Laminate Flooring Installation Benefits

A floor is one of the main parts of any room in your house or flat, so it influences its whole look immensely. A clean floor that fits the room's design can make it way more beautiful, and, vice versa, an old, stained, or simply aesthetically unsuitable floor can spoil the whole impression of your dwelling.

But which floor is best to choose? Often, it's not so easy to make the right choice. There are so many variants on the market! But we're strongly convinced that one of the best options for most homeowners is laminate flooring. Why do we think so? Because laminate flooring has lots of advantages, about which we're going to tell you in this article.

The advantages of laminate flooring

What makes laminate flooring one of the most popular flooring types? Why do lots of people choose it over others?

As we've already said, it has many benefits. Here are the most important of them:

• This type of flooring is super durable. It has a strong protective layer and is often additionally covered by resin, which gives laminate an amazing resistance to hits and scratches. This coating makes it last longer than many other sorts of flooring such as vinyl, hardwood, or carpet. Laminate is resistant even to high-heel shoes, not to mention pets' claws. The best laminate for homes and offices has an AC rating bigger than two.
• Resistance to liquids, staining, and dirt. Many floor-producing companies and design studios offer super long warranties on laminate, such as twenty-five years or even more. Also, it doesn't fade with time and retains its initial colors for a very long period.
• Low maintenance. The laminate protective layer is great not only against scratches but also against stains and spills, making them extremely easy to wipe. It makes laminate an ideal solution for those who have kids, pets or are simply clumsy. Such flooring doesn't need to be varnished or waxed to stay clean and beautiful, and you don't need any rare and expensive types of cleaners for it. The cleaner simply has to be laminate-friendly, which is not uncommon at all.
• Attractive prices. This type of flooring is usually cheaper than many others, and if you take its durability into account, its affordability becomes even more clear. But if you wish, there are more expensive variants too.
• A wide assortment of designs. Of course, the majority of laminate variants imitate traditional stone or wooden floors, technically they can have any look. Such a large choice can allow you to select the perfect option for your room, home, or office. They can have not only different colors and patterns but also textures and thickness variations. Also, laminate floors can be classified by their bevels. They can be 2V (present only on wider sides) and 4V (on every side). Some types, especially cheaper ones, don t have any bevels at all.
• Laminate flooring can be installed very easily — way easier than flooring of any other type. The boards interlock with each other, which makes their laying much simpler. In addition to that, it's possible to install such flooring over the old one (of almost any type — concrete, vinyl, etc.), reducing the necessary amount of time and effort. You won t need to use any nails, staples, or glue to lay a laminate floor, as well as invite a specialist. It's really easy to do it on your own.
• Low allergy risk. Laminate flooring can t trap various potentially allergic particles such as dust, which makes it an awesome option for allergy sufferers. Also, its lower layer is moisture proof and stops mold growth.
• Resistance to high temperatures. Laminate endures heat much better than wood, which makes it possible to install such flooring near heating batteries. Also, it has great resistance to humidity.
• Environmental friendliness. Many laminate floors are produced from materials that have been recycled. Especially, their core layers are often made of them. The most renowned laminate companies also certify their production according to ecological standards.

Laminate flooring. What do you need to know?

In spite of all its advantages, laminate flooring isn't perfect. Here are some things that you need to be ready for if you want to install a floor of this type.

It is not universal. There are some rooms in which laminate flooring would be a truly awful idea. For example, it isn't meant for places with lots of water such as bathrooms or laundry rooms. Yes, it has a moisture-proof layer, but it isn't resistant to water spills and leaks. In kitchens, laminate floors are more suitable but still aren't recommended, since there, you also can spill something.

Earlier, we said that a laminate floor is resistant to spills. Yes, it's true. Moreover, it can be mopped or cleaned with water. But liquids should never get under the floor's surface. In this case, it can become deformed and swollen, completely losing its pretty look. So, such flooring should be installed in rooms where the risk of it is minimal — for instance, living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. Although now you can find several completely water-resistant laminate types, so in case you would like to lay a laminate floor in your kitchen, there can be some variants for you.

Another not-so-pleasant fact is only for those who like the feeling of a real wooden floor under their feet. Unfortunately, no matter how much a laminate floor looks like wood, it won't feel and sound like it. The only exception is a thick, 12 or 15-mm board, but its price is much higher.

And, despite the amazing scratch and hit resistance of laminate floors, they still should be cared for. If the damage is too heavy, it definitely can leave a visible trace on the surface. We strongly advise you to put special pads under the legs of your furniture. Also, we recommend you lay mats in places that are walked over the most often — for instance, near the exit door.

If you can't decide which laminate (or any other) flooring to choose, we would recommend you getting in touch with A+ Remodeling and Construction company. Its highly professional staff will readily consult you and help you to select the perfect floor for your home or office!