What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a type of flooring that is made up of plywood or fiberboard. This core layer is glued on top of the image layer. Then a thin layer, made of plastic, is added to protect the lower layers from damage. Laminate flooring is a cost-effective popular way to get the look of wood flooring without paying the expensive price. However, no flooring comes without important considerations. Below are a few pros and cons of laminate flooring.
Pros of Laminate Flooring
Affordable: Compared to other flooring options, laminate floors are affordable. This is because laminate flooring is mostly made from composite wood, which is considerably less expensive than natural timber.
Durable: Laminate floors are very durable as they do not scratch or discolor, are resistant to stains, offer UV resistance, and can be waterproofed.
Simple maintenance: Laminate flooring is easy to keep clean and maintain its appearance. Spills can simply be wiped away without worrying about stains and it’s easy to sweep or vacuum any dirt and dust.
Cons of Laminate Flooring
Sensitive to liquid damage: Saturation of any liquid can cause the planks to buckle and break down especially if the liquid is not absorbed. If liquid gets underneath the planks or tiles, they must be removed and replaced entirely.
Cannot be refinished: Because of its composite construction and top layers, laminate flooring cannot be refinished. If it has been damaged or worn out, laminate flooring must be replaced.
Noise and appearance: Laminate flooring gives an artificial appearance and cannot pass for its real counterpart – hardwood flooring. It also tends to be a little noisier than hardwood flooring and feels underfoot.
E_M Custom Flooring & Installations has been an industry leader in laminate for more than 75 years. Contact us to schedule a laminate flooring consultation.
