The benefits of laminate flooring

When you’re considering which flooring to choose for your home, there are several things to think about, including durability, practicality, and of course how good it looks.

If you’re wanting a floor which is visually appealing, is easy to clean, and will stand up to heavy footfall, then laminate flooring could be an ideal solution.

Durability

One of the major benefits of laminate flooring is that it’s very durable, and this is mainly down to how it is constructed.

Laminate is typically made up of four different layers; the stabilizing layer, core, decorative or image and wearlayer.  The first to these is the very bottom of the flooring, which provides a protective barrier between the subfloor and the coreboard, which creates equality on either side of the plank ensuring there is no unnecessary movement within the board.

The core layer compromises of High Density Fibreboard, which is made of highly compacted wood fibres and resins which support the weight of the people who walk over it.

The image layer is exactly that – the layer on which the image is printed, which gives the laminate that real wood look.

Finally, the wear layer is made of cellulose paper which is saturated with a melamine plastic resin.  This protects the flooring from fading, wear and tear and stains.

Unlike real wood flooring, laminate is also waterproof, making it a better solution for kitchens, utility rooms and bathrooms.

Style

Laminate flooring is available in a range of different styles, including those which replicate various species of wood, from oak to walnut and everything in between.

Many laminate options also come with a textured grain effect and embossed patterns, which make them almost indistinguishable to the genuine article.

Maintenance

Another advantage to laminate flooring is that it is easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and wet mopping will keep your laminate in top condition and ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.

Cost

It’s no surprise that laminate is considerably cheaper than it’s real wood alternatives, which makes it an ideal option if you are looking to redecorate on a budget.

Even if the purse strings are tight, laying a laminate floor can give your home a fresh new look, and can improve its appeal on the housing market when you’re ready to move on.