10 Facts About Laminate Floors

Laminate has come quite a long way in the past few years. What you may think of when you think of laminate is likely not the same product you’ll see today. With increasingly beautiful wood looks available and incredible features, laminate flooring has become an excellent option for those looking for low-maintenance and highly durable flooring that can be installed in a variety of rooms.

To help you know more about what you can expect when considering laminate for your home, check out these ten facts about laminate.

#1 There are Wood and Stone Look Laminate Options:

Wood look styles have become more and more popular thanks to their natural appearance and ability to suit a variety of interior design styles. And, while genuine hardwood was a great option for many years, other types of flooring, like laminate, have proven that they are an excellent choice as well. Plus, laminate floors offer unique features that hardwood products cannot offer. Thankfully, laminate comes in both wood and stone looks so that you can get durability, easy maintenance, and beauty all in one product. Whether you’re looking for the perfect light hardwood look or a tile look, there are plenty of options out there for you to choose from.

#2 Laminate is Low-Maintenance

Mirror Lake Dockside Resort

As a hard surface flooring option with many features, laminate is easy to clean and maintain. Fur, dirt, and dust simply sit on top of the floors rather than get trapped underneath. Plus, when spills and accidents happen, they can be wiped up quickly with the swipe of a cloth. And, because some laminate is water-resistant or waterproof, maintenance is minimal even with some of the worst daily mishaps!

#3 Laminate Looks Have Changed

As technology has improved, so has the look of laminate. These crucial improvements in technology mean more realistic-looking wood and stone looks available on the market today. For example, there is greater variation from piece to piece, ensuring there are less identical pieces in each room. Some of these wood look laminate floors are so realistic it can be difficult to decipher what is genuine and what is not!

#4 Laminate is Affordable

Mirror Lake Laurel Springs

If you’re on the search for a flooring option that doesn’t break your budget, laminate is a great choice. Because it is created from different materials, it’s typically less costly than hardwood or tile. This is particularly ideal if you’re looking for a whole-home flooring option that will look great from room to room.

#5 Some Laminate is Water-Resistant or Waterproof

Thanks to its construction, some laminate styles are water-resistant. Water-resistance makes cleanup a mess and gives you the peace-of-mind you need in a busy home. And, while many of the laminate floors available today are water-resistant, there are even some that are waterproof. Mirror Lake is one brand of laminate that is waterproof. With a tight waterproof seal thanks to its special locking system, there’s no reason to worry about moisture beneath your floors!

#6 Laminate Lasts

Mirror Lake Portside Village 

With proper maintenance, laminate can be a long-lasting product in your home. While it can’t be refinished like hardwood, there are still ways to keep your laminate flooring looking its best. When purchasing laminate, it’s best to review the manufacturer recommendations on how to clean and maintain it over time.

#7 Laminate Flooring can be Installed in Many Rooms

Because of the ease of installation, features, and water-resistance, laminate can be installed in many areas of your home. Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens are just a few examples of this. However, it doesn’t stop there! Laminate is often recommended for finished basements and third floor renovations because it can handle tough spills and can be installed over a variety of surfaces.

#8 Laminate is Allergy-Friendly

Mirror Lake Bayshore Crossing 

Typical allergen triggers are moisture, dirt, and dust. With laminate, there is nothing to worry about when it comes to allergens, primarily because these triggers stay on the surface, rather than get trapped beneath its layers. To keep your allergies at bay, it’s recommended to clean up dirt and dust often.

#9 Laminate Flooring Installation is Simple

Because laminate flooring can be installed on top of many surfaces, the installation is often quite simple. In fact, many laminate products even click together, creating a quick 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, which is another reason for its easy installation.

#10 Laminate is Great for Homes with Kids and Pets

Kids and pets are often the cause of scratches, scuffs, and accidents. And, while kids and pets can cause tons of wear and tear, laminate is often equipped with features that can keep potential damage at bay. If you have an active lifestyle, children, or pets, it’s a great option to consider for your home.

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