Laminate flooring is a very popular flooring, and not any flooring comparable with it. We will discuss here laminate flooring pros and cons.
1. It’s Design
Pros:
The laminate flooring is now coming back to the top of its game. The recent use of advanced technology in its manufacturing process has made it possible to have its designs look like a replica of wood or natural stone or other natural materials. Unlike the actual hardwood material used for floors which might tend to have some of its pieces imperfectly designed and might need re-engineering or discarding, the laminate floor hardwood replica comes without any of those kinds of defects. All pieces and boards are the same and equal quality and consistent appearance.
Cons:
We can say that the design is well and truly stuck by, but when you get real close to it, you begin to see the difference. Mostly the issue with the laminate flooring is its design repetition. You might find just about 7 to 10 different designs in all. If it happens that the floor installation is not done correctly, then you would be having two boards of the same layout and style next to each other.
2. Maintenance & Durability:
Pros:
For one who has kids and pets at home and lets them run around, the laminate floor is always the right choice. Unlike the wooden floors, it can take any liquid poured on it and is capable of staying durable to tough dirt like mud and the likes. Although it is stain resistant doesn’t mean it is stain proof. Sure it is durable still you are going to have to wipe off any liquid spilled on it before it dries off on its surface. Their stain-resistant surface makes it easy to clean. It is impervious to dents and scratches though not a hundred percent. It has a wear layer that helps protect the photographic layer beneath.
Cons:
Unlike when you use solid hardwood, if it is deeply scratched or stained, you can afford to sand it by using sandpaper and a little sand or refinish the piece. With laminate flooring, it is impossible to do so, no matter how much it looks like a wooden floor replica. All you have to do is replace it.
3. Cleaning Process:
Pros:
Cleaning a laminate floor is always pretty easy. You can make use of a vacuum cleaner or a broom or better still, and you can clean with a slightly damp mop. People also make use of a laminate floor cleaner if that is more convenient for you, but waxing of your floor is never necessary with laminate flooring.
Cons:
Just as making use of a damp mop to clean is advised, excessive water can get seeped between the boards and into the seam. This may end up causing the flooring to swell. This is why most people prefer using the laminate flooring cleaner instead to avoid such issues.
5. Versatility:
Pros:
Laminate floors are always versatile. They can be used in almost every part of the home. Though not the best choice, you can use laminate flooring in your kitchens and bathrooms, but you must do your homework on them as we have the water-resistant and waterproof laminate floors even though they might be costly. You can install laminate floors in the semi-moist areas of your house, but you need to fuse the boards tightly to each other, leaving no chance for moisture going in.
Cons:
Stains are not the only thing that gives laminate floors a tough time. They are also susceptible to moisture damage and can be affected by heavy moisture and humidity. It can make your floors look really old, worn out and out of shape. Laminate floors can’t withstand substantial pools of water. You can benefit from monitoring the damp levels in the areas the laminate floor is installed.
5. It’s Functioning:
Pros:
Although laminate floors can feel hard without an underlayment, it still does come with an underlayment. It might not be as soft as a carpet might be, but surely it is close and also give you a comfy feeling, especially when it is padded with underlayment. Standing on a laminate flooring surface for as long as possible is undoubtedly not going to having you walk away with sore feet. It gives a slight spring-like feeling, which makes standing on it for long periods seems natural and comfortable.
Cons:
Laminate flooring over time has been known to be traditionally slippery. Some say it is because of how smooth and the texture of the floor. Lately, some manufacturers have put in the effort into creating slip-resistant wear layers which would make it a person’s feet stay more firmly to it and reduce the risk of slipping. It is also proven to be capable of generating static electricity, although this can be prevented by keeping the floors clean and dry regularly.
