Shopping Guide

Remember, Name Brands are not always synonymous with quality.  (We won't mention names to protect the innocent!)

Shopping for laminate can be a difficult task.  It can be very confusing as most salespeople know very little about what they’re selling. (Just go into a home center and start asking some questions about their floors).  I don’t want you to take my word for it.  You will know that the information on my site is factual when you order free samples, look at them with your own eyes, and perform some side by side comparisons with some of the other laminates you're considering.

These are the same items I look for when considering carrying a new product!

1.  The Locking Mechanism

This is the number one area that most consumers miss.  You need to look at the way the boards connect (beware if you receive samples without this important area to test).  When connected, there should be as seamless a connection as possible.  You should run your hand across the connection.  If one side of the connection is higher than the other, that is called ledging.  It is important that the seams be very flat. 

You also need to consider the thickness of the locking mechanism.  Thicker joints will be stronger joints. 

Consider the ease of the lock.  Is it locked by a lot of force or does it engage easily? 

Comparing Locking Mechanisms

The most disappointing feature of most of the laminates I have seen in the past is the locking mechanism that keeps them together.  Many look fine when they are first installed, but over time they have gradually formed gaps between the seams that make the flooring look less attractive, and more easily allows water to enter the seams.  This is due to the density of the core material, the amount of surface area where the lock joins, and overall fit of the two pieces where they come together.  If you grasp the thin tongue lock of most products, you can literally break the corner off with just a little pressure between your thumb and forefinger.  All of the products I have chosen have much stronger locks and pass my test for stronger locking mechanisms.

Our new products have risen to my challenge for a stronger, sturdier glueless locking laminate.  The tongue and groove on these products are as much as 50% thicker than most I’ve seen.  This will make the joint stay together much better than the other products that have weaker, thinner tongues and grooves.  The lock on these is an “isometric” lock.  The way this works is that there are two separate places the locking mechanism comes together with one area putting counter pressure on the other to keep it locked tight and secure.  Since equal pressure is on both locking points, there is no stress on the locked joint when walking across them.  The product contains a sealant that is applied at the factory on all the edges, which helps keep water out of the seams.

2.  Surface Texture

Look at the surface of the laminate you are comparing. 

Does it look flat, plastic like, and lifeless?  When you see these flat laminates in larger areas, their flat plastic look screams, I'm not real wood!!!!!!!

 Or, does it appear as wood, with a wood grain design that deepens the color and makes the floor look more like real wood?

Comparing Surface Texture

Rustic Elegance and Old Homestead look and feel like real wood!!!!   Just run your fingertips across our floors.  You will see for yourself the realism that is built into every one of them.   Take the free samples and rotate them in the light.  You will see the difference in our textures over the competition.  The heavier texture also makes the product more slip resistant.

3.  Wear Layer

All laminates are made with a wear layer on the surface that protects from wear and tear.  However, they do not all have the same quality of wear layer.  Laminates are given a rating according to their hardness on the surface.  All of our laminates have been rated by independent testing labs and carry the following ratings.  AC3-made for heavy residential and light commercial use.  AC-4 (60% heavier than AC-3) are rated for heavier commercial use but are also great in homes where heavy use is possible.   All of our laminates have an AC-4 rating.  This is great for both heavier commercial and residential use.  Our V-Groove 9mm Balta laminates also carry the AC-4 rating while the Balta Authentic Style carry the AC-3 rating.  This rating is far above most of the product sold in the home centers.   An easy test you can perform at home can be done by doing a scratch test with several items you may have in your home.  Try to scratch all the samples in the same way, with the same pressure and observe the differences.

Comparing Wear Layer

Rustic Elegance, Old Homestead, Balta, and Handscraped have wear layers that are rated for heavy residential and moderate commercial traffic.  Their wear layers are made from aluminum oxide, which is the fourth hardest substance known on earth!  The wear layer on our floors is as much as 60% heavier than many manufacturers offer.  Wear layer is often overlooked by the average consumer, even though it is the very thing that causes laminate to stay new looking for many years.

4.  Core Material

Compare the center core material of the samples you acquire.  You can take your fingernail, or a knife, and pick at the core and see how one may feel softer than another.  Look for density in the core as it offers strength, water resistance, and stability.  You can also soak the laminate samples in a tub of water overnight to view the differences in how the core performed when subjected to water.

Comparing Core Material

The center of the laminate floors we offer are made of HDF (High Density Fiberboard).  The higher the density, the more solid the product.  Our products use only the highest density coreboard on the market today.  All Balta laminates offer a water warranty due to their superior water resistance.   I think I did the right thing by choosing only the highest quality products.  I could buy a product with a lower density board, and sell it for less, but my customers are worth more than that to me.  I only sell what I would want in my own home or business.

 4. The Backing

Look at the back of your samples.  Most laminate manufacturers use a thin layer of melamine to seal the back of their products.

Comparing Backing

Our products use a heavy, thick layer of melamine to make sure that the back of their product is very stable.

 5.  Service

The last thing to compare is the company offering the product for sale.  Will they offer advice and help before, during, (and most importantly) AFTER the sale? 

 Comparing Service

We are available 7 days a week from 7am to 11pm, Mountain Time, to answer any installation questions you may have.  You will always be able to speak to someone knowledgeable, who can help with any questions you may have.  You’ll get a lot better information from a 30 year veteran flooring installer than a $10/hour employee at Home Depot.

Things to try with your samples:

Pour straight bleach on them. 

Take some grease, spray on some Pam, rub in ketchup, mustard, anything you like. (Let the kids help….they’ll love this scientific test!)  Take a warm, damp paper towel and wipe the mess off.  Nothing sticks, no matter how sticky or gooey.

Lock two pieces together and pour water over the seams.  Let is set on the laminate for a couple of hours.  Wipe the water from the top and take the laminate apart to observe what went through the seam.

Light a match or cigarette.  Lay the burning material directly on the surface.  Let is burn for 2-3 min.  Wipe the spot it made clean with some acetone or nail polish remover.

Personal Testimonial

I have these products in two homes I own.  I have two dogs, two cats, (and even more destructive …at times….), two grandsons who are both under the age of 7.  They have not been able to scratch or damage these floors, despite their best attempts! 

ORDER FREE SAMPLES NOW

How can I offer samples free?

I have found that if I am honest with my customer, and put my money where my mouth is, they will always reward me for my efforts.  The home centers charge for their samples and give you a much smaller piece to look at than I do.  We not only offer the free samples but also include a free full color poster and an information packet that gives you all the benefits of our products.

More info on Installing Laminate Flooring call Max, Tom, or Courtney:
(800) 603-0727
(435) 586-4431
8:00 am - 8:00 pm Mon-Sat (Mountain Standard Time)

LaminateFloorsCheap.Com
499 North 100 West
Cedar City, Utah 84720
Email us for problems, questions, and comments about laminate flooring
Fax: 435-586-4766