It has been noted in a publication by the California Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board that there are side effects to buying cheap wood laminate flooring. In some of the lesser brands, where particle board is used, it has been an increasing concern that organic compounds, detrimental to health are secreted. This is common place where the building materials have been made with formaldehyde particularly in the binder of the cheap wood. Formaldehdye is also used in the melamine resin of laminate flooring again, resulting in the secretion of unhealthy organic compounds.
There must be a compromise between buying quality materials and keeping the price down. Cheap wood products can be detrimental to health but some people are unable to cater for better quality materials in their home improvement budgets. Should there be more done from the manufacturers perspective to prevent such potentially harmful risks to humans? Or is it entirely the consumers prerogative to refrain from purchasing such cheap wood?
CheapWood.net brings you a short how-to video on laying down your own laminate flooring.
Some quick tips inlcude:
- Choose appropriate underlay for you laminate flooring.
- Poly foam, Combined Underlay and Wood Fibre Boards comprise the most common types.
- Allow the flooring to get used to it’s surroundings. Lay the laminate flooring in situ’ for approximately 48 hours before fastening.
- Don’t forget to place your spacers around the perimeter to allow your laminate flooring to breathe.
Tags: Cheap, Laminate Flooring, Wood