Laminate

Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for those who want the look of hardwood or tile without the high cost. Technology has come a long way when it comes to laminate. Today, there are a plethora of looks and designs to give your floors a unique look that will impress everyone who sees them.

What is Laminate?

Laminate is constructed in layers. The top layer is called a wear layer which is usually made of a thin, clear plastic which helps protect the surface from scratches, stains, and fading from UV rays. The next layer is the design layer which is a high definition picture of the material you are trying to replicate. Under the design is the core layer which is usually made of pressed wood materials called fiberboard, and comes in different thicknesses. Finally, there is a balancing layer on the bottom which adds support and moisture protection. Some laminates also come with an attached padding to help with comfort and sound.

What are the benefits of Laminate?

Installation – Laminate is much easier to install than hardwood or tile. Almost all laminate has a fold and lock system. This makes it a great choice for a do-it-yourself flooring project.

Cleaning – Laminate is very low maintenance. You can use a broom, vacuum, or any cleaner designed for laminate. Just make sure not to use anything that may cause water to seep into the seams.

Durability – The top layer of laminate is extremely durable, especially when it comes to scratches and dents.

Versatility – Laminate can be installed over most solid and level surfaces, thus eliminating the need to tear up your existing flooring in many cases.

Things to consider…

Moisture – While laminate can hold up to occasional spills, if laminate stays wet even for a few minutes, it can be ruined. Water can seep under the surface and cause the laminate to warp and bubble. This is a HUGE factor to consider when buying laminate.

Wear – Depending on the quality of the laminate, it can wear out and lose its appearance and finish. Laminate cannot be re-finished so you may have to replace it sooner than expected.

Sound – Some laminate, especially without padding, can sound hollow or fake.

Value – Laminate generally does not add the same value to your home that real hardwood or tile would.

While laminate is slowly losing the race to luxury vinyl, it is still a viable option (especially if you want to try to install it yourself). However, make sure that you have the right tools and know what you’re doing. The experts at Columbia Floor Source can help you with any questions you may have.

West Columbia, SC
2744 Emanuel Church Road
West Columbia, SC 29170
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Phone: 803-520-0044
Fax: 803-520-0043
Email: acdflooring@gmail.com
Hours: M-F: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Hub Plott
Hub Plott
19:52 22 Apr 20
Great price and quick installation. They made it as painless as possible. The work was completed quickly and expertly. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for flooring. You will get good work and products done at a very fair price!read more
Kinsey Faucette
Kinsey Faucette
15:29 02 Oct 19
Great prices and friendly staff!
Private Review
Private Review
02:29 30 Jul 19
Unfortunately, this was a terrible experience. I met with the owner and he lied to me on numerous occasions, and proceeded to blame is staff every time he was confronted. He spent the entire time I was at his store trying to spend thousands of dollars with him on his phone not even paying attention to me. He is only after money and making himself look good. Do yourself a favor and find somewhere else. Don’t be pulled in by the cheap prices. The service you get is not worth. I am still waiting on my floors to be installed this to paid for weeks ago, and was promised they would be installed on a certain date. That date has been moved 3 times and now won’t take my calls. I will be going to the better business bureau. Stay away.read more
Hugh Hugh
Hugh Hugh
13:28 25 Jun 19
Great costumer service, affordable price. Quality materials
mona norris
mona norris
15:08 10 Jun 19
Excellent service and materials. Good prices.
Xaque Williams
Xaque Williams
23:57 01 May 19
This really needs to be a 6/5 stars! From the moment I walked in the door Steven was helpful and welcoming. He was able to show me a product that was in my price range and gave me a quote. I left and came back later that day to purchase and they had all my info on hand. They actually got me a better carpet for a few dollars less than originally quoted! They were able to set up for installation within the short time frame I needed without extra cost. The guys who came out to install did a very fast and professional job! Excellent work! Excellent experience with this company! Would buy here again and recommend to a friend or family member 11/10! Thanks Columbia floor source!!!read more
Brooke Beach
Brooke Beach
23:00 28 Feb 19
Columbia Floor Source did an excellent job replacing all the floors downstairs and my hallway upstairs. The wood floors were completed in two days. They moved our furniture and put everything back properly. Everyone was extremely nice and polite. I highly recommend this company if you are replacing your floors. The price was extremely low compared to other companies and they did an EXCELLENT job!read more
Amy Holland
Amy Holland
21:01 22 Feb 19
I drive by this place every day. Looks like a warehouse but I decided to go in. It's very nice inside. Very friendly staff. Selection was great! They came out free of charge and gave me an estimate the same day. Their price was the best by far!read more
Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson
17:31 05 Feb 19
After wasting a month dealing with Lowes, we decided to try a locally owned shop. Wow! Great customer service! They are extremely knowledgeable, honest, and fairly priced. The flooring looks great, and the workmanship was above and beyond our expectations. Highly recommended!read more
Craig Jackson
Craig Jackson
17:16 31 Jan 19
This place was very clean and the owner made .me feel welcome.they had very reasonable prices.very nice people.
Blane Mays
Blane Mays
14:30 06 Dec 18
Great price and selection. Dustin Carlsen is professional and very informative. Great place for all your flooring needs.
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