Home Decorating Ideas - How To Select Flooring That's Right For You

Since its introduction in the early '90s, laminate has evolved into a dynamic flooring option.

Homeowners who choose laminate are less concerned about denting, nicking and stains than with other types of flooring. In addition, laminate won't collect dust like carpet, leaving allergy sufferers with one less symptom trigger. Remember to consider the following when shopping for flooring:

Appearance--Whether you want a hardwood, ceramic or stone look, the laminate you choose should resemble the real thing as much as possible.

For example, Mohawk Flooring's new Earthworks and Hemispheres Collections offer realistic surface textures and finishes in a variety of colors and styles. For a coordinating look, consider accent moldings to finish the room.

Location--Let your retailer know about the environment in which you plan to install your new laminate. Many laminates are not warranted for use in bathrooms and some are only warranted if it is a square-edge product.

Room location is also a key factor when it comes to noise levels, so you'll want to consider the proper underlayment that will best contain noise.

"We offer a SilentGuard underlayment to decrease sound within a particular room and a MoistureGuard underlayment to decrease sound from traveling to rooms below," said Roger Farabee of Mohawk Industries. "Both also serve as a moisture barrier between the subfloor and the laminate."

Maintenance--Think about the maintenance involved with any new floor. An aluminum oxide top coat will not only protect the floor from everyday wear due to pets and foot traffic, but also against extremes such as cigarette burns and household chemical spills. Choose laminate with wear, impact, scratch and stain resistance built into the floor.

Warranty--Most reputable flooring manufacturers offer a 20- to 25-year wear warranty and a 25-year water resistance warranty if the flooring is installed with its underlayment. Be sure to ask what the warranty does and does not include.

Consumers should make sure their floor is manufactured by a member of the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA). These companies' products meet or exceed industry standards for manufacturing.

To find a dealer in your area or to learn more, visit www.mohawk flooring.com or call (800) 2MOHAWK. Laminate is durable, attractive and collects less dust, which can benefit allergy sufferers.