Laminate floors are a popular, affordable alternative to hardwood or stone floors. They can give the appearance of far more expensive marble, teak, oak or other surface, but offer advantages that the un-laminated floor simply doesn't.
The manufacturing process encases a thin layer of wood or stone beneath a transparent layer of cellulose and melamine. Generally, the result is a high-gloss surface that stands up to wear for years without showing it. Beneath the wood, there are several other layers to give the flooring material body, strength and stability. There's a wide variety of patterns available to suit any style of decor that you choose.
A third option between hardwood floors and laminated wood floors is engineered wood floors. Strictly speaking, engineered wood is a laminate - it consists of several thin layers of wood set with the grain running in different directions. It is then compressed under high pressure, and may be impregnated with acrylic to wear more durably. It's more expensive than laminate, but less expensive than solid hardwood. Its greatest advantage is that it is more resistant to moisture damage, and less susceptible to the shrinkage and expansion that make wood floors less stable.
There are a number of advantages to choosing laminate flooring other than affordability. Here is a list of some of its greatest benefits.
Versatility
Unlike hardwood floors, moisture and traffic are far less of a concern. A wood laminate can work in a bathroom or kitchen without the concern of moisture damaging the floor, for instance. Just wipe up spills off the laminate surface. They also are less subject to the concerns about expansion and contraction that can be a concern with hardwood floors.
Easy Care
No need for buffing, oiling, waxing and polishing with laminate floors. Sweep regularly, and damp mop when needed, and the shine will last for years.
Allergen and Odor Resistant
Unlike carpets, which can hold allergens and odors, laminate floors have all the advantages of wood floors without the expense or extra maintenance needed. If you have allergies in your family, and can’t quite afford hardwood floors, laminate floors may be the right material for you.
Easy Repair
While laminates can't be refreshed with a sanding when they finally start to show wear, they are easy to repair in most situations. If a piece of floor becomes damaged or stained, it's not difficult to remove one plank and replace it without uprooting the surrounding ones.
Easy to Install
Unlike hardwood, which can be difficult to work with and install, wood laminate flooring is easy enough for the average do-it-yourselfer to install.
Durable
Wood laminate veneers resist scratching and nicking that would damage hardwood floors.
Design Tips and Tricks
Laminate floors can perfectly mimic a hardwood floor, and that includes the patterns and styles achievable with hardwood. It's relatively easy to create a patterned design using two different colors or species of wood, or run a border of one color around a floor of another.
As you can see, laminate floors offer a whole world of possibilities for creating an affordable, practical and beautiful design in your home!