Choosing flooring for a home or business is a big decision, and there are a lot of options to pick from. Floor projects have factors like budget, size, appearance, durability (especially in a high traffic area), and compatibility with current features like cabinets, furniture, and painted walls.
Laminate flooring is quickly becoming a popular choice among home and business owners alike not only because of its affordability but also because of its versatility.
We’re going to take a moment to highlight some of the main reasons customers are choosing laminate floors to meet their needs, as well as a few things to note.
Laminate Flooring 101
Laminate flooring is synthetic, meaning it is not made with a natural material like wood or stone. It’s created by heat-fusing multiple layers together, or laminating.
Laminate flooring usually includes a base of structurally sound materials such as fiberboard, particleboard, or a melamine resin core and then has an image layer on top with a protective covering to seal everything. This image layer is printed to look like an actual piece of wood, simulating a hardwood floor.
Not only does it look like hardwood, but the image layer can also be printed in a variety of different colors, so laminate flooring provides a lot of options for interior design.
Benefits of Laminate Flooring
In addition to the interior design benefits mentioned above, laminate flooring is popular for many more reasons.
Affordability
Because laminate flooring is synthetic and not actual hardwood, it is a lot faster and less expensive to produce. In turn, this makes it less expensive for the customer. People who have a small flooring budget or want to save money on a larger project prefer laminate flooring over other types because it’s extremely cost-effective.
Easy Installation
Laminate floor installation involves something called a click-and-lock system. This means that each floor panel has a set of interlocking joints that click together with another piece of the floor paneling, thus locking them into place. The benefits of this installation are that the floor is smooth with no gap. This eliminates flooring nails, screws, or glue completely and makes the installation process extremely fast.
Time is money in the world of construction, so with a fast installation, a project is looking at a lower labor cost out of the gate.
Durable
Laminate flooring holds up to wear and tear and is extremely resistant to scratches and dents. This is especially important for a floor installed in a high-traffic area or in a household or business with kids or pets.
Easy to Clean
Laminate flooring has a smooth surface with its protective top covering, so cleanup is easily done with a broom, and minimal wet cleaning is usually sufficient. Products like Swiffer even have specific options for laminate flooring.
It’s a very sanitary flooring option as well, as it does not allow for dust to be trapped, and dirt can be wiped right up. Laminate flooring is also a great choice for those with allergies.
Things of Note
While the most obvious advantages of laminate flooring are its low price point, simple upkeep, and variety of design options, there are some things to note when comparing it to other floor types:
- While it is water-resistant, laminate floors are not waterproof (so checking with the manufacturer or specifications is important when deciding whether or not to install laminate floors in a high humidity or high moisture area).
- Due to the nature of their design, laminate floors cannot be renovated. If a panel is damaged, it needs to be fully replaced (unlike with hardwood where a panel can be sanded down and refinished).
- Because laminate flooring is synthetic, there is a level of off-gassing that occurs during installation (customers might notice a smell during and for a short time after installing a laminate floor).
There are pros and cons to any type of flooring material, but it all comes down to choosing the right kind of floor for your specific project.
We Know a Thing or Two About Floors
At Hilton’s Flooring, we specialize in repairing and installing laminate flooring along with carpet, hardwood, tile, stone, and vinyl. If you have a home or business in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, we’re here to help with your next flooring project, and we have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Contact us today to speak with someone about your flooring needs and to receive a quote.
In addition, we also know a thing or two about bathrooms and kitchens and have a great selection of offerings for shower tile installation and granite countertops. You can view our selections online or visit our showroom located in Arlington.
