Laminate Flooring
I hate to vacuum! I hate buying spray-on carpet shampoos that don’t really work! I hate it that rug care professionals can never quite get the wine and soda stains out of the carpet, and we won’t even mention pet issues. This is a big part of why we ripped out most of our carpets and installed laminate flooring two years ago.
I have hardwood and laminate flooring on most of the floors in my house now, and love them both. Hardwood flooring is beautiful but is expensive and requires considerably more care, so for housework challenged individuals it might not be the best choice. If this sounds like you, laminate flooring is right for your home. (Let's not forget that hardwood floors are expensive too!)
What is laminate flooring anyway?
Laminate flooring looks like wood but is easier to install, durable, and much less expensive ,and did I mention “easier to clean?” Laminate boards are made from a high density fiberboard (HDF) that has a picture glued to it to simulate the real thing. The wood image picture then has a clear coat (“wear coat”) over the top to protect the image.
Laminate is perfect for high traffic areas in your house. One of the advantages of laminate is its durability. Ours still looks brand new. Besides being economical, laminate is highly resistance to stains, fading and moisture.
Laminate flooring is cleaner and healthier. I shudder when I think about the mildew, mold and creepy crawlies that might be hiding under a carpet. Laminate flooring means less dust, pet dander, and allergens, and did I mention it was easy to clean?
Yes, there are a few downsides and yes, it would be nice to have hardwood flooring throughout the house but consider whether you can handle the cost and maintenance that goes with it.
Some of the downsides are that laminate is not as warm as natural wood and it is “iffy” for damp environments such as bathrooms. Also, it is not as durable as wood, and it is noisier if you are clattering around wearing high heels (not that many of us do our housework in high heels).
If you do decide laminate floors are right for you, explore the options and get the best grade of laminate that you can afford. If you want to install it yourself (we did this), just ask your supplier for advice and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
More reading:
The Flooring Handbook
Home Improvement Ideas Blog | Flooring Articles