It is no secret that wood flooring is the number one choice in many Australian homes. Easy to maintain, beautiful to look at and incredibly hard-wearing, it’s no wonder an increasing number of homeowners are giving their floors an all-wood makeover. However, with natural timber lingering at the top end of the price scale, many people are instead opting for a very similar alternative without the hefty price tag. You guessed it – laminate.
A newfound reputation
Becoming more and more popular, laminate is gradually losing its negative reputation as technology advances have turned it from a cheap and tasteless floor to a stunning wood replica. The grains, patterns and knots that are distinguished in timber floors are now printed onto laminate planks with such precision, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between the two.
Effortless installation
Compared to natural wood planks that are usually installed using nails or glue, laminate floors simply click together and can be easily completed by the homeowner and doesn’t take a month of work. The method is designed to be quick, easy and DIY friendly. Laminate planks can also be installed over existing/uneven sub-floors which is another hassle-free benefit.
Ticking all the boxes
One of the biggest downfalls with laminate in the past has been the lack of water-resistance. This has made laminate undesirable in areas in the house that are moisture-prone such as the kitchen and bathroom. However, products such as Quick-Step Impressive Ultra offer a solution, as these plank joints are coated with ‘HydroSeal’ which is a sealant proven to be water-repellent. This is another reason why homeowners are starting to opt for laminate over hardwood.
If you are thinking of investing in a new floor, whether in a single room or throughout your entire house, laminate may be the perfect option for you. For more information and advice about laminate, contact us online or in-store at Floormania where our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist.