In the last several years we have seen a huge spike in people wanting laminate flooring for their homes.  This type of flooring does a really fantastic job of reproducing the look of any material be it real wood, tile, or stone.  In addition to this laminate is insanely easy to install with a little help and basic know how.

So everyone should be jumping on board this trend, right?  Well, as much I am a huge fan of laminate flooring I must admit that along with the great benefits there are indeed cons. I want to take the time to explore the different aspects.

CONS

Some people are Just Into the Real Thing

While laminate is 99% the same, as far as look and feel, as conventional hardwood flooring its nevertheless a replica.  There is in fact some wood in laminate but its more of a base layer and still not genuine.

When you are trying to sell your house real hardwood floors will increase the value on paper a lot more than laminate flooring will because of this. In a recent conversation with a realtor in Georgia, I learned that in Atlanta hardwood floors are a big selling point for many home buyers.  Again, its mostly all a mental thing but then again would you want a real diamond or a cubic zirconium.  They both look and feel the same!

This material is Really Slippery

By many accounts laminate flooring is a lot more slippery than real hardwood flooring.  I cannot tell you why but if you have kids or toddlers, and especially if the floor is wet, you can expect people to slip and fall. This is not to tell you that you are walking on ice, and I doubt this would be a deal breaker, but just be forewarned.

Not Refinishable or Sandable

This is an actual huge drawback to this type of flooring for someone who is looking at the long term payoff versus one with  short term mindset.

When you have a grooved, scratched, or just worn down piece of hardwood you can sand it down and it will look like new.  You cannot do that with laminate flooring.  You have to totally replace the piece.

Overtime your wood flooring, no matter which kind, will have wear and tear.  So one type allows you to fix the problem while the other type (laminate) obligates you to replace it.

PROS

Costs Less

There are several different companies that make laminate flooring including Armstrong, Wilsonart, and Pergo and the cost you will pay will vary.  You get what you pay for like anything else.  But generally speaking the best quality laminate flooring will be less expensive than the best solid real hardwood flooring you can buy.

Very Easy to Install Laminate Flooring

If you have a friend you can install a couple hounded feet of laminate especially if its Pergo because you will not have to glue the pieces together.  The newer ones like have a click lock design almost like connecting puzzles together.  The glue is already in the product (its dry) and all you have to do is wet it to activate it.  Its a piece of cake!

More Durable

Because laminate flooring is made from synthetic material it usually cannot be scratched or dented easily.  The have a wear layer that is good at stopping that from happening.  Most of the companies that make this particular type of flooring give you at least a five year warranty on the material.

Extremely Easy to Clean

You can use an average broom or vacuum to clean laminate wood floors.  Its that simple.  You can also mop it if you would like.  Hardwood needs to be waxed every so often for it to keep its look.

Laminate also does not stain.  If you spill a drink on it just get a paper towel and wipe it off.  The same cannot be said all the time about hardwood.

So I have presented all the main angles to you.  You now know exactly what you are getting into if you deciding whether to go with the real thing or its shadow.  But let me tell you that I personally think the shadow is a pretty good option.

Laminate flooring is made from a combination of different materials. It is manufactured from synthetic materials and commonly referred to floating floor. One can easily confuse it for hardwood or vinyl tiling. It is one of the popular floor furnishings in the market because it is beautiful and easy to install. It is also very easy to clean. Having the floor in your house can last from ten to fifteen years.

Common laminate floor manufacturers include brand names such as Pergo, Dupont, Mannington, Armstrong among others. As a synthetic material it is made from thin sheets of paper that have been chemically mixed with melamine.

The upper layer of laminate floor is actually a photograph of wood grain covered in a very strong transparent material. This ensures that it lasts long and preserves it from damages associated with denting, staining, fading or scratching.

The layer beneath the wood grain photograph is made of wood chip composite which is about a half inch thick in size. This material can be made of just about anything to make up a laminate floor. Usually the type of material used determines its cost. Laminate floor are available in thickness varying from six to thirteen inches wide. Thicker floors are more stable and look more like real wood.

This type of floor finishing is available as glue-on or snap-on planks depending on what you want to use. The glue on laminate planks has more defined structures and holds out moisture much better. Snap on planks are easier to install.

The floor is also available in different forms. An example is the entry level laminate wood flooring. It is designed for high traffic portions in the house. This type of floor is made of a thicker inner core to make it more stable and durable to prevent damage. There are others that are more suitable for kitchen or bathroom areas.

Effective laminate floors for such areas are available as high quality planks which have been treated with water expellant materials to improve water resistance. They also have paraffin wax impregnated joints to enhance moisture repellent action. This guards the inner core by preventing absorption of moisture which easily damages the material.

Laminate flooring is also available in a wide range of color, design and cost. This varies with different manufacturers as well as brands. This varies with different manufacturers as well as brands. You can get high quality laminate floor finishing for your house also manufactured to ensure longevity.

Since its introduction in the market in the early 1980s the floor has become one of the most commonly used finishing in homes today. Some of its benefits are that it is visually appealing as it looks like real hardwood. It is one of the easiest floors to install as one portion of your house can easily be done over a weekend. It is very easy to clean and maintain too. Another benefit is that it can last for a very long time when proper care is used on it.