Lamenting the Choice of Laminate? Not So Fast!

Laminate may not be anyone’s first choice when it comes to flooring, at least not compared to the really fancy products on the market, such as hardwood or stone.  However, laminate is not appreciated for its unique texture.  Its greatest advantages are in its ability to resemble other quality flooring styles, without the massive cost.

First consider what laminate is and how it works.  Laminate refers to a layered structure, a sheet of material made by bonding together two or three or more layers through heat, pressure and adhesive.  Laminate flooring is a few layers of cheap but still durable material that is topped off with a realistic picture of a more expensive material.  Theoretically speaking, any floor is reproducible in this fashion.  All a homeowner really needs is a superb quality picture and a laminate resemblance can be built. 

Laminate may be produced by either direct pressure or high pressure.  Direct pressure is the affordable choice, whereas high pressure laminate is slightly stronger and can withstand more foot traffic and weight.  Though any floor material has limitations, laminate is unusually strong and actually dent resistant.  The base is the most important layer in flooring and determines the overall durability.

Of course, money is the issue here.  Whether you can’t afford new stone floors or just can’t justify spending that much money in just one year, laminate is the perfect compromise.  It gives you the exact same visual aesthetic with comparable durability.  You could install a mimic design of anything from marble to granite to hardwood chestnut.  Patterns and colors are also highly varied.

Laminate flooring is the most popular choice among homeowners who like to install their own flooring.  Not only is this layered material relatively easy to install, it’s also easier to maintain.  The same cannot be said for the more expensive materials. 

If you are interested in the advantages of laminate flooring, contact a flooring contractor today.  This professional can explain the many advantages that laminate has to offer.