Laminate is an attractive, versatile flooring option for many rooms within the home. Let’s take a look at what laminate flooring is, its benefits, drawbacks, and ideal applications.
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate floorboards are composed of four unique layers, fused together under high heat and pressure. The result is a durable material that comes at a lower price point than comparable natural wood alternatives.
The bottom layer acts as a moisture barrier, adding strength and stability to the boards. The next layer is the core, a structural layer made of compressed wood material and strengthened with resin, supporting the weight of foot traffic. The layer above the core is the print layer, which displays the visual, decorative design of the boards. Finally, the uppermost layer, known as the wear layer, protects the design against scratches, scuffs and abrasions.
Laminate flooring pros and cons
Laminate is a very cost-effective flooring option, priced at around $1 – $3.50 per square foot and with an expected lifespan of roughly 15 – 25 years. In fact, when looking to achieve a natural wood-look appearance, laminate is the lowest-cost flooring option.
The wear layer of laminate is great protection for the boards, meaning the floors can withstand heavy furniture and regular foot-traffic. However, it’s important to note that the expected lifespan of laminate is reduced when installed in areas with high levels of foot traffic, but this is the same for most flooring materials. Laminate’s durability makes it a popular choice for homes with pets since households with dogs or energetic cats can benefit from a flooring material that can withstand the animal’s claws.
Laminate has fairly good water resistance properties, but prolonged exposure can cause the boards to swell, warp, or crack. This doesn’t necessarily hinder the suitability of laminate for applications with higher moisture levels, like bathrooms and kitchens, but other flooring options may prove more durable in these areas, such as vinyl.
Being a hard flooring material, laminate does not offer good sound reduction on its own, but certain acoustic underlays can be installed to enhance this where necessary. On a positive note, laminate is fairly comfortable underfoot, making it a good choice for households with young children.
Laminate offers easy cleaning and maintenance. Regular vacuuming and mopping are enough to keep laminate floors looking fresh, and there’s no need for waxing or polishing as there is with natural wood alternatives. However, you should avoid cleaning laminate floors with a steam mop or excessive amounts of water.
Variations of laminate flooring
Laminate flooring products are available in a range of colors, patterns, and designs, with the most common being planks that mimic the natural look of wooden or stone flooring. Being available at a much lower price than the natural alternatives, laminate is a budget-friendly way to achieve the authentic look of wooden or stone floors. Modern laminate products are more realistic than ever, and some even mimic the feeling underfoot of the intended material (although its characteristics will obviously differ from the real deal).
Certain laminate products will have enhanced features, making them more suitable for particular applications. Thicker laminate boards are more durable, and products with a thicker wear layer offer enhanced protection against scratches, stains, and general wear and tear. Some laminate products even have core layers specifically designed to repel moisture and prevent warping or swelling, so these are a great option for moisture-heavy applications or where spills and leaks are common.
Applications for laminate flooring
Laminate is such a versatile flooring material – it can be used in every room of the home!
- Bedrooms and living spaces – with an attractive appearance and level of comfort, laminate is a great choice for bedrooms
- Hallways, landings, and stairs – able to withstand heavy foot traffic, and incredibly easy to keep clean, many homeowners opt for laminate in these areas
- Kitchens and bathrooms – easy cleaning and fair water resistance mean that laminate is suitable for both kitchens and bathrooms, but it’s worth finding a product specifically designed for more moisture-heavy applications (as mentioned above)
Installing laminate flooring
Laminate flooring can be installed using a few different methods. The most common method is to glue the planks directly to the subfloor, with the main benefit of this method being that the planks are less likely to lift from moisture exposure, keeping the flooring stable and durable.
Another way to install laminate is the floating method. In this installation, the boards are connected together using a locking system and then laid directly on top of the underlay. This is a quicker and simpler installation method, offering enhanced sound reduction, and is advisable for homes with underfloor heating. However, the boards are more susceptible to expansion and contraction, which may lead to damage down the line.
Whichever method you choose, always have your laminate flooring installed by a professional. Not only will this ensure utmost safety and optimum results, but it will also help to extend the lifespan of your floors.
Powerhouse is a full-service home and commercial services company based in Texas, specializing in flooring installation.
