Laminate Flooring is Stylish and it's making a comeback!
Recent technology has enabled manufacturers to design laminate planks that replicate wood and natural stone. The latest styles feel like the real deal, too.
Designers are using high-definition printing and embossing techniques to mimic the patterns and ridges found in hand-scraped hardwood and burnished brick. They’ve even found a way to whitewash planks giving the illusion of a weathered appearance. You can also buy laminate flooring that replicates the look of honed or polished stone.
The latest trend — cement look laminate planks.
Affordable
Laminate ranges in price from $1 to $11 per square foot. There’s a massive difference in quality between the two extremes. You have to be diligent when shopping around.
Your best bet is to stick with the mid-range products. These lines offer the high-end features without the pain of sticker shock.
Durable
If you have kids or pets, laminate flooring could be the solution to your problems. It holds its own against liquid assaults (though not quite as well compared to vinyl plank) and stands up to muddy pawprints like a champ.
You won’t have to follow your toddler with a mop, but you will have to wipe up spills before they dry. While laminate is durable, excess liquid can cause problems. There’s a big difference between stain-resistant and stain-proof. See the ‘Cons’ section below for more on this.
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Nothing ruins a whitewashed floor quicker than grape juice.
Versatile
Laminate warms up living spaces and makes bedrooms feel cozy and inviting. You can install laminate anywhere in your home. Well, almost anywhere.
You can use laminate flooring in kitchens and bathrooms; however, it’s not the best choice. Laminate and humidity don’t play well together. There are water-resistant options, and even waterproof laminate options available, but they will cost you.
If you do choose laminate for a kitchen or bathroom, do your homework— make sure it’s built to withstand splashes and moisture.
Allergy Friendly
Seasonal allergy sufferers take heart; laminate won’t make you sneeze. It doesn’t hold dust and dirt like carpet. It’s also resistant to bacteria and mold.
A word of caution though, the adhesive and chemicals used in laminate can trigger allergic reactions. If you or someone in your home suffers from asthma or another severe respiratory condition, resilient flooring may not be the right choice.
When in doubt it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Comfortable
Laminate isn’t as soft as carpet, but it’s a close second, especially when paired with a padded underlayment. Unlike tile and concrete, it holds heat and gives way as you walk.
Whether you’re sitting cross-legged on the floor or standing at the sink, you won’t walk away with sore feet or an aching back.
Easy to Install
If you enjoy a do-it-yourself project, laminate flooring is for you. It goes down in a matter of hours and takes little effort to install. You can float laminate over your existing floor – with the exception of carpet – as long as your subfloor is in good condition.
Remember to let the flooring acclimate a few days before installation; otherwise, you’ll risk warping due to fluctuations in humidity.
Alternatively, you can choose to glue the laminate directly to the sub-floor.
Easy to Maintain
Laminate requires little maintenance. Unlike wood, you don’t need to wax or buff laminate. In fact, doing so causes more harm than good.
The only tools you’ll need are a vacuum or dust-broom, and a laminate-friendly microfiber mop.
