When we think of laminate flooring, we tend to picture flooring from the past that’s cheap, old-fashioned, and not very attractive. However, this is not the case anymore. Modern day laminate flooring is better than ever, and here are some reasons you should consider it for your home.
A Variety of Textures
The mental image we have of laminate flooring is the smooth, ugly laminate frequently installed in laundry rooms in the ‘80s. Nowadays, you can get laminate flooring in a bunch of different textures, washes, and grains, depending on the look you’re going for. Laminate can replicate the look of hardwood or tiles, with either a glossy shine or matte finish, but for a fraction of the cost. Plus, there are various styles of laminate you can choose from. For a more realistic wood appearance, the surface can be hand-scraped, distressed, and covered with authentic-looking knots and wormholes, while those interested in a more polished look can choose from sleek marble or timeworn slate. So, if you desire the look of hardwood floors or marble tiles, but aren’t fond of the cost, laminate flooring would be a great alternative.
Durability and Ease of Cleaning
Over the years, laminate flooring has become increasingly easier to clean and protect. Because laminate tile lays flat and doesn’t have any grooves, it’s easier to sweep and mop over than many other types of tile. Laminate flooring is also incredibly durable. If you were to drop a hard object on tile or on hardwood floors, it’s likely you would see chipping, cracking, or scratches. With laminate flooring, the durable material won’t crack or break under pressure. This is a huge selling point for families that have young kids with toys that can be dropped frequently, or for households with dogs or cats that have nails that could possibly scratch the floor. And in the event that part of your laminate floor is damaged, replacing a few planks is cheaper and easier than replacing pieces of hardwood floor or tiles.
Healthier Alternative
If you have family members that suffer from allergies or asthma, laminate flooring is a great – and inexpensive – option for replacing carpet. Cate Morgan-Harlow says laminate floors are also perfect for those that care about their carbon footprint and are looking for ways to decrease the number of chemicals in their home. Look for laminate tiles with a Greenguard Certification. “At the gold level, this certification indicates that the materials in the laminate have low VOCs,” Morgan-Harlow says. “The California Air Resources Board has a list of environmental specifications that some laminate manufacturers ensure they meet.” If you are thinking of “going green” in your home, these Greenguard-certified laminate floors are a great option.
Laminate flooring isn’t what it used to be. It can now be considered a great contender with hardwood and ceramic tiles in the flooring industry. It’s come a long way, even in just the past few years. The attention to detail it offers and its expanded visual features have made it a go-to floor surface more so than ever before. The texture, ease of cleaning, durability, and health factors all make laminate flooring a top-notch candidate for your next flooring renovation.
