We find various qualifications whenever we choose materials for our floorings. We need materials that would last longer and give a warm feature for our home space. Undoubtedly, there are thousands and thousands of choices when it comes to these things, and we actually might get a headache if we go through them one by one.
Through thorough research, we found the perfect type of flooring for you! This type is very durable and affordable for everyone’s living. Moreover, it is less susceptible to damage whenever there are heavy materials you would put on top. The flooring that we are talking about is the ever-famous, laminate flooring.
Laminate flooring is an imitation flooring of most natural patterns. Its designs vary from wood patterns or artificial stones. In addition, it also encompasses the texture of the source designs. So, if you want an aesthetic statement in your home but cannot afford the actual one, laminate flooring is your best friend! You will not even notice the difference.
How long does laminate flooring last?
Over the years, laminate flooring has gained the trust of many contractors. Without a doubt, laminate flooring is worth the purchase because of its durability, which could last for up to more than 10 years. Moreover, with good protection and maintenance, laminate flooring may last longer!
Of course, the longevity of your flooring is also up to you. If you got it from a trusted manufacturer that proved its quality, it is your turn to take proper care of your product. From installation to maintenance, laminate flooring should be placed appropriately and taken care of so it would last a lifetime!
What is laminate flooring made of?
There are four layers in laminate flooring that contributes to its durability and sturdiness to withstand pressure. With these layers, the flooring gives distinctive textures and quality that adds up to the design and ambiance of the room.
1. Back Layer:
The back layer of the laminate tile is the essence of its durability. It has a moisture barrier that prevents the tile from warping or deforming. In addition, it helps to make the foundation of the tile sturdy.
2. Core Layer:
The core layer serves as the primary layer which protects the board from indents and moisture. From materials of compressed wood fiber, the core layer helps maintain the durability of the board. Aside from that, its puzzle piece sides serve as the connection to the other tiles.
3. Design Layer:
From the title itself, the design layer gives distinctness to the tile. It is where the texture and pattern are placed in order to make your room lively. Imitative high-quality photographs are used to resonate with the designs that you want on your floor.
4. Wear Layer:
The wear layer serves as the protective finish of the tile, and it also adds to the feeling whenever you touch it (e.g., matte, satin, etc.) Its primary purpose is to protect the tile against staining, scraping, and fading.
Maintaining your laminate flooring: A step-by-step guide to long-lasting floors
Even if you know that your flooring is durable and authentic, you need a few extra measures to keep the tile that way. A tile that is well taken care of can last more than ten years –it can last up to 15 to 30 years.
Step 1: Analyze the features of your laminate flooring.
Many types of laminate flooring have been introduced to the market. There are some with low quality and some with the best. To have flooring that would last a lifetime, you should be knowledgeable of your purchases first.
A good quality laminate flooring has the following features. First, find a plank that is spill-proof, where you can easily wipe spills, and scratch-proof, where you don’t have to worry about light scratches. Second, choose a water-resistant core layer to protect it from moisture. Lastly, waxed edges are beneficial for preventing water from seeping through the creases of the planks.
Step 2: Know what installation method is best.
There are three types of installation methods when it comes to laminate flooring. First, the Pre-glued method is the most convenient as it already has glue upon purchasing; you just have to activate it by moistening. Second, the Glue-less method does not require any sticking sources; instead, just click adjacent planks to interlock them. Lastly, the Glue method is the most time-consuming but the strongest since you have to manually glue the planks intricately.
Step 3: Clean frequently
You can never go wrong with cleanliness. By cleaning laminated floors, you can help maintain the quality and sturdiness of your planks. However, it would be best to always remember to use the right cleaning products. Excessive chemicals or acids can take off the protective layer of the flooring, which we do not want to happen. Also, do not use harsh materials on your flooring to avoid scraping and indents.
Benefits of Laminated Flooring
Affordability
Since laminate flooring is synthetics of original planks, they are much cheaper. Most people in the business commonly prefer it as it is cost-effective. Installing laminate flooring costs approximately $3 to $8 per square foot. You can never go wrong with laminate flooring, as even luxury businesses use this type for their areas.
DIY-friendly
If you are going on that cheaper side and want to do things yourself, laminate flooring is the answer! Since this flooring is effortless to install, you can lessen the cost of labor and do it yourself. And even if there are three different types of installations, all of them are equally doable for a beginner or a pro. Its lock-together feature also plays a role in installing this flooring like a simple puzzle piece.
Versatility
Laminate flooring is very versatile due to its unique designs, and some people use it as a wall statement. Its design encompasses wood-like textures, stone, and even marble patterns. Every available design can fit your aesthetic and the colors of your space.
Durability
The most important feature that laminated flooring has is its durability. Its composite timer material can withstand the pressure of heavy furniture or a vast amount of weight. Not only is the material durable, but the design also resists scratching. With that said, laminated flooring indeed gives off high quality at a relatively lower price than most flooring.
Effortless Maintenance
If you are used to cleaning the house, it can be effortless to clean laminate flooring. Simple mopping, sweeping, and wiping are common ways to maintain your floors. Use light materials such as cloth, brush or mops to apply your floor cleaners, particularly for laminated floors. While floor wax is suitable for natural wood, it is not recommended for laminated floors as it causes a build-up of dirt, damaging the protective coating.
Conclusion
Even with any design that you prefer, laminated flooring has the design fit for your aesthetic. Undoubtedly, its features help bring out the most in your room with the benefit of its durability. Laminated flooring helps contractors and homeowners give the best design with value to cost-effectiveness. What’s good also if you have laminated flooring is that it can blend in perfectly if you have laminated furnitures.
If you are finding material that could last 30 years with the proper care, you should choose a particular flooring made up of quality materials. Stop wasting time and money on flooring that has better features alternatively. Weigh the pros and cons of each type of flooring, and we assure you that you can never go wrong with laminated flooring.
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FAQ
Are there differences between natural wood flooring and laminated flooring?
The main difference laminate flooring has from wooden flooring is that it cannot be sanded like natural wood to resurface fresh patterns.
Is laminate flooring suitable for bathrooms?
Unfortunately, laminate flooring is not preferred in areas that will be very wet, such as in the bathroom shower, since it does not have totally water-proof layers.
Can I replace a single plank and not affect all?
A part of laminated flooring’s advantages is its convenience. You do not need to replace everything; you just have to ensure that the plank is the same as every plank in the flooring.
