Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons
If you are thinking about upgrading your flooring to transform the appearance of a room or of your entire home, laminate flooring is certainly one option. But is laminate the best choice for your home? This video presents five essential things you need to know about laminate flooring before you buy.
Laminate Advantages
Affordability: There are laminate flooring products that will fit any budget. In general, you will find laminate flooring to be less expensive than other flooring options.
Durability: Compared with carpeting, hardwood or vinyl, laminate is more durable, scratch-resistant and stronger. With a tough external layer and resin coating, it is a good choice for homes with children and pets.
Easy Installation: Laminate boards are designed to interlock, which makes them easier to install than other types of flooring. Moreover, laminate installation does not require glue, nails or staples, which saves on installation time as well and makes it an easy do-it-yourself project.
Maintenance: No special cleaners are needed. Daily sweeping and spot cleaning is all that’s required.
Range of Quality Products: You can choose your laminate flooring based on the foot traffic. If you want attractive flooring for your living room, and it has minimal foot traffic, you can focus on appearance instead of on thickness or higher AC ratings.
Styles: Laminate flooring comes in a wide variety of finishes such as stone, tile and wood, and is available in different colors, plank styles, surface treatments and thicknesses.
Warranties: Most laminates come with great warranties against fading, staining and wearing.
Laminate Disadvantages
Vulnerability to Water Damage: Laminates are not recommended for kitchens, laundry rooms, bathrooms, or outdoor areas. While laminates are moisture-resistant, they are not waterproof. Excessive moisture (e.g. wet mopping) can cause laminate flooring to warp and swell.
Acoustical Differences Compared to Wood: Laminates will sound and feel slightly different under your bare feet compared with solid wood.
Final Considerations Before Purchasing
The most popular brands of laminate flooring include Mannington, Shaw, Mohawk, Quick-Step and Wilsonart, but you will find there are many others to choose from. Make sure to do your comparison research online and check out product reviews, prices (be on the lookout for sales) and installation services included before making any purchase decision.
