10 Facts About Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring has come quite a long way over the past few years. With the realistic look and texture of wood or tile, this flooring material is a top choice among homeowners across the country. Not only is it aesthetically beautiful, but laminate flooring also boasts incredible performance features that make it an excellent option for affordable, easy-to-install flooring. If you are considering laminate for your home flooring remodel, check out these 10 facts about laminate floors.

#1 Both Wood and Stone Look Laminate Are Available

Wood-look styles are increasingly popular thanks to their natural appearance and ability to suit a variety of interior design styles. And, while natural wood flooring is highly desirable, other flooring materials have proven their own unique versatility and value. Thankfully, laminate comes in both hardwood and stone looks, so you can get durability, easy maintenance, and beauty—all in one product. Whether you’re looking to add warmth with a solid hardwood style or an elegant tile look, there are plenty of laminate flooring options to perfectly complement your personal design tastes.

#2 Laminate Flooring is Low-Maintenance

As a hard surface flooring material with many functional features, laminate is easy to clean and maintain. Spills, dirt, dust, fur, and other debris simply sit on the moisture-resistant surface layer rather than penetrating the planks or getting trapped between the subfloor and the backing layer. This means accidents can easily be wiped up with the swipe of a cloth and without the worry of damage.

#3 Laminate Floor Designs Are Constantly Improving

As technology has improved, so has the look of laminate. These crucial improvements mean more realistic wood and stone looks are available on the market today. For example, there is a greater variation from piece to piece ensuring the grains, stains, knotting, or stone patterns provide an authentic finish. Some of these wood-look and stone-look laminate floors are so realistic that it can be difficult to decipher what is genuine and what is not!

#4 Affordable Laminate Flooring Can Meet Any Budget

If you’re in search of a flooring option that doesn’t break the bank, laminate is the perfect choice for staying on budget. Because it is manufactured from multiple layers of readily available materials, it’s typically less costly than natural hardwood or tile. This is particularly ideal for a full-home flooring option that performs well in every room.

#5 Laminate Floors Are Water-Resistant or Waterproof

Laminate is manufactured to be either water-resistant or completely waterproof. This makes cleanup a breeze and offers the peace of mind you need in a busy home. Thanks to its unique locking installation system, there’s no reason to worry about moisture gathering beneath your floors with fully water-tight laminate. Ask your local Carpet One professionals about waterproof laminate flooring!

#6 Laminate Provides Long-Lasting Durability

With proper maintenance, laminate can last for decades. While it cannot be refinished like natural hardwood flooring, there are still ways to keep your laminate floor looking its best. When purchasing laminate, it’s important to review the manufacturer's recommendations for proper maintenance over time. Luckily, the scratch-resistant, durable wear layer usually only requires a quick sweep and occasional mop for lasting beauty in high-traffic areas.

#7 Laminate Flooring Performs Well in Any Room

Because of its design options, functional features, and ease of installation, laminate flooring works well in any area of your home. Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are only a few examples of this. However, it doesn’t stop there! Laminate flooring is often recommended for finished basements and third-floor renovations because it can handle daily wear and is installed directly over various surfaces.

#8 Laminate is Allergy-Friendly

Typical allergen triggers are moisture, dirt, and dust. With laminate floors, these allergens stay on the surface, rather than hidden beneath its layers. The transparent wear layer protects the laminate planks from absorbing debris while making cleanup quick and easy. To keep your allergies at bay, it’s recommended to remove dirt and dust regularly.

#9 Laminate Flooring Installation is Simple

Because laminate flooring is installed on top of a variety of surfaces, the installation process is often quick and simple. In fact, many laminate products come in a peel-and-stick or a click-and-lock tongue-and-groove system for an efficient installation from start to finish. Additionally, laminate flooring can be installed as a “floating floor,” meaning that it does not require nailing to the subfloor below.

From laundry rooms to kitchens, these easily installed laminate planks will have you enjoying your new home design in no time. For an even faster and more secure installation, talk to your local Carpet One flooring store about a professional laminate flooring installation!

#10 Laminate is Perfect for Homes with Kids and Pets

Busy households with active lifestyles often worry about scratches, scuffs, and accidents. And, while kids and pets can cause daily wear and tear, laminate is equipped with durable features that are designed to keep damage at bay. Not only is laminate flooring excellent at handling kids and pets, but it is also eco-friendly, resistant to excessive moisture, and dimensionally stable. Consider laminate flooring for all-around safe, affordable, and beautiful floors that withstand the test of time.

Want to learn more about the types of laminate, the pros and cons of laminate floors, and our exclusive laminate flooring brands? Check out our guide to laminate flooring today!