We are in Melbourne, VIC
2022-10-06 03:16:22
Laminate flooring is a fantastic option if you are considering replacing the flooring in your house in the near future. This long-lasting flooring is available in a broad range of colour options, design options, and quality levels. You need to educate yourself on this kind of flooring to make an informed decision on whether or not you should use it in your next home renovation project.
In this article, you’ll get in-depth information about laminate flooring. Continue reading to find out more!
Laminate flooring is a multi-layer material created from wood fibre to replicate genuine wood material. As a result, the replication is meant to give the appearance of natural wood flooring.
The bottom of a laminate floorboard is made up of a high-density wood-chip composite, such as fibreboard or plywood. This composite provides the laminate with solidity and constitutes most of the floorboard. On top of it is an image layer, which gives the material its appearance. This image layer is a high-quality recreation of an image that looks like a substance, such as stone, metal, or wood. Further, a coating made of melamine-based synthetic material serves as the wear layer's topmost protective barrier against abrasions and other surface deterioration.
The longevity of laminate flooring makes it an excellent choice for use in high-traffic areas of the home, such as living rooms, dining rooms, entrances, and playrooms.
Laminate flooring is also a perfect option for use in dens. You may put it in any space where hardwood flooring would be appropriate, such as the bedroom or the dining room. However, laminates should not be used in bathrooms and laundry rooms where significant amounts of moisture are frequently accumulated.
The installation of laminate flooring is referred to as a 'floating' installation since the planks only connect and not to the subfloor underneath them. To reduce noise transmission, underlayment made of foam must be placed between the subfloor and laminate. It only takes a few minutes for floating floors to be ready for use after installing them.
Installing a laminate floor requires neither a specialised tool nor any particular set of abilities. It is possible to cut the laminate boards with either a hand saw, and installing laminate flooring does not need adhesive. It implies that every homeowner, regardless of their level of skill, is capable of installing a laminate floor in their house. However, the process of installing it from scratch takes a lot of time and requires a lot of physical effort; so you may still want to engage a flooring specialist in your area.
Your subfloor has to be level; if it isn't, you'll need to add a thin layer of plywood on top of it. This will prevent ugly gaps from appearing between the planks. In addition, the material calls for installing underlayment of foam or felt in the space that the laminate will occupy.
Laminate flooring may be purchased for anywhere from $2 to $6 per square foot, with the average price being $3 per square foot. The entire cost of installing laminate flooring in your house is determined by many variables, including the total square footage of the space. Be careful to include the cost of a separate underlayment in your calculations if one is essential. If you cannot do the installation yourself, you should budget between $1 and $3 per square foot for the labour cost when working with a professional.
The benefits and drawbacks of laminate flooring are outlined below. You can compare these pros and cons with the frequently asked questions people ask about Hybrid Flooring.
1. Easy to maintain
Laminate floorings have a hard-sealed surface covered in a stain-resistant overlay, making them incredibly simple to maintain. They just need a vacuum cleaner and a moist mop with light detergent.
2. Affordable
Laminate flooring offers an excellent, more cost-effective alternative to hardwood flooring, which offers an exact copy of the wood substance.
3. Durable
The exceptionally resistant protective surface of laminate makes it resistant to scuffs, scratches, stains and fading. Laminate may also keep the surface from becoming faded.
4. Firm Surface
The laminate’s close-fitting joints contribute to the overall tightness of the joinery, ensuring outstanding surface stability.
5. Simple to Install
Installing laminate flooring is made simpler and quicker by its new user-friendly locking mechanism, which is included in the package. Pick the method of installation that works best for you out of these three options: row-by-row, plank-by-plank, or tapping.
1. Inconvenient and Difficult To Fix
If the surface of only one plank is damaged, you can restore it with a specialised toolset; however, if the plank is severely damaged, the whole laminate floor will need to be pulled up and replaced than just the plank that is damaged.
2. Easily Damaged By Contact with Water
A layer of wood-chip composite is included in the construction of laminate flooring. This indicates that you need to take precautions against the possibility of water damage to your laminate flooring. To stop water from seeping through the surface, keeping the top layer in good condition and preserving its structural integrity is essential.
3. Chipping
Although it is durable and can withstand most forms of wear and tear, laminate wood is susceptible to chipping quickly.
4. Slipperiness
The top layer of sturdy laminate may be a touch slippery, particularly if you're wearing socks. This presents a possible risk in homes where there are children or elderly individuals struggling with mobility concerns.
When selecting laminate flooring, here are some factors to take into consideration. Some of these tips are still valid even when you are purchasing hybrid flooring or vinyl flooring or even timber. Always discuss these matters with your local flooring businesses. If you are in Doncaster, Doncaster East or surrounding areas and looking for a flooring quote, please give us a call today.
1. Resistance to the Effects of Water
Because it is resistant to stains and spills, a laminate floor of good quality may be used in rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom without the owner having to be concerned about water damage.
2. Sealant
The top layer of the finest laminate flooring should have a sealant that is placed on it for additional protection. This sealant is long-lasting and resistant to water damage.
4. Ease of Set Up or Assembly
Look for laminate flooring with a locking mechanism that will stop water from getting into the planks. This will keep the floor in good condition. The installation procedure is made simple and uncomplicated thanks to the interlocking edges.
5. Finish
A high-quality laminate should be available in the finish of your choice and have the ideal amount of gloss, regardless of whether you like the appearance of a high shine or a matte that is muted.
6. Durability
Most laminate flooring is hardy, but you should still go for one with outstanding ratings. This will ensure that your floors can withstand a lot of wear and tear, including heavy foot traffic, without exhibiting any signs of scratches or other damage.
7. Variety
It’s crucial to consider choose patterns, colours, and styles when shopping for quality laminate flooring. Be careful to select a laminate available in varieties that best suit your tastes.
Laminate floors are ideal in heavily trafficked areas where hardwood or stone cannot cope. Further, they are a convenient and affordable alternative for those on a budget. If you are looking for top-quality laminate flooring, don't hesitate to contact a laminate flooring specialist.