Although installing laminate flooring is said to be an easy process to assemble and paste, it's not entirely accurate. Because laminate floors are primarily made of composite wood pressed at high temperatures, they are considerably more affordable than natural wood, which can be quite expensive depending on how exotic the tree is. Carefully compare the artificiality of the laminate with the much higher cost (both financially and in terms of maintenance and longevity) of other materials. Read Carpet Call's hard floor buying guide to learn more about laminate and other great alternatives.
Advances in laminate flooring technology make the difference between natural wood and laminate much harder to tell today. Laminate floors can match the look of any design or style you have in mind, at a fraction of the cost. The laminate can withstand a lot of traffic with minimal damage, can offer UV resistance and can be waterproofed. Laminate is a cost-effective, high-performance option for incorporating hard floors into your home or office, but no floor comes without important considerations.
Laminate floors are generally installed as a floating floor, meaning that they consist of interlocking boards that are placed on top of the existing subfloor. Laminate floors are a popular way to achieve the look of wood or stone floors without paying the price of such floors. As a type of floating floor, laminate flooring usually has a simple closing system that is very easy to use, so it is possible to install it yourself. Laminate flooring is a fantastic, cost-effective option for higher-traffic areas, but no floor is perfect for everyone.
Because laminate flooring is so versatile and affordable, it's possible to use a different type of laminate flooring in every room in your home. In general, brands that offer longer warranties and “medium quality” or “premium” (or a similar equivalent) floors are a good sign of high quality. Laminate floors are sensitive to water, so unless the floor has been waterproofed, try to avoid regular scrubbing and stick to the schedule once a month or every two months. If you are looking for durable materials for your floor, you should stay away from laminate flooring.
