We’ve all heard about these kinds of floors but let’s be honest, if you’re not a contractor, a decorator or builder you’re likely unsure about the real differences. So, what is the difference between a laminate, hardwood and an engineered hardwood floor? The answer: 3 simple parts! Laminate is durable, cost-effective and comes in a variety of colours, textures and sizes.The core of product is typically made of High Density Fiber (HDF) as opposed to actual slabs of wood. The top layer is a photographic layer which is designed to mimic the look you’re going for i.e. hardwood, bamboo, knotted wood, etc.  Laminate planks are typically 3/8” thick and are installed using a tongue and groove locking system, meaning you can install or uninstall with ease. It’s the most durable and easiest to clean (read: it can handle the most abuse). When you walk on it, you hear a shallow tap. Hardwood floors are made from solid, natural wood and depending on the kind of floor you want, you can purchase a variety of wood species.

The entire plank is made from wood, it is the only material used in the manufacturing of hardwood floors.  Modern hardwood is typically made with a tongue and groove system for easy installation . Hardwood floor is easy to sand and refinish, and requires a healthy amount of maintenance to keep them looking great.  They are easier to damage than the two other floor types discussed here though, so buyer beware.  Not only do they dent easier (i.e. if you walk with stilettos or drop a heavy object on the floor you’ll see dents), they cannot be left  wet or else they’ll become damaged (the boards will swell and expand).best couch cleaning nyc Hardwood flooring is almost always more expensive but no one can argue how gorgeous it looks or feels when you walk on it.vacuum cleaners reviews good housekeeping

The best way to describe engineered hardwood flooring is to think of it like a hybrid car; it’s a little bit of  laminate and a little bit of hardwood. It’s core is usually plywood or high-density fibreboard (HDF) and the  top layer is composed of a of hardwood veneer which is glued atop the core to mimic nearly any species of hardwood.  Engineered hardwood has the natural characteristics of the selected wood species as opposed to a photographic layer (which is what you get with laminate).  professional air duct cleaning company reviewsThe reason people tend to choose engineered hardwood over natural hardwood is garner greater moisture and heat resistance because of the core material.best leather cleaner in toronto Despite the differences, all of these floor types can be cared for the exact same way.how much does central air duct cleaning cost

Use a  simple solution composed of a ‘pinky nail’ sized drop of dish liquid added to a bucket of hot water.  Sometimes, I’ll add a capful of plain white vinegar to the mix too, it helps cut dirt.  I recommend a microfibre twist mop which is well wrung out to mop the floors.  You can also use a steam mop or a flat head mop. Watch Our Hardwood Floor Cleaning Video!Laminate wood floors are a classy addition to any modern home. They bring in a sense of elegance and beauty that is hard to match and since they are available in such wide shades and patterns, the choice is endless when it comes to picking flooring that accentuates the beauty of your existing interiors. best solution for cleaning laminate wood floorsWhile a great laminate wooden floor amalgamates seamlessly with the décor and furnishings and sparkles with glee, one does need to maintain it in pristine fashion to ensure that the exquisiteness is not embellished by stains and dirt.

Proper care and cleaning is an essential part of the maintenance routine and one of the best ways of achieving this is by understanding completely the nature of your laminate flooring and what elements hurt it the most.Cleaning tipsHere are a few cleaning tips to get started, when it comes to the bare minimum —Get started by using either a very soft broom to sweep away the dirt on top or a vacuum with soft brush settings, so as to ensure that there is no damage caused to the laminate floor.Use a broom or a brush that is as delicate as possible as ones with harsh bristles can scratch and leave ugly marks over a period of time.Once you are done with the removal of the dirt, use a mild laminate floor cleaner recommended by your laminate floor manufacturer or a soap solution to clean the floor.Use a sponge or a micro-fiber mop to clean up the area and work small squares that you are comfortable with, one at a time. Remember that you should never leave moisture on the surface of the floor for too long.

Hence it is best to work on small areas specifically.If the floor is not completely dry, then use a dry mop to quickly soak up all the moisture. Always make sure that you clean in a single direction and never use a regular or harsh cleaning solution.One of the most popular and effective homemade cleaning  solutions for laminate floors is a mixture of a bucketful of lukewarm water, 2 squirts of quality liquid detergent and half a cup of vinegar. Many experts vouch by this ‘magic solution’, so try it out on your own floor to see sparkling results.Cleaning laminate flooring though, goes way beyond just the usual and sometimes you will have to deal with stains and unexpected spills that need immediate attention. If you spill grease or oils, use an ice pack to harden them and then scrape them off ever so gently using a plastic spoon. Scuff marks can be dealt with pencil erasers while designated and specific laminate floor cleaning solutions will take care of most other stuff.Laminate flooring precautionsThere are a few precautions that you can also take to ensure that you floors always sparkleNever use a strong detergent that contains ammonia or any kind of bleach.