Choosing flooring for your home involves considerations beyond color and style, and durability is a key factor. A floor needs to be resilient and able to stand up against your busy lifestyle without showing any signs of wear and tear. Laminate flooring combines cost effectiveness with style to offer homeowners a compelling alternative to hardwood and tile floors. Designed to withstand the bustling activity of a family, laminate floors provide long-lasting beauty and value while still remaining a budget-friendly option.
Laminate consists of multiple layers that are fused together, starting with a core and base layer made from plywood or fiberboard and topped with a decorative design layer featuring high-definition imaging. The final surface is then coated with a protective layer to resist moisture, scuffing, scratches and stains. This durable coating allows laminate to withstand the everyday rigors of life, from children and pets to household cleaning chemicals.
A key factor in determining the quality of a laminate floor is its backside, or “tongue and groove” edges. If these edges are smooth and perfectly finished, it’s a sign of superior quality. Additionally, the thickness of the laminate wear layer will also play a role in its durability. If the wear layer is thicker, it’s better equipped to resist damage from heavy furniture and pets claws and paws.
While the initial impression of many people is that laminate looks cheap, this perception could not be further from the truth. With modern styling and technology, laminate floors can look incredibly realistic, even rivaling the appearance of hardwood floors in some instances. Mannington’s Restoration Collection, for example, uses an in-house styling team to produce the most realistic wood and tile visuals available today.
Unlike real hardwood, which is typically limited to indoor locations in climate-controlled environments because of its sensitivity to humidity, laminate floors are more versatile. They can be used in most rooms, including those with radiant heating, provided that a proper underlayment is installed. The moisture resistant properties of a laminate floor also make it more convenient to care for, with spills wiped up immediately and soap or water-based cleaners used rather than harsh chemicals.
If you are interested in upgrading your Plano home with a new laminate floor, Nadine Floor Company is the source for advice and guidance. Our experienced professionals will help you select the right floor for your specific aesthetic preferences and lifestyle requirements. We pride ourselves on providing honest recommendations based on industry knowledge and decades of experience. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.