People praise hardwood flooring for its gorgeous appearance, but they gloss over the fact that it’s susceptible to scratches, dents, water damage, and costs a fortune.
If you love the look of hardwood floors but don’t enjoy the price tag, laminate flooring was made for you! Easy to clean, durable, and stylish, laminate flooring is the gift that keeps on giving.
Ready to learn all about it? Here are 5 essential things to know about laminate flooring.
1. Types of Laminate Flooring
There are two choices of laminate flooring: engineered wood and plastic laminate.
Engineered wood contains several layers of material pressed together. The bottom and middle layers contain layers of fiberboard, plywood, or unfinished hardwood. The surface layer, called the veneer, contains a thin piece of natural wood.
Plastic laminate is entirely man-made. The bottom acts as a moisture barrier. The core contains high-density fiberboard that is resistant to dents. The design sits above this layer and contains a photo-realistic wooden or stone design. This is sealed with a clear coat to protect the floor from fading and scratches.
2. Design Options
Most laminate manufacturers attempt to mimic the finish of real hardwood or stone flooring. They use high-definition printing and embossing techniques to give the appearance of wood or stone.
You have endless design options when working with laminate. Wooden laminate comes in several finishes, including walnut, cherry, pine, maple, and oak. Learn more about the endless design options to help you make your choice!
3. The Installation Process
Laminate flooring is easy to install, even if you aren’t a professional! Each piece is lightweight and has snap-and-lock edges. This facilitates a no-glue, no-nails laminate floor installation.
Most laminate flooring can be installed directly over existing floors, except for carpets. If the subfloor is smooth and clean, you can update your flooring in as little as a day!
4. Looking After Laminate Flooring
Looking after your laminate wood is as easy as could be! The snap-and-lock technology ensures a tight locking system. This prevents dust or dirt from collecting between the boards. Use a mop and a mild detergent to clean the laminate surface every two weeks, and vacuum up dust and animal hair when needed.
Because it’s resistant to dents and scratches. there’s no need to resurface or treat your flooring, ever!
5. Laminate Flooring in High-Moisture Rooms
Although it’s gorgeous and affordable, there are some cases when laminate flooring is not the way to go. Because laminate flooring has a high-density fiberboard core, it is susceptible to swelling and warping.
Regular laminate flooring should not be used in high-moisture rooms, such as basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms. Instead, use water-resistant or waterproof laminate flooring. Elevate the moisture resistance by using a moisture barrier underneath the laminate floors.
Update Your Home With Laminate Wood Flooring Today
Don’t let high-maintenance flooring get you down. Laminate offers a stunning, affordable, and durable flooring option for nearly every room in your home.
Now that you know everything there is to know about laminate flooring, how long are you going to wait before transforming your home?
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