Laminate flooring can be a great way to get a durable hard wearing floor in several different styles without the work or expense of getting a real floor. That said, laminate flooring has its problems as well. Here we will cover the good and bad that this type of flooring has to offer.
The reason that laminate is so cost effective is down to what it is made of. It usually consists of a high density wood or fibre compressed between a laminate overlay that is designed to simulate the look of wood or stone. More modern versions are also able to simulate the look of a tiled floor. The top layer is usually covered with a clear, hard wearing durable layer. This give it a long lasting property.
The overriding advantage with laminate flooring is the cost. Compared to the cost of laying a real wood floor, it really is a viable much cheaper alternative. In addition to this, it is much easier to lay down. Normally consisting of a tongue and groove system, this type of flooring can be laid without the need for glue or nails! It is well within the skill set of your average DIY’er, meaning costs can be kept down further by laying the floor yourself. As long as your under floor is fairly level, fitting a room with laminate flooring is a piece of cake!
As a flooring medium, it can be a god send. It’s inherent durability makes it great for high traffic areas of the home and it’s ability to resist scratching means it has a versatility that lends itself to almost anywhere in the home. A simple mop down with some warm water is often all that’s needed. Also, most manufacturers will offer a ten year guarantee.
An added bonus is that laminate flooring can actually add value to your home should you come to sell it. People are looking for hard wearing, light open spaces in homes these days and laminate flooring ticks all these boxes. Great in the home where kids want to play and easily cleaned. Any prospective buyer will view this as a major plus point when viewing.
So, it seems that you cannot go wrong with this type of flooring…… well not so fast. It does have its down sides.
By it’s very nature, laminate flooring doesn’t absorb sound at all well and this can add to echoes, harsh sounds and an overall lack of warmth to a room. You can get special acoustic underlays to try and reduce this effect but it is only partially effective and will increase costs.
Although laminate is preferable to wall to wall carpeting, prospective buyers will know that the flooring is not authentic wood. Some people will not see this in a positive light as more often than not natural materials are preferred. This may influence prospective buyers of your home. Laminate manufacturers also have a limited range of designs available so your choice of flooring may be limited. This will dictate how you decorate your room and another type of flooring may be preferable.
You should be aware that some types of laminate flooring, especially the cheaper products can warp over time especially in high moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. If your laminate flooring becomes damaged you will need to replace the whole floor which could end up quite costly in the long run.
So, if you want to give your flooring a refreshing new look, whilst providing a very hard wearing, durable finish then laminate flooring may be what you are looking for.
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- Laminate Wood Flooring – Why It’s the Choice of Many
- Benefits Of A Laminate Floor
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- Laminate Tile Flooring – Give Your House The Rich, Elegant Interior
