns, laminates are an attractive alternative to carpeting, not to mention wood surfaces are easier to clean. Top-end vendors who offer durable laminate flooring include Armstrong and Mannington.