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The new no glue, locking laminates simply require locking the boards together, require no special tools for installation, and replacing a board can be done by you. The version of this technology used by Witex and Shaw is called VersaLock. This locking technology is such a tight lock that it not only prevents gaps, but it also prevents water from seeping down in between the boards. To further prevent water damage, Shaw coats the edges of their boards with a paraffin wax and inject the board with melamine. This allows the company to include water damage in their warranty.

There are reasons that you might choose a laminate over a real wood floor. Laminates are harder to scratch and dent than real wood. They are also better around water and staining, are easy to install (especially no glue, locking laminates), and the newer products are looking more and more like real wood. According to Shaw's warranty on their laminate lines, they won't stain, fade or wear through. Laminates are cheaper to install on a pier and beam foundation. They can be installed on top of existing floors and are forgiving if the house's foundation has problems. Some of the laminates we display have an optional foam backing made of sand silica that is already attached to the board - making installation even easier and softening the sound of your footsteps. Finally, if something does happen to a board after the floor is installed, it is possible to replace the board yourself.

On the other hand, laminates can still scratch and can not be re-finished. They can sound hollow on an unlevel floor. And even though our laminates look a lot like real wood, some people still prefer the real thing.

If you want a beautiful and easy to install laminate floor, come talk to us. We can help you select your laminate and explain how to care for it. Also, we can answer 'do-it-yourself' questions or refer an installer who will give you a free estimate.

We'd like the chance to help you!

(Last updated on Tuesday, July 29, 2008)