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Looking for Laminate Flooring?

Ayoub has a large selections products that offer the right blend of colors, patterns and textures to meet your design needs.

Stop by our Chantilly, Virginia Showroom to browse through our many collections including

• Mohawk
• Shaw
• Bruce
• Balterio
• Congoleum

Before You Buy Laminate Flooring:

Today's laminate floors offer realistic looking hardwoods, stones and other patterns and colors with accurate surface textures that are practically indistinguishable from the real thing. But before you open your checkbook or slide that credit card through, here’s what you need to know to make a smart buying decision.

• Pricing - There isn’t a whole lot of price difference between laminates. A dark hardwood laminate may cost just about the same as a marble laminate. The reason is that the manufacturing process is basically the same, regardless of style, color or type. It’s a photograph that provides the decorative surface.
  What does increase cost is the addition of texture to a laminate, as well as more natural looking surfaces that require a greater number of screens.  These higher end laminates may cost more, but they’re also more durable and often come with longer warranties.

• Floating - Laminate floors are installed by using a “floating floor” system. What that means is that a padded underlayment lies between the laminate planks and the subfloor. The planks are not anchored to the subfloor, only to the edges of other planks. The result can produce a hollow sound when walked upon — and have the feeling of a slight give. Some minor ridging or peaking where planks are joined may also occur.
  Some laminate floors lock together without adhesive on the sides of the planks. These glueless laminate floors have planks that simply interlock together, which makes for easy repair if and when necessary.

• Cost - “Cost per square foot” is just one component of the overall price tag for laminate flooring. Ask your retailer to calculate the total cost of your floor covering project. Here’s what he or she may include beyond the cost of the laminate, itself:

• Furniture removal/replacement - Some retailers or installers may charge to remove (and then replace) furniture in the installation space.
  
  
• Demolition/disposal of old floor covering - Unless your home is brand new, there’s probably an old floor covering that is going to need to be removed and properly disposed of. If you’re fortunate, it may be possible to float the new laminate floor over your existing floor..
  
  
• Sub-floor preparation - Depending on its condition (after removal of the old floor covering), your subfloor may need to be prepped for laminate installation.
  
  
• Product delivery - Delivering your laminate flooring may not be included in the “cost per square foot” price.
  
  
• Installation - There will most likely be a “cost per square foot” to install your new laminate flooring.
  
  
• Materials required to complete the installation - Additional materials may be required to properly install your laminate flooring, such as trim pieces or transitions.
  
  
• Financing - Many retailers offer financing as an option of payment. Be sure to check the interest rate, minimum payment due and any finance charges if you choose to pay your purchase off over time.

Here are the four primary methods of laminate flooring installation:

1. Glueless - Glueless installation makes laminate floors quick and easy-to-install — and without the mess! These floors come in both planks and squares. A thin, plastic underlayment is needed to float the laminate above the subfloor and seal out moisture from below.

2.  Attached Underlay - These laminate floors come with several different types of tongue and grooved locking systems and an attached underlayment to reduce noise levels.

3. Glued - These are the “original” style laminate floors that require a special formulated glue to be applied to the tongue and groove of each plank. Although planks usually fit together easily, installers will sometimes use a tapping block. Once the glue dries, the planks are almost impossible to separate. These floors come in both planks and squares.

4. Pre-glued - This installation method leaves no mess because the glue is already applied to the tongue and grooves. The result is a quick and easy installation.

• Preparation- Prior to installation, it’s important to relocate all furniture and other objects from the rooms where new flooring is to be installed. It’s always best that you do your own moving to ensure nothing gets damaged in the process, though some installers will do it for you at an additional charge. Assuming you purchased your flooring through a specialty retailer, this is just one of several items they will coordinate with you prior to beginning the installation.
  Before moving your furniture, be sure to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets, etc. Also, be aware that the installation area must be climate controlled (heated or air conditioned). Indoor humidity should be maintained between 45-65%.

• Goodbye Hello - What do you plan to do with your old floor covering? Rip it out? Install your new floors over it? If you’re going to remove your old floors, do it at least one day prior to arrival of your laminate to allow for time cleanup and floor preparation. Your installers may remove your old flooring for you for an additional fee.

• Need A Trim? - In most cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed prior to laminate installation. Your installer may do this at an additional charge, but will most likely not be responsible for damage or breakage. Painted baseboards and woodwork may need patching and painting after the installation is complete. This is typically your responsibility.

• Subfloors - Existing subfloors may require preparation to receive the laminate, or a new subfloor may be required. Be sure to discuss your unique situation with your specialty flooring retailer or installer. Subfloors need to be as clean and level as possible.

• Doorways - There’s always the possibility that doors, especially closet, basement and bedroom doors, may not clear your new laminate floors. Some installers will remove doors in order to install the laminate flooring and then re-hang them — if possible. Check with your installer about their policy and cost. You may require a qualified carpenter to shave or cut your doors down after installation.

• The Clean Up - Depending on your installation method, installing laminate flooring may create a mess inside and possibly outside your home. Typically, waste materials are collected by your installer and disposed of for a fee. Confirm this prior to installation so that you understand the terms of the agreement.  

• Safety First - Laminate floor installers use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous. Be sure that children and pets are kept out of the work area. In you’re installing floors in the kitchen, for example, plan to have food and drink available in another room so that entering the kitchen during work hours won’t be necessary.

• Walk Thru - Prior to the completion of the installation, it’s important to walk the job site with the chief installer. This “walk thru” gives you an opportunity to ask questions, point out any unsatisfactory aspects of the work and ultimately “buy off” on the overall job.

• Molding & Transitions - Custom finished moldings and trim will give your laminate flooring a beautiful, finished look. Moldings and trims can be coordinated to match or accentuate the design of your floor. Here’s some terms and definitions that are good to know.