Need a flooring without going over the top but still looking for something amazing? Laminate flooring Review might just be your best buddy. Moving in popularity, laminate flooring has become a go-to for many seeking style and durability without the premium price tag. But before diving deep into any decision about flooring, let’s hit a few unique pros and cons of laminate other than the normal stuff you already likely know.
Take a seat, and let’s talk floors!
What Exactly is Laminate Flooring Review?
Laminate is a multi-layer synthetic product combined with a photographic layer that resembles the look of wood, stone, or tile. Robust, yet economical and elegant, the top wears a clear protective coating that has it receive less wear and tear. Pretty simple, right? But let’s go a little more in-depth about what really sets it apart and where it may lack a little.
Pros of Laminate Flooring
- Pet-Friendly
Do you have a fur family member or a few running around the house? Laminate flooring is great for pet owners. The tough wear layer of laminate prevents scratches from occurring. Hence, it will resist claw marks from your favorite pet.
- Allergen-free
Unlike carpets, laminate flooring does not trap dust, dirt, or allergens. Laminate is, therefore, quite a better choice for anyone in your house allergic to chemicals or dust. You can enjoy the aesthetic of wood or stone while keeping your air cleaner and healthier.
- Fade Resistance
If your house receives plenty of sunlight, then laminate flooring can be one of your best options. Its wear layer is resistant to fading from a high amount of direct sunlight. So, if you have a room that gets plenty of natural light, you will not be worried about your floors losing their sheen and color with time.
- Quick Temperature Adjustment
Laminate is far quicker to warm up compared with other surfaces, such as tile. If you have ever stepped barefoot onto a freezing cold tile floor, you will understand the appeal! Laminate provides another temperature-friendly alternative, which is nice on those cold mornings when you are fumbling around the kitchen for some coffee.
- Wide Range of Patterns and Textures
Want the look of expensive hardwood or natural stone but can’t quite swing the price? Laminate comes in endless patterns and textures that can closely resemble high-end materials. Some advanced options even feature embossed textures that just might give you that feel of real wood grain or stone tile. You get the look without the cost!
- Impact-Resistant
Due to its construction nature, laminated flooring is more resistant to impact than most other flooring options. Be it a heavy pan dropped in the kitchen or a tumbling toy from a child’s hand, laminated flooring is way superior at absorbing the impact without dents and cracks. This makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
- Click-Lock Technology
Not only is a click-lock installation of laminate flooring great for DIY enthusiasts but any repairs or replacements that may arise in the future will also be pretty easy. In case any plank gets damaged, you can simply unsnap and replace it without much fuss. This modularity ultimately makes the laminate a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution.
- Water-Resistant Options
Although traditional laminate does not handle moisture very well, manufacturers today offer either water-resistant or waterproof laminate options. Such laminates can be installed in bathrooms or kitchens without the same risk of warping or damaged areas that usually accompany it, thus offering even wider applications.
Cons of Laminate Flooring
- Static Electricity
One weird drawback with laminate flooring is that it is able to build up static electricity, especially in dry climates. You might find yourself getting a little shocked when you happen upon a metal surface, mainly in the colder tail or head of the year. This causes the indoor air to be even drier, which only serves to make things worse. With this, it’s not going to make or break a sale, but it is pretty annoying if you’re continually zapping yourself around the house.
- Slippery When Wet
Although laminate is easy to clean, it can get quite slippery when wet. This may cause a safety hazard when you have kids or elderly people in the house. Adding rugs or mats to the high-traffic areas helps, but that is still something to really keep in mind, especially in entryways or kitchens.
- Plastic Sound
The more general complaints about laminate include the fact that it can sound hollow, or even a little “plastic,” when you walk on it- more so when it is installed over a hard subfloor without padding. While this isn’t something that bothers everyone, the more sensitive you are to sound or the more you want your home to feel solid and natural, the more you might be let down by laminate concerning this characteristic.
- Can Feel Cold Underfoot
While laminate heats up more than tile, it is still not the warmest underfoot when put side by side against carpet or cork. If your floors are either underlaid or poorly insulated, you might feel a little cool in the colder, especially if you’re in an area with rough winters. Rugs can ease this, or radiant heating might be an alternative; however, it is also something to keep in mind.
- Environmental Impact
While there are some eco-friendly laminate options available, most forms are manufactured from synthetic materials that can emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which could be better for indoor air quality or the outdoors. In addition, because laminate, in general, cannot be refinished, this flooring material generally creates more waste once it’s time to replace it. So, if sustainability means something to you, do your research into eco-friendly brands before investing in laminate.
WRAP-UP
Laminate flooring is a great option for many homeowners; they are cheap, style-sensible, and pretty easy to install. Weighing the pros and cons wisely will surely help the owner establish his lifestyle and personal preferences accordingly.