The Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring
The Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring
Besides being easy to install, laminate flooring is also easy to take care of. Unlike hardwood or tile, laminate flooring is resistant to moisture and can withstand heavy foot traffic. You can install laminate flooring in almost any room of the house, and can even use it in rooms with large windows.
Laminate flooring is available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns, so you can choose the right flooring for your home. If you are planning to install laminate, it’s a good idea to consult with your local flooring expert. If you have a lot of children or pets, laminate is less likely to be damaged. However, if you are considering installing laminate in a room with a damp basement or bathroom, be aware that your flooring will respond to standing water. The result may be a stain or a buckled floor.
Fortunately, most laminate floors come with at least a 30-year warranty. The best part is that the warranty is easy to purchase and will not take much time to process. The average cost for laminate flooring installation will vary depending on your area, the type of laminate you choose, and the difficulty of the project. The average price for labor will range from $2 to $8 per square foot. However, you can expect to pay more if you have to install laminate flooring over concrete.
The best part about installing laminate is that it can be installed over existing flooring. Unlike other flooring types, laminate flooring does not require glue or a finish. There are also a variety of underlay options available. If you have a lot of traffic in your home, it’s a good idea to consider using underlay to absorb the abrasiveness of your laminate floor.
The most practical way to keep laminate flooring looking new is to avoid moisture. A high-quality laminate floor will be resistant to moisture, and may even be waterproof. However, laminate is also very susceptible to damage from heavy humidity. You can protect your floor from moisture by installing a vapor barrier underneath.
There are many other factors to consider when installing laminate flooring. For example, you should not install laminate in a room with a damp floor. If you are planning to install laminate in a bathroom or basement, you may want to consider using a vapor barrier or other moisture prevention measure.
Whether you are installing laminate or any other type of flooring, you will want to choose a product that is rated for the intended use. Higher AC rated products are better suited to standing up to the rigors of daily life.
Laminate floors are relatively easy to clean, but you do need to be careful when cleaning. They are also relatively easy to scratch, so be sure to use your vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment. Also, be sure to use a clean mop or broom to remove excess dust and grime. If you live in a dry climate, you can easily clean your laminate floor with a damp mop.