Laminate Flooring - Pros and Cons

Trying to make up your mind about laminate flooring? Here are some pros and cons.

Article taken off about.com

Laminate Flooring - Pros and Cons

Laminate flooring faithfully reproduces wood, stone, and other natural materials. Plus, laminate is easy to install. But there are a few negative aspects about laminate flooring. Let's look at all angles of laminate flooring.
Laminate Flooring - Pros

Easy to Install. Pergo says you can install 300 square feet in a weekend. Older types of laminate flooring required you to glue pieces to each other. Newer types of laminate flooring have a "click-lock" design. This "click-lock" design is often combined with a dry glue that is already on the product and requires just a swipe of a wet (with water) sponge or cloth to active it.

Very Durable Surface. Unlike wood, which can dent, laminate flooring is almost impervious to dents and scratches. Laminate flooring has what's called in the industry a "wear layer" that protects the photographic layer underneath. Some manufacturers, DuPont in particular, give very generous 10+ year warranties on this wear layer.

No Bad Pieces. Unlike real hardwood, which comes with many imperfect pieces that need to be thrown out or re-engineered, there are no defects in laminate flooring.

Good for Moist Places. Laminate flooring can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and other places where you encounter "topical moisture" (as Mannington calls it). But it will not tolerate standing pools of water. However, let's be clear that neither solid hardwood nor engineered wood can tolerate standing water, either. For heavy moisture, you need a very impervious surface like vinyl or tile.

Easy to Clean. Just use a vacuum or broom. Mop with a slightly damp mop. No floor waxing needed.

Resists Stains. Laminate flooring's tough surface resists stains. And if you do get a stain, it's easy to clean off.
Laminate Flooring - Cons

Not Real Wood. Some people are bothered by this, some aren't. Technically, there is wood in laminate flooring--a wood chip base layer. But, for all intents and purposes, laminate flooring isn't wood.

Hard Under Foot. Foam underlayment helps dampen this feeling, but it's still there.
Slippery. Traditionally, laminate flooring has been very slippery. More currently, though, manufacturers have been developing slip-resistent wear layers.

Lower Resale Value. Good hardwood or engineered wood gives better value when selling your house.

Not Sandable or Refinishable. This is probably the biggest disadvantage of laminate flooring. If laminate flooring is heavily worn, deep scratched, or grooved, it cannot be sanded or refinished like solid hardwood: it must be replaced.

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Feng Shui for 2011

Start off the year with some Feng Shui for good luck and prosperity.

Article taken off kenlauher.com

Feng Shui Basics: 3 Easy Ways to Feng Shui Your Home or Apartment in 2011

Are you looking to make 2011 your most successful year ever? There's no reason it can't be -- and Feng Shui can help you get there. As you know from reading our Feng Shui tips every day, Feng Shui doesn't have to be hard. There are simple, basic steps you can take to help the chi flow through your space more effectively.

Here are three easy ways to Feng Shui your home or apartment in 2011.

1. Use your stove for cooking - Even if you only boil water, make sure to use your stove regularly. Your stove represents your career and how others see you. Raise the chi in this area by making sure your stove is clean and using all four burners regularly. If you eat out a lot, you can also save money in 2011 (improving your wealth) by using your stove to make home-cooked meals instead.

2. Feng Shui your entry way - A good Feng Shui entry way is brightly lit and welcoming. Follow the tips in this video to Feng Shui your entry way in 2011.

3. Place your bed in the command position - You'll get a better night's sleep and experience greater health, wealth and happiness by making sure your bed is in the command position of your bedroom. Follow these tips for the right Feng Shui bed position.