How to Choose the Best Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is one the most amazing flooring solutions available. It is inexpensive and durable as compared to other flooring options. If you are getting laminate flooring installed for the first time, you need to know what kind of laminate flooring will be required for your home. There are several factors that you need to take into consideration before picking one.
This post will help you understand how you can pick the best flooring according to your needs, but before that you also need to know the pros and cons of the product.
Advantages of Laminate flooring:-
Cost and Installation– Laminate floors is fairly inexpensive as compared to solid or wood products. Installation is also very easy. It can easy give the appearance of ceramic tile and other popular flooring options. It can be installed over concrete and wood subfloor. This is a wonderful substitute to conventional hardwood flooring.
No adhesive required– Adhesives and nails are not required to install laminate flooring as it is not fastened. It simply floats on the sub floor. Groove fasteners and tongue are used to connect the planks.
Availability of Colours and Comfort– Various colours, designs and patterns are available to consumers. Laminate flooring is also comfortable to walk on.
Maintenance– Maintenance of the laminate floors is not that difficult Stains and spills can be easily cleaned. Damp cloth and broom can be used to clean the surface; however, since it is prone to scratches and dents, furniture should not be dragged on this flooring.
Disadvantages of Laminate Flooring:–
Prone to moisture – Laminate floors are prone to moisture and hence it should not be installed near bathroom, kitchen and basements.
Lack in longevity – Durability of laminate flooring can be a concern if exposed to moisture. It is not as durable as solid wood. It is also prone to scratches and dents.
Choosing the Laminate Flooring:-
First of all, you need to determine what all your laminate flooring will have to withstand. If you have kids, pets at home or the areas where you want to install the flooring are heavy foot traffic areas, then you must discuss all this with your retailer.
Look of the flooring:– Laminate floors are available in wood, tile and stone look. Choose the type according to the appearance of your house. Also the maintenance is a crucial part that you cannot ignore. Make sure that you can handle the maintenance as recommended by the retailer.
Test the Flooring before buying:- You must test a sample of the laminate flooring you are about to buy. This is to ensure that the flooring can withstand all that it will have to in the area it will be installed. For example, if you are about to install flooring in your kitchen, then it should be able to withstand hot pans and cookers it will have to deal with day in and day out.
Always remember– Laminate floors with a higher core density offer more resistance to water. Before you purchase the flooring, make sure that you check the labels of the product.