Pros And Cons Of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is the ultimate answer to your thirst for creating a floor which looks absolutely natural. Laminate flooring is usually made from high-density fiber or wood particles, with a laminate overlay that is designed to look like wood or stone. The chief advantages of this type of flooring is that not only is it easy to install, but once installed, rest assured, you do not need to stress yourself about the maintenance expenses and troubles. As compared to carpets, laminate flooring is quite durable and resilient. However, tagged along with these advantages are certain disadvantages that make laying laminate flooring a dicey affair. In the following lines, we have elaborately mentioned the pros and cons of laminate flooring.

Advantages Of Laminate Flooring

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of laminate flooring is easy installation. The new kinds of laminate flooring do not need gluing together. Instead, they come with an interlocking mechanism. Moreover, laminates are known to be do- it-yourself flooring for owners.
Durability is another factor that is well taken care of by laminate flooring. Laminates last very long and have heavy resistance to dents or cracks. Some manufacturers give warranties on the flooring even up to 10 years
As there are no bad pieces that you need to throw away, laminates reduce wastage. In comparison, wood pieces always require re-working as they develop imperfections.
Compared to wood, laminate flooring can handle water better. Though it can’t stand large amounts of still water like for a pool, it works efficiently for areas like bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where water runs off easily.
Laminated flooring is resistant to stains. Even if it gets stained, the flooring can be easily cleaned off. Moreover, you don’t need a vacuum cleaner or broom. Just using a wet mop is enough to get crystal clear floor.
Laminate flooring costs far less than real wood or stone, but looks exactly the same. Moreover, the cost of installation is low as well. Finally, if you are planning to resell your home, laminated flooring can fetch you a better deal.

Disadvantages Of Laminate Flooring

Some people don’t fell good knowing that it is not actual wood beneath their feet. Though uncommon, there are people who have problems with this. Moreover, you feel a harder surface under your feet when walking on laminated flooring and the look is never too close to real wood.
Laminated flooring is always known to be more slippery than usual natural floors. As such, the flooring cannot be deemed as a safe bet. Accidents are bound to occur, as not every time can a person be in his conscious state of mind while walking around the house.
There is always a noise of hollowness when you walk on a laminated floor. This becomes more evident, if you are wearing heels.
Once the laminated flooring is worn out, scratched, or grooved, it cannot be sanded or refinished like solid hardwood. It has to be replaced, thus increasing your overall expenses.
With laminated flooring, you do not get a chance to customize your floor as per your wishes, because the ultimate look is already set by the manufacturer. Also, the choices given are too limited.

How to Cite

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Home & Living'