Laminate: the floor with a magical effect

O laminate flooring displaced the real wood carpet. No wonder. It’s less work to take care of, it’s cheaper and nobody says it’s not wood! “It is made of Formica and lasts up to 15 years”, says decoration consultant Ney Franzoni.

Easy to install, in a single day it is possible to lay 50 m² of laminate. It is even worth placing on top of other floors, without breakage. Prices range from R$54* to R$130* per m², including installation. The way of aligning the floor allows the creation of “magical” visual effects. By positioning the plates in horizontal, vertical or diagonal lines, you can enlarge or reduce, always leaving the environment very elegant.

Light tones and narrow planks make the room feel larger.

For small environments, always choose lighter shades of laminate. White goes well in rooms and gives the feeling that the space is bigger. Architect Luciana Fernandes Deus suggests beige or khaki laminate for the rooms. The ivory tone is out of fashion and leaves the environment conservative. Choose a color such as light brown or even gray tones, which are discreet and modern. They make the room super chic!, she says. The boards, in any room, should be narrow. They can also have texture, as long as they are light in color. Install the boards with the lines facing the entryway. This creates a pleasant sense of spaciousness.

comfort in the room

TV room calls for coziness. The architect’s suggestion is to choose warm tones of wood, such as chestnut brown and coffee. In square rooms, use the laminate cut from the sofa towards the television. Choose furniture in the same tone or with colorful details. For rectangular rooms, lay the floor towards the largest wall (side by side) and use light decor. This will make the environment charming.

Soft now!

A floor has the power to leave a soft environment. Bet on laminates in khaki colors. “The less expensive rustic wood and strong colors you have, the lighter and more modern it is, says architect Luciana. In decoration, combine with pillows and objects with colors such as blue, water green and yellow. Tip: Don’t use different types of laminate around the house. It is better to choose one that fits all rooms.

Large spaces gain warmth

For large environments, always choose darker colors for the floor. “They make the living room or bedroom feel smaller, even when you don’t have a lot of furniture. The boards can be wider, around 30 cm and in colors such as dark brown, coffee and even black, explains the architect. Bet on those with dark textures. Another tip to reduce the environment is to use higher baseboards, from 20 to 40 cm, says the professional. But always matching the wall, never the floor!

Tips for buying

· Check out the color!

Take a piece of board and place it in the room to test the color before buying. Don’t rely on store samples. Keep in mind that light browns tend to turn dark and ivory tones turn yellow.

· Search

On the internet there are forums for complaints about laminate brands. Search. Also check the product warranty.

· Is the installation additional?

See if installation is included in the flooring price. Accessories such as baseboard and blanket (which is under the laminate) are generally charged separately.

· Can you remove the floor?

There are two types of installation: one glues the floor to the floor and the other staples it to the baseboard. If you live on rent, opt for the second one, which is just docked. This allows you to remove the floor and reinstall it elsewhere.

· Make a stock

Buy at least five spare planks to replace in case of any damage.

· Same brand

There are companies that install laminate with accessories (such as baseboards and blankets) from different brands. This makes you void the floor warranty if bubbles appear. Keep an eye!

· To the house or apartment?

Those who live at home should opt for floating laminate flooring, which rests on the blanket on the subfloor, and is the most resistant. For those who live in an apartment, the ideal is to buy laminate made of Formica, which is thinner.

* Prices surveyed in 2012.