Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons

Laminate is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for flooring in American homes. Laminate is one of the most durable and long lasting flooring choices on the market too. Well installed laminate flooring can mimic the look of authentic wood flooring at a fraction of the cost. If you think that laminate flooring might be for you, lets take a look at the benefits and downfalls of installing a laminate floor in your home.

Laminate flooring is sometimes called floating flooring and can be installed right over an existing subfloor. This type of flooring snaps into place easily and comes pre-cut or custom cut depending on the size of the room and the look that you are trying to achieve. It is possible to install yourself, but most people choose to visit flooring stores and have a reputable contractor install the flooring for them.

The main benefit of laminate flooring is durability as it is resistant to water and staining and is very easy to maintain as well. A weekly vacuuming and sweeping is all you need to keep a laminate floor looking it’s best. If you are a fan of mopping your floor to keep it clean, laminate will not crack when mopped or even gently bleached. Laminate flooring also will never fade due to exposure to sunlight, and resists cracking in cold or damp climates.

While there are many benefits to installing a laminate floor, if you are planning to put your home on the market you may want to consider another flooring type. Most real estate experts agree that laminate flooring will not do much to increase the value of your home. The main complaints from home buyers are the laminate is often used to cover up less than perfect subfloors, and that if the laminate is damaged it will need to be replaced. You cannot sand out imperfections on a laminate floor.

Laminate is a popular and low maintenance way to achieve a beautiful look for a fraction of the cost of other flooring choices. Visit a reputable flooring store and speak with an expert to see if laminate flooring might be the right choice for your home.