In 2020 the global laminate flooring market reached a value of $27.4 billion. Not only can it transform any space, but it comes in waterproof versions, making it ideal for basements or other areas prone to moisture and dampness.
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications as it has many advantages that are ideal for both. It comes in a wide array of styles and price points and is scratch and dent resistant.
But what makes laminate flooring the best choice? And is it right for you? Keep reading to find out.
1. Durability
In any room of your home, the floor will be subject to some degree of wear and tear. Residential laminate flooring is very durable, strong, and scratch-resistant. It has a protective layer of resin coating on the surface which protects the flooring beneath.
This is especially useful in homes with children or pets where damage can easily occur.
The resin coating also makes cleaning and maintenance much easier. It’s water and stain resistant so spills can easily be wiped up. Daily sweeping is generally enough to keep your floor looking spotless.
Laminate flooring has ratings from AC1 to AC5 which indicate how durable it is. AC1 is the lowest, ideal for moderate traffic areas in the home such as bedrooms. AC5 is the highest, more suited for commercial use with higher traffic.
AC4 and AC5 are typically only used in commercial settings, but if you want some extra durability you can opt to use either of them in your home.
2. Design Options
With laminate flooring, you have a huge range of design and style choices. Laminate wood flooring is one of the most popular, giving an authentic wooden appearance but with all the functional advantages of laminate.
Other options allow you to replicate stone or tile finishes. All of these options have various colors, thicknesses, surface treatments, and plank styles to choose from.
Ultimate Flooring is a Houston flooring company that offers AC3 and AC4 laminate flooring for both residential and commercial applications. They have a range of designs and even offer free samples so you can test out different styles before making your purchase. Take a look at the Ultimate Flooring website for more.
3. Ease of Installation
You might be wondering how to install laminate flooring, and in general, it is much easier than other flooring options. This is mainly thanks to the interlocking boards – it’s incredibly simple to place them alongside each other and lock them into place.
The subfloor is usually not an issue, as you can install laminate flooring directly on top of various other surfaces such as concrete or other vinyl floors.
Laminate flooring can also “float” over other types of flooring. While other flooring solutions may need to be stapled, nailed, or glued down. Laminate flooring installation requires little to no training, so most people can actually install it themselves rather than getting installers in.
This reduced labor cost can be a huge bonus, especially if you are covering a large area.
Should You Get Laminate Flooring?
There are advantages to other types of flooring, and your personal preference should always be a factor. With that being said, laminate flooring is one of the best options available. It is long-lasting, versatile, and cost-effective.
For more home development articles check out some of our other blog posts.