Now that the economy’s back on the rebound, many of us are searching for creative ways to save more without sacrificing quality. If you’re considering new flooring for your home, laminate is the answer for budget-conscious consumers. It’s durable, easy to install and available in a variety of styles and colors. Here are a few reasons we love laminate flooring.
An Alternative to…Everything
One of laminate’s greatest strengths is that it can replicate the look and even texture of the most popular natural flooring materials – while still keeping the overall cost much lower. While wood-look is arguably the most popular laminate flooring design, it can just as effectively mirror the beauty of stone, marble and even porcelain.
Will the Design Last?
You may have heard that the “design” of laminate flooring is actually a high-quality photograph. This is true, but is that picture designed to last?
Fortunately, the top layer of a laminate board isn’t the photo itself; rather, it’s coated with layers of transparent aluminum oxide. This transparent top layer protects both the design and the floor itself from dents and scratches. Even better, this layer improves the floor’s overall durability. Most manufacturers guarantee that the floor’s photographic design will, indeed, last for the life of the flooring.
Affordable Installation
Even beyond the cost of the flooring itself, laminate is also among the most affordable options to install. In many cases, the existing floor doesn’t even have to be removed! Laminates panels are installed with a locking system that usually doesn’t require glue. And the process is simple, so homeowners can often install the flooring themselves, saving on installation.
The Durability of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is unique in that it achieves a lower price without sacrificing quality.
Granted, laminate must usually be cleaned a little more often than most other types of flooring in order to maintain its longevity. But with something as simple as a quick sweeping each day, it’ll often match or outlast its natural counterparts. In other words, less money spent on floor maintenance, repairs and replacement.
A Few Considerations
- While laminate flooring is durable, its moisture resistance is limited. Always read the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations and avoid bathroom installations.
- While laminate can match the look and texture of hardwood flooring, it still won’t quite feel or sound the same when walking over it.
- It’s typically not a fitting choice for commercial applications, especially
Learn More
To learn more about the benefits of laminate flooring, or to browse the many styles and selections available, be sure to stop by our showroom in Chelan today! You can also learn more on our Learn About Laminate page.
