If you’ve landed on this page, you probably want to know a thing or two about laminate floor. Well, to put it simply, laminate floors are a synthetic floor covering. These mainly consist of three main layers – a particle board wood base, an image layer, and a clear wear layer on top. Looking for an answer to ‘Can you wax laminate flooring?’ We’ll definitely talk about that, but before that let’s find out a bit more about the popular flooring option.
Laminate floors are typically used in living areas, dining halls, bedrooms, and hallways. In fact, it can be used anywhere and everywhere except for areas which witness excessive moisture. These are easy to maintain and are an economical flooring option – great for people not looking to splurge loads on the flooring renovation.
The best thing about laminate flooring is that it never requires wet mopping! Yes, you read that right! A simple broom/ dry mop can take care of most of the dust and dirt. For deep cleaning, you can use a hard surface mopping tool that makes use of a cleaning fluid instead of water. To add to it, laminate floors are quite resistant to wear and tear, and thus are great for homes with children and pets. To know more about laminate flooring, get in touch with our flooring services in Dallas.
Installation of laminate floors through our flooring services in Dallas
Laminate floors are no different from solid hardwood floors and come with a modified tongue-and-groove style of joining boards. In fact, installing these is so easy, some would take up the challenge themselves, though that’s not a wise move.
Laminate flooring is typically installed as a floating floor – one that doesn’t need the more cumbersome nail-dow installation process.
- First, we roll out the foam underlayment and tape it in place. This ensures a smooth surface. Sometimes, the underlayment comes attached with the laminate planks, thus doing away with the need for a separate layer.
- Depending on the type of laminate you’ve chosen through our flooring services in Dallas, we either snap or glue the planks together. That said, we prefer the snap-together method, which is more commonly referred to as the fold-and-lock method, mainly because of its ease and precision.
- Unlike the traditional tongue and groove joints, we angle the boards to each other and fold one down until it lies flat. This tightens the bond between the adjoining laminate boards, prevents water seepage, and ensures a durable flooring installation.
Can you wax laminate flooring? Let’s find out!
Why do people want to know about whether or not they can wax laminate floors? Well, traditionally, waxing has been associated with wooden floors to enhance their appeal and shine. It also protected the surface from any and all forms of wear and tear. This is the reason perhaps that people still wonder ‘Can you wax laminate flooring?’
If truth be told, waxing the surface of the floor helps in three ways.
- It can provide the laminate floors with a glossy finish – thereby adding a touch of elegance to your home.
- Some waxes even offer an extra level of protection against scuffs and scratches.
- Certain wax products are even marketed as water repellents, which is what makes them appealing all the more, especially if you have the laminate flooring installed in areas such as the kitchen and basement.
All that being said, while waxing does come across as a tempting idea, being a notable provider of flooring services in Dallas, we at Floors Blvd strongly advise against waxing laminate floors. Here are a few reasons why.
- Laminate floors come with a factory-fitted protective finish that doesn’t quite need waxing. In fact, doing so may actually be counterproductive, by leaving a residue on top, making it prone to smudging and even slippery.
- If not chosen well, waxing products can damage the protective wear layer of laminate floors. Additionally, wax can trap dirt and debris, making the laminate surface harder to clean.
- Waxed laminate surface/ flooring requires more maintenance, mostly because it has to be periodically peeled off and reapplied, which in itself is a big hassle.
Frequently asked questions
Can laminate flooring be used in high-traffic areas?
Yes, laminate floors can always be used in high-traffic areas. At Floors Blvd, we have laminate flooring options that are durable and ready to withstand heavy foot traffic. The top wear layer protects it from all kinds of daily scratches and dents, making it an excellent choice for busy areas such as offices, living rooms, hallways, and more. Moreover, it is fairly easy to clean and maintain.
How can I make my laminate floors shine without waxing?
In order to laminate floors shine without waxing, start by cleaning them regularly with a damp mop or even a mild laminate floor cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals or other abrasive tools. Remember to never ask for ‘can you wax laminate flooring’ because waxing can damage the surface and leave a sticky residue, thereby spoiling the laminate flooring.
What products should I avoid using on laminate floors?
We at Floors Blvd have been providing top-notch flooring services in Dallas for over a decade, and so, we would recommend you not to use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or wax-based products on laminate floors. These tend to damage the top layer of the laminate flooring and even lead to a dull finish. You should also stay away from steam mops, as excessive water can seep into seams and lead to warping.