Laminate flooring has been on the market for several years, but as every year passes, the innovative technology being used makes it an even better choice today than it was a decade ago. It is produced to offer homeowners a material built to last with all the eye appeal you want.
If you need some more encouragement, there are 9 great reasons why laminate flooring is so popular and why it should be the next material installed in your home, but first, let’s quickly discuss what laminate flooring actually is.
Laminate flooring is a synthetic material created through a lamination process, combining four different layers into one piece of flooring.
- The bottom layer is plastic or melamine, the backing of the floor, which offers moisture resistance and gives a grip to remove the flooring movement.
- The second layer is the core layer, which is pressed fiberboard designed to offer water resistance and strength.
- The third layer is the part that gives you the pattern, being photographed, printed, and layered on top of the core.
- The final layer is the wear layer that protects against damage and the effects of normal aging.
Now that you have a better understanding of laminate flooring, it is time to step into why it has become one of the most popular choices when discussing flooring for a home or business.
- Durable – Unfortunately, laminate flooring is not designed to be refinished, so it is essential to match the durability level with the need. If that is done correctly, the flooring will last up to 30 years.
- AC1 – moderate residential use
- AC2 – general residential use
- AC3 – heavy residential or light commercial use
- AC4 – general commercial use
- AC5 – heavy commercial use
- Affordable – You would probably love quality flooring without the inflated costs of buying natural wood or stone. Laminate flooring gives you the same style and designs at about half the price of the real thing. The critical thing to remember is that laminate flooring, like everything else, has various levels of quality, so you need to check to ensure that the backing is not made of paper and that the images look exactly like the real thing.
- Easy Installation – Having a professional contractor lay flooring throughout the room can cost you a substantial amount of money, so anything you can do yourself is appreciated. That is one of the best things about laminate flooring. It can be installed by anyone with a few tools and at least a small amount of construction knowledge.
- Eco-Friendly – One of the most significant issues in the world today is doing your part in helping save the environment around you. Laminate flooring protects nature from losing wood and stone taken to be processed into flooring, plus many companies manufacture the laminate pieces out of recycled materials. Some may even offer environmentally safe certifications to let you know they have done their part in reducing damage, so now it is your turn to contribute by using their products.
- Style Options – Because of the way laminate flooring is created, you can have any style, color, and appearance options that you want. If you buy a bundle of laminate flooring at a time, they will all match in styling, just like natural wood or stone would. If you plan to do a large area, you will want to get enough to cover the floor from one production batch to ensure it matches. Plus, you may want to invest in a couple extra slabs just in case some damage does occur.
- Easy Care – Because of the wear-resistant coating on the top layer, laminate flooring is easy to care for. All you have to do is run a broom over it, preferably with soft bristles or even just a dust mop. If you do this every day or so, you will not have to worry about mopping very often, but when you do, use a damp mop, not one soaked in water. It is suggested to mop every other month to keep a shiny, new appearance.
- Water Resistant – The high-quality laminate flooring available on the market offers a bottom layer that is moisture resistant, which helps remove any wetness that may seep underneath the floor. Plus, the center layer has a water-resistant material that will repel any spills that may occur. However, when that happens, it is still imperative to clean it up immediately to prevent any staining.
- Color Wear Resistant – Over time, foot traffic, heat, spills, and the sun can cause an average floor to begin to fade in color. Laminate flooring is designed to hold the same appeal on day one as on day 1000. The top wear coating will protect the pieces of flooring from any and all everyday problems. However, it can still be scratched with abrasives, so ensure that people have clean shoes before walking into the house.
- Accessible – If you have ever talked to a home improvement store, you already know that it can be hard to get enough natural materials to do your flooring project, and most of the time, it will have to be ordered from numerous sources. Laminate flooring is manufactured, so it is easier to get your hands on, which is essential when you are in the middle of a build or remodel and need the flooring installed as soon as possible.
These 9 great reasons should show you how laminate flooring has become one of the most popular flooring choices across the nation. As the years go by, even more innovative technology will be instilled into the design and manufacturing process.
Still, one thing is for sure, if you want a flooring material that is durable and easy to care for, there is no better choice than high-quality laminate flooring. With that in mind, go online and order the type of laminate flooring that you want in the style and design that appeals to you the most. Make sure to get enough to complete the entire project, with a little extra to spare, because even professional installers have an “oops moment” every now and then.
