Laminate Flooring Makes A Comeback
3/11/22
Laminate Flooring Makes a Comeback
Laminate flooring has come a long way! Today's laminate flooring is not only durable, low maintenance and water resistant, but it is also available in a wide variety of wood, stone and tile looks making it incredibly beautiful and versatile. Find out why laminate is back and better than ever.
By definition, the word “laminate” means to make something by joining layers of material together. That’s exactly how laminate flooring is made. It has up to four layers sealed together to create wood-look or tile-look planks.
Introduced in Europe in the 1970s, laminate flooring became wildly popular in the U.S. in the mid1990s. As things happen, styles come, and styles go. And laminate went. Happily, laminate has made a triumphant comeback. Thanks to new technologies, options, and styles, there’s even more to love about laminate floors and how they can totally change the look of any room in your home.
Why Choose Laminate
Once relegated to the kitchen, today’s laminate flooring is a fantastic flooring option for any room. Laminate flooring is lovely to look at, easy to maintain, and comes with a lower price tag than natural stone or hardwood.
For busy homes, perhaps the greatest thing about laminate floors is how durable they are. Not only does laminate resist staining or fading, but it’s also specifically engineered to withstand everything from the pitter-patter of little feet to high heels to heavy foot traffic.
Then vs. Now
Vintage, retro, whatever you want to call it, everything old is new again, at least when it comes to laminate flooring. Gone are the days when laminate was a bit pricey for the average homeowner, a little tricky to install, and let’s just say, less than attractive.
Today’s laminate flooring is strong, gorgeous, and affordable. Always known for durability, modern-day laminate is even more scratch- and stain-resistant than its older cousin. Plus, with a little help from modern printing technologies, laminate now replicates the look and style of natural materials at a fraction of the cost. In fact, in a side-by-side comparison, many people can’t tell just by looking which floor is natural hardwood or stone and which is laminate.
The Layers of Laminate
Laminate flooring is not a natural material like hardwood; rather it’s a synthetic product comprised of many layers. Each layer has a unique purpose in making living with and loving your new laminate floor easy. The bottom or backing layer is the one that helps resist moisture, while the inner core layer helps keep the flooring flat. On top of those two layers is a design layer, which gives the flooring its pattern and design. One final protective layer goes on top to help prevent stains, dings, gouges, and fading.
Wax Off
With laminate, there’s no need for hands-and-knees scrubbing to get or keep it clean. As for shine, wax is a no-go for laminate. Not only does laminate flooring not need wax, but it will actually dull its smooth-and-shiny surface. Just a quick sweep or mop keeps laminate looking nice and tidy, not to mention virtually dust- and allergen-free.
Laminate’s Many Looks
From rustic to traditional and everything in between, if you’re looking to install a laminate floor in your home, you’ll have plenty of choices to fit your style. In addition to a wide variety of colors, shades, and patterns, laminate flooring also is available in different thicknesses and widths. Thicker laminate is best for uneven surfaces or for keeping noise at a minimum. Wider planks are ideal for larger rooms and open spaces. The choice, of course, is yours.
#LoveLaminateFloors
Clearly, laminate is one of the most fashionable, easy-to-clean, stain-resistant flooring options available.
To learn more and to touch, feel, and see for yourself how beautiful laminate is, stop by one of our showroom locations or schedule an in-home shopping consultation today.