5 Reasons Why Laminate Flooring is the Best Flooring Option for Your Home
Laminate floors have grown in popularity for their affordability and ability to look almost like hardwood floors. They are also water-resistant and offer a wide variety of styles.
Easy to Clean
Laminate floors are a snap to clean and maintain. Just sweep and vacuum weekly to remove dust, crumbs, and other particles that might scratch the surface. Then mop or use a damp cloth to wipe up spills. You should avoid standing water on laminate floors as much as possible, as it can cause them to swell or bubble.
It’s also a good idea to place entry mats at doorways to keep dirt and other materials from tracking on the laminate floors. Removing most stains from laminate, such as red wine and ink, is easy by wiping with a damp cloth. Nail polish stains can be removed with mineral spirits on a clean cloth.
For best results, you should test any cleaning products on an inconspicuous part of your laminate flooring Ottawa to ensure it won’t damage or discolor the surface. Using harsh scouring devices or cleaning solutions can also wear down the protective layer and shorten the lifespan of your laminate flooring.
Water Resistant
Laminate has a tough surface layer that stands up to scraping and scratching, but even better, many laminates are now water-resistant. This makes them the perfect flooring for busy families and households with children. Simple sweeping and mopping are usually enough to keep your floors looking great.
Laminate also offers a more comfortable feel underfoot than some types of wood flooring. This is because it uses a compressed kind of fiberboard in its core. It is not the best option for areas like a bathroom or conservatory that experience frequent spillages and humidity fluctuations, but it is much better than solid wood.
A waterproof laminate has the same melamine surface, but it has added resins, making it more durable and designed to resist moisture. It can still suffer from buckling or swelling, which is less common than standard laminates. It still needs to be recommended for rooms that are prone to condensation.
Scratch Resistant
When you have children or pets, avoiding scuffs and scratches on your floors is hard. Choosing a scratch-resistant floor can help keep your house looking great and free of expensive damage. Laminate is an excellent choice as it resembles real wood with a sturdy surface that can endure daily foot and animal pressure.
Laminate is protected by a tough external layer and resin coating, which makes it extremely durable and scratch resistant. It can also withstand sunlight better than hardwood which helps to keep it from fading.
Laminate is a floating floor that doesn’t need to be nailed or stapled down and can be installed over any subfloor. It also has a moisture barrier that helps protect against home water damage and humidity. This is important for people with allergies, as a damp or humid environment can promote the growth of disease-causing bacteria and mold.
Affordable
Laminate is one of the cheapest flooring ideas, but it also holds up well to the wear and tear of children and pets. Depending on the quality and features of your floor, it will last between 15 to 25 years.
Laminate floors are made from several layers and are designed to look like real wood or tile. They include a clear, protective plastic layer, a thin print layer emblazoned with a detailed image of your chosen material and a dense fiberboard core layer.
This combination of materials and construction creates a durable, inexpensive floor that looks as good as hardwoods or luxury vinyl plank. It’s worth noting, however, that laminate is not fully water-resistant and can warp if exposed to prolonged moisture.
