Laminate flooring is rapidly gaining in popularity and becoming one of the most popular types available. It’s usually less expensive than traditional hardwood, tile or stone. It can also mimic the look of different types of wood that wouldn’t withstand everyday use.
Laminate can have the appearance of wood-grain, and each plank is the same shape and size as wood flooring planks. You can also choose any colour or look you’d like with it because laminate flooring takes their designs from photographs. You can get a textured appearance that looks real, and it can mimic Brazilian cherry, oak, walnut, mahogany, maple, hickory, chestnut, pine, ash and more.

1. Is laminate flooring durable?

Yes. One large selling point with this type of flooring is that it’s very resistant to scratching or scuffing. It’s also very easy to clean with a microfibre cloth, broom or vacuum. However, it does tend to swell if you get moisture in between the boards, and this can cause your floor to warp. 

2. Is laminate flooring waterproof?

No. It can withstand the occasional accidental spill as long as you wipe it up right away and don’t let the water sit and collect. Since this flooring is more porous, it’ll let the water soak in. When it does, it’ll start to swell in the grooves between the boards. Eventually, you’ll get a warped floor that doesn’t fit seamlessly together. 

3. How does the price compare to other flooring styles?

Laminate flooring is relatively inexpensive when you compare it to engineered wood, solid hardwood and a stone floor covering. You can compare it to how much you’d normally spend on porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles or luxury vinyl flooring. 

4. What makes up laminate flooring?

Manufactures form the sheets for this flooring using aggregated wood particles. Then, they add a photorealistic layer of stone or wood to the top of that. To finish it, the manufacturers add a thin layer to protect against wear. It’s a thin, clear and durable plastic sheet that helps to protect the exterior elements and lower layers against scratches, UV rays and moisture. 

5. Does laminate flooring need underlay and a subfloor?

Yes. Laminate flooring requires that you have a solid subfloor, just like you’d have with all of your floor coverings. You add foam underlay between the laminate itself and the subfloor. This provides a slight cushion when you walk on it. If you don’t have an adequate subfloor, people will add a thin plywood sheet to act as an intervening underlay. 

6. Can you use laminate in kitchens?

Yes, with precautions. You can use laminate flooring in every room in your home. However, you want to pay attention to areas with a lot of moisture exposure like kitchens, entryways and bathrooms. Moisture can wreck your flooring if it collects in and on it. If you have it in one of these areas, be prepared to wipe up any spills very quickly. 

7. How do you install laminate flooring?

Your new laminate floor is a floating floor. This means that each plank has a fold and lock mechanism or a tongue and groove build into it that snaps together. The flooring planks connect to each other, but you don’t attach them directly to the subfloor. Hence the term floating floor.

Do you think laminate flooring is a good choice for you? If you want a versatile, durable and cost-effective flooring option, you may want to check into it. The fact that it’s very easy to care for, easy to install and that it comes in dozens of styles and colours makes it an attractive option on any budget.