Many homeowners opt for laminate flooring as a relatively affordable way to achieve the look of elegant, beautiful wood floors. Laminate flooring comes in many styles and finishes, and it is also durable enough to be resistant to scratching and dents. Overall, this can be a great choice for homeowners who like the look of wood floors but do not want to deal with the expensive price or high maintenance required of them.
Pros of Laminate Floors
As with any flooring type, there are inherent advantages and disadvantages that come along with the choice of laminate flooring. One of the biggest benefits of laminate flooring that homeowners love is the price. It is less costly than installing real wood floors in the home. This type of flooring is also very durable. Unlike real wood, it is much more difficult to scratch, stain or dent laminate because of the way it is manufactured. In addition to its low price and high durability, laminate flooring also does not require much maintenance. Unlike traditional wood floors, which may require sanding and refinishing over time, all it takes to clean and maintain laminate flooring is periodic surface cleaning, which can be done using a mop, water and floor cleaner.
Laminate flooring can also typically be installed over existing flooring, which can save homeowners a lot of time and hassle. It can also save them money as removing existing flooring can be quite pricey. Homeowners considering the option to overlay should be sure, however, to buy thicker laminate flooring than average. This way, there will be less potential for a hollow space to develop between the existing floor and the laminate. Even if there is a small hollow space, this will remedy itself in time as the flooring settles and is walked upon. Homeowners can overlay laminate flooring over both tile and short pile carpet that is less than 1/4-inch high, though doing so on tile will require more padding.
Cons of Laminate Floors
Of course, there are some potential drawbacks to using laminate floors as well. Some homeowners are hesitant to use it because of the fact that it's not "the real deal." Others are turned off by the appearance of fake wood. Some homeowners dislike how hard this type of flooring feels on the feet, but with the right underlay, this can be helped. Laminate floors cannot be finished or stained. Therefore, if a homeowner purchases laminate flooring and decides they want a different finish later, it will be necessary to completely replace the floors. Laminate flooring as opposed to real wood will yield a smaller resale value on the home.
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Other Considerations
Choosing the right laminate flooring is more difficult than it seems because there are so many different types available. Some specific factors to think about when choosing a particular type of laminate include:
- Warranty length
- AC rating
- Pad or underlay
- Texture
Typically, most laminate flooring manufacturers include a warranty with their products. It is not uncommon to find laminate flooring that comes with a 10-year warranty. A homeowner should take the time to read the terms of the warranty and know what is covered, which can save them a lot of stress and hassle down the road.
The AC rating is the industry's way of ranking laminate flooring for its durability. AC levels run one through five, with five being the most durable. Having an AC 1 floor is not necessarily a bad idea, depending on where the flooring will be located. For areas with lower foot traffic such as bedrooms, AC 1 is a perfectly durable option. However, for areas with higher foot traffic, more durability is necessary. Typically, the highest needed rating for residential laminate flooring is AC 4. AC 5 is generally used in industrial and commercial flooring.
For homeowners who do not want any surprise expenses after buying the flooring, they should find a flooring type that comes with underlayment or padding already attached to the flooring. Underlay can also be purchased separately and typically comes in 100-square-foot rolls. The only drawback is that it will take longer to install because the padding will have to be measured and cut separately.
The texture of the flooring is an important consideration since it plays an important role in replicating the look and feel of real hardwood. Most laminate flooring is embossed, but the level of embossing used can vary. There is also flooring available that is made to look as though it was hand scraped like wood. A high-gloss texture is probably the best option for a finish that will be the most resistant to dents and damage. Its clean, modern, mirror finish is desirable for many homeowners.
Saving on Laminate Flooring
As with any home improvement project, the best way to get a great deal on laminate flooring is to simply shop around. Homeowners should also be on the lookout for special promotions from local companies. Before choosing a company for the installation of the flooring, however, it is always a good idea to read third-party reviews to ensure the company is dependable and reputable beforehand. This is especially true for those considering the option of hiring an independent contractor. Homeowners should always make sure the flooring technician is licensed and insured before allowing him or her to do any work.
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Homeowners can also save on laminate flooring by having an accurate estimate of how much they are going to need to buy. The best way to do this is to determine the area of the space to be covered in laminate flooring ahead of time. Flooring is most commonly sold by the square foot. For square or rectangular rooms, the square footage can be calculated by simply multiplying the width times the length of the room. It's a good idea to purchase slightly more square footage than is actually needed to pad for errors.
Conclusion
Overall, laminate flooring can certainly be a great choice for homeowners who want the appeal of hardwood but without the cost and maintenance. This more affordable option comes in all kinds of styles and finishes, so homeowners can achieve any look they desire in their living spaces.
priced way too high, small area . Not willing to pay more to lay it than I paid for the flooring;
average per sq. ft. would be nice . I know I can do a lot better