And, because companies that make tiles and panels have sized them to fit together, they can be mixed on the same floor. Plastic laminates are sold through home centers and flooring specialty stores. It's smart to visit both to find the widest range of available products. Although that makes the panels easier to put down, some people complain that paneled flooring makes a hollow sound. Some also object to the panelized look, though it's barely noticeable.
Plastic laminates can go over nearly any existing floor except carpet.
While some products require a thin foam pad as an underlayment, all come with installation directions as well as matching molding and trim pieces. Allow the glue to dry for 12 to 24 hours before moving furniture back into the room. When installing plastic laminates over concrete, check with the manufacturer to see if a vapor barrier is needed. Most stains can be removed with warm water or a nonabrasive cleaner. Some companies suggest using mineral spirits or denatured alcohol for tenacious spills like paint and nail polish.