Laminate Hardwood Flooring – Pros and Cons

The good thing about laminate flooring is that it is inexpensive, durable, and it comes in a wide variety of designs and patterns. It is not damaged by water which makes it a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms.


Pros


Installation and price: The cost of laminate flooring is much less than conventional hardwood flooring. The installation aspects are also easier with laminate flooring. The average prices range between $1.50 USD to $3 per square foot.

Durability: Homes, which have pets and plenty of children will do well with laminate flooring as it is highly resistant to wear and tear. It does not scratch or damage easily and is resistant to stains and spills. Moisture is not a problem with laminate as it is a non-porous material. Simply wipe up spills, water, and liquid. All you have to do for cleaning is to use a dampened mop or dust mop.

Cons


High noise Level: One bad thing about laminate flooring is that it fails to absorb sound well. Hence, when people walk on it, it results in a hollow noise. You may use acoustic underlays to absorb the excess noise.

Laminate Flooring

Design styles: The entire appearance of the laminate flooring is completely decided by the manufacturer. Thus, when you buy laminate flooring you cannot customize aspects like sheen and color and so the choices are restricted as well.

Warping issue: The materials used for laminate flooring are resistant to moisture. However, where there are high levels of moisture in the home, the laminate flooring can easily warp. The key to avoiding moisture problems and warping is to make sure the edges, where the laminate flooring meets the wall, is properly sealed. This is simple and something you can do yourself. Simply purchase the tub and tile caulking art your local home improvement center and place a thin bead around the entire floor at the edges. As long as your floor is sealed well there will be little or no risk of water getting and causing warping.