The Advantages of Laminate Flooring over Hardwood Flooring

rnIf you’re looking for quality flooring that looks like hardwood but doesn’t come with the high price tag, consider laminate flooring. This type of floor features three layers: The shell, the core and the backing. The shell is made of hard plastic and covers the core, which is a fiber or hard board. The backing is what makes contact with the subflooring and is generally made from plastic laminating material. These three materials are compressed together using high heat. The top layer also contains a photograph of real wood or stone, giving laminate its authentic look. Yet because it’s not real hardwood or stone, it doesn’t come with the high cost. Yet there’s more to laminate than just being cheaper in cost. Take hardwood for example. Although wood floors are regarded highly in homes, they can also be difficult to work with. Solid wood has many limitations on where it can be installed such as in basements or rooms with full baths. It also has to be hammered and nailed down, which usually calls for professional installation. Finally, solid wood cannot come into contact with moisture, otherwise it will buckle and warp. With these drawbacks, you’ll find that laminate is a suitable alternative that will still offer the look you’re trying to achieve. Laminate is installed over a subflooring and when purchasing quality subflooring, it will absorb sound and moisture. Be sure not to skimp in this department, as this will impact the overall quality and longevity of the flooring, much like carpet padding will do to carpeting. Many people complain about the hollow sound that laminate has, thus giving it away as not being authentic, but once again, choosing a superior subfloor will help. And while you certainly don’t want to leave standing water for any length of time, laminate offers a window where spills can be cleaned up without causing damage. Laminate is also easy to install and many homeowners find no problem carrying out the task on their own. Laminate flooring uses a tongue-and-groove installation method, which allows the pieces to snap and lock together like puzzle pieces. Remember that with this type of installation, the boards will shift a bit due to temperature changes. Like hardwood, it’s best to let the laminate acclimate to the temperature by leaving it out for several days before installation. This is the reason why laminate is regarded as a floating floor, because it “floats” over the subfloor and isn’t nailed down. Laminate is very easy to clean and maintain. In fact, regular vacuuming will do the trick of keeping it maintained. For more in-depth cleaning, use a laminate cleaner and a rag, spraying the cleaner onto the rag. Since you don’t want standing water on the floor, it’s best not to spray any cleaners directly on the laminate, as it can seep through the cracks. You will never mop the floor either. With this ease of maintenance, you can enjoy a hardwood look with nothing more than routine vacuuming or sweeping. Finally, laminate flooring is available in just about any color, wood species and grain pattern. The top layer is a photograph, which means you capture the authenticity of the wood, including its natural grooves and grain patterns. Yet you never have to worry about dealing with a soft wood that is subject to nicks and gouges. By having every selection at your fingertips, it’s easy to find laminate flooring that complements your home and decorative style. Shop for the laminate just as you would any floor; find a color and style that best suits your taste, request samples and evaluate them in the home.