Laminate Flooring 101: Your Guide to Choosing Laminate in the Bathroom Or Kitchen
For many years, people looked at laminate flooring as a cheap flooring option. They were willing to forego quality for affordability. However, over the decades, laminate has risen from a lower quality option to one of the most popular, best quality flooring options around. The laminate flooring on the market today is not only durable and long lasting, but it also is available in many colors and styles. Many homeowners will be proud to install laminate flooring into their kitchen and bathroom design, and it can bring the look of hardwood that many homeowners love, but can’t always afford.
If you are interested in new flooring and considering laminate, keep the following information in mind:
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Despite it being so popular, many homeowners have difficulty describing what laminate flooring really is. Laminate is made of four different elements that have been bonded together with glue and high pressure to create a plank. The bottom layer of the flooring is water-resistant, and it prevents water from moving from the subfloor into the core of the plank. The core of laminate is made of high-density fiberboard that is known for its strength and durability. The third layer is a high-resolution photograph that is taken of wood such as oak, bamboo or maple. The final layer is a clear coat, which protects the product from scratching and impact.
The Finish of Laminate Flooring
In addition to the higher quality design of laminate, another reason it has exploded in popularity is its looks. There are now many finishes available, including those that look exactly like wood, ceramic tile and stone. Some of the laminate options available include maple, oak, pine, cherry, teak and chestnut. You can even find laminate flooring that looks like it is beveled or hand-scraped and those that are made in different widths and lengths, just as hardwood is.
The Affordability of Laminate
By now you know that laminate flooring is both durable and beautiful, but it is also very affordable. When you add in the strength and longevity to that, and consider the cost, you will have a tough time not seeing the great value for your money that you will receive. Laminate can often be installed for about half the price of tile or hardwood. The labor costs involved are often more affordable, too. The price of the laminate is dependent on the quality of the laminate. But there are also often sales and discounts given through the manufacturers.
Caring for Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring almost always has a protective coating on it, which will protect it from scrapes, scratches, stains and fading. This coating also ensures that it is easy to clean. To clean laminate use a dust mop or vacuum with a wood floor or soft brush attachment. For spot cleaning, you can use a damp mop. For deeper cleaning, you can use a hardwood or laminate floor cleaner. But you should avoid using detergents that are soap-based. Any product that is a mop-and-shine product, as they can leave a film on the surface of the floor.
In addition, you can do to ensure that your laminate floor looks great for many years to come. For instance, you should make sure that you are placing a mat on the floor at entrances to collect excess moisture and dirt off of shoes. It is important that these mats will not fade or bleed. You should also make sure that you are putting protective pads under any appliances or furniture legs. Any pet in the home should have well-trimmed nails. It is important to clean up any spills as soon as they occur.
To further protect the flooring, it is important to lift, not slide, furniture when moving it. Place a large piece of cardboard underneath it to protect it when sliding. They are available from most flooring companies and online.
Laminate can bring a lot of value to your home, it is affordable, and it looks amazing. This flooring material looks great in the bathroom and the kitchen remodel, as well as throughout other areas of the home. With cleaning, there is no reason laminate flooring cannot last for decades. It will remain looking like new. Talk to your local kitchen and bathroom remodeling company about the laminate options they have during a home remodel.
