There comes a time when you just want a new look in your home. It could be a change in decorations or just some new furniture. Sometimes, the choice is more involved – changing your flooring is just such a choice.
What type of flooring should you choose? In today’s market, there are many options when it comes to types of flooring. Flooring runs the gamut from hardwood, stone and tile floors on the higher end of quality and costs, to carpeting, vinyl and
laminate floors on the budget-friendly side of choices.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are trying to keep costs low but desiring a durable material that is both practical and family-friendly, take a look at the benefits of versatile and budget-friendly laminate flooring.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Originally developed during the 1970’s as an alternative to hardwood floors, the first thing to understand about laminate flooring is that it’s a multi-layer, synthetic product. On the bottom is a backing layer manufactured especially to resist moisture, then comes an inner core layer composed of fiberboard materials and resin. Next is a 3D photographic image layer that can mimic wood, stone, metal, and tile, which is covered by a clear wear layer. These four layers are all fused together using a lamination process – hence the name of the product.
There is a common misconception that laminate flooring is the same product as what is known as engineered flooring – this is not true. Engineered flooring contains real wood that is layered and then bonded with a solid wood top, with premium brands even containing a core made of hardwoods. Naturally, engineered flooring is more expensive than laminate.
Related Article: How To Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Why Laminate Flooring Is a Durable, Cost-Effective Choice
Due to increasing advances in manufacturing technology, laminate flooring’s popularity is on the rise with home builders and homeowners. Because of the advances in laser-generated images, the photographic image layer of laminate is able to accurately and attractively mimic any type of flooring on the market. Want a marble tile look in your kitchen and bathrooms, but the look of hardwood floors in your living and bedrooms? Not a problem! The varieties of laminate flooring are growing larger every day.
Five Benefits of Laminate Flooring
1. Laminate Comes at a Low Price
Let’s say you want the look of hardwood on your floors. Laminate can give you that look at a price that is much more economical than the real thing. This is especially important when your projected budget for flooring needs to be on the frugal side while still allowing for a quality product.
2. Laminate Is Easy to Maintain
This is one of the most attractive features for those who choose laminate floors. Laminate floors clean up easily and are highly resistant to water and stains. All you need to do to keep them looking fresh is to sweep and mop them regularly to avoid buildup of dirt and grime.
3. Laminate Is Durable
Flooring that is resistant to scratches and water damage is an attractive feature for homes with young children and pets. Laminate flooring is routinely found in rooms subject to contact with moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
4. Laminate Is Easily Installed
With the exception of carpeting, new laminate flooring can be installed over virtually any type of existing flooring. This means installation time may be greatly reduced. Because it is packaged as tongue and groove planks, it’s ease of installation is also a practical benefit for those homeowners who wish to install it themselves.
5. Laminate Comes in an Endless Variety of Styles
The 3D printing feature found in laminate flooring is so advanced that a box of laminate flooring planks in the style of hardwood may have as many as a half dozen or more different variations in looks when it comes to wood grains and colorings. This feature keeps the flooring looking natural and authentic just like a real hardwood floor.
Make Your Dream of New Flooring a Reality
Here in the Pacific Northwest, Carpet To Go has provided the greater Seattle are with the best flooring available for over two decades. Our expertise and extensive product lines of flooring help make your flooring desires a reality. If you’re ready to begin enjoying new flooring in your home,
contact Carpet To Go today for a free estimate.
