Laminate flooring is a remarkably durable surface, stain resistant, and does not need to be varnished or waxed so it’s very easy to maintain.

These are floors for busy households, especially homes with kids and pets. They’re also a good choice if you want a floor that’s durable; easy both on the budget and to take care of.

If that sounds like your home this may be the flooring 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 to beautifully accommodate any room in your home.

But before you get to far down the line on laminate there are some things you should know before you purchase this flooring. Thus this section.

We hope it’s just what you need to make a smart buying decision.

Priceless points on pricing.

When considering laminates, you will notice that there is not much price variation in styles.

This is due to the relatively uniform manufacturing process for all laminates: no matter what the style, color or type, it is still a photograph that provides the decorative surface.

The more expensive laminates include those with a textured and more natural looking surface with a greater number of screens.

Laminate floors that simulate the more exotic varieties of hardwood flooring quickly rise in price. So keep that in mind.

However, higher-end laminates are more durable and have extended warranties.

Allow us to float this information by you.

Laminate floors are installed using a “floating floor system” in which a padded underlayment sits between the subfloor and the laminate planks.

The planks sit directly on the underlayment and are not anchored to the sublfoor on the bottom but rather anchored by the edges. Get the picture?

This type of installation when walked upon can produce a hollow sound and have a slight give, although there are underlayment products available to minimize that effect.

Slight ridging or peaking where planks are joined together may also occur. This is considered normal and nothing for you to be concerned about.

Some laminate floors lock together without the use of adhesive on the sides of the planks.

Glueless laminate floors have planks that simply interlock together. These floors make for easy repair if that is ever necessary for you down the road.

For important things you should consider about laminate colors, moldings and transitional pieces, please see the Laminate Styles section.

Finally, be calculating! Figure the entire cost of laminate ownership.

The “cost per square foot” of your laminate flooring is just one component of your entire project cost.

To ensure there are no surprises, and the laminate you select fits within your overall project budget, be sure to ask your retailer to calculate the total cost of your floor covering project.

Here’s a list of potential additional expenses you may incur:

• Furniture removal/replacement. Some retailers may charge you to remove (and then move back) the furniture in the areas of installation.
• Demolition/disposal of old floor covering. Depending on the existing floor covering, this can be an expensive item; also, be sure to include the cost to dispose of the old floor covering.
• Subfloor preparation. Depending on the condition of the subfloor, it may require additional work. Make sure you get consultation on this.
• Product delivery. Delivering the laminate and installation materials to your home may or may not be included in the price you’re quoted.
• Laminate installation. Determine the cost per square foot to install it.
• Materials required to complete the installation. Your new laminate flooring may require additional materials to install it properly. Ask your retailer to explain.
• Financing. Many retailers offer financing; financing is not an additional cost but rather an option of payment.

Also, don’t forget to ask the retailer and consult the manufacturer’s warranty and care guide for directions on how frequently your floor should be cleaned and the cost to clean it.

There’s a lot to know and consider before buying your laminate floor, but it’s well worth the effort.

If you’re a smart and knowledgeable laminate flooring shopper it will give us great pleasure. And, hopefully, your new laminate flooring will give you years of the same.