If you’re imagining laminate flooring in your home you can be assured of a beautiful, durable and practical solution for the way you live.

Today’s laminate styles consist of authentic wood visuals, rich laminate looks or natural stone designs with different surface textures.

There’s one to accommodate virtually any room in your home.

So dream away.

But don’t forget reality, either.

While your new laminate floor is highly durable it still requires care, and that’s what this section is all about.

Take care of your laminate flooring investment and it will reward you and your home for many years to come.

Plus, knowing what’s expected of you regarding laminate flooring upkeep can be a determining factor in your purchase choices.

So check over the following advice and be a little smarter about smart and durable laminate flooring.

Dirt is the enemy, use these weapons.

Laminate floors are beautiful and very durable but not indestructible. Floors can dull when unattended dirt acts as an abrasive on its surface.

This can be avoided by sweeping, dust mopping or vacuuming regularly to remove loose dirt and grit.

You can use a broom or, to make the job faster, a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar is also recommended.

Vacuum cleaner attachments are useful to pick up dirt from between planks or along edges.

An occasional damp mopping is also suggested. However, your laminate flooring can expand if excessive water is used while cleaning.

After damp mopping, a clean dry cloth should be used to wipe your floor thoroughly.

Placing doormats or walk-off mats at each entryway will collect excessive moisture and dirt before they enter your home.

Tips and hints, do’s and don’ts.

Glides or floor protectors on the bottom of your furniture will prevent possible scratching or abrasion.

It’s important to lift heavy furniture instead of dragging or pulling them.

Use pieces of carpet face down under heavy objects when moving them across your floor. Get a small army of helpers to move that pool table.

Spot cleaning and occasional complete cleaning of your laminate floor can be done using the manufacturer’s recommended products.

Never use abrasive cleaners, steel wool or scouring powder.

Do not use soap-based detergents or “mop-and-shine” products.

Never flood your floor with water or cleaner.

Do not wax or polish your laminate floor.

Never try to refinish or sand your laminate floor. That’s a real no-no.

Durable but not indestructible, your laminate floor can be damaged by stiletto heels.

But the good news is that the finish on your laminate floor can help protect the floor from sunlight and the typical fading you find with aging hardwood floors.

Keep in mind that if a repair is necessary in the future, the replacement product may be a slightly different dye lot and/or texture than the initial installation.

However, with time and usage, the repair will blend in with your original product.

For additional care procedures please refer to the manufacturer's care and maintenance instructions and recommendations.

Care creates confidence.

With proper care and regular maintenance, we’re confident that your laminate flooring will provide you and your home with many years of beauty, warmth and durability.