No one will argue the fact that though some flooring materials may get close, nothing will ever completely duplicate the look and feel of hardwood flooring. However, there are some applications for which hardwood is poorly suited, and trying to use wood in these situations will end up costing you more money in the end. Fortunately, there is a solution that will give you the same look, but will be able to withstand the moisture, and it’s not the vinyl flooring you may expect.
Want the Look of Wood Flooring? Laminate flooring has proven itself to be a truly dependable flooring material, giving homeowners a the look of fine flooring materials without the hassle of costly maintenance and the problems with budgeting for more expensive flooring. It is no longer the cheap, unrealistic substitute that it was at its inception.
Laminate Flooring: A Worthy Substitute It comes as no surprise that many homeowners have opted for laminate flooring over wood flooring in their homes. Both have the ability to beautify homes and provide it with warmth and a cozy feel. But unlike wood flooring, laminate flooring is a ready-to-install flooring material that doesn’t need refinishing or staining. What you see is what you get.
Laminate Flooring Variety With laminate flooring, homeowners have the choice of which of the many wood flooring species they would like in their home. Since laminate flooring features a highly-rendered image of wood species (among many others), the options are virtually endless. For homeowners who like the ease of having a laminate floor and would love the beauty and dependability within a budget, laminate flooring is a superb choice.
Homeowners and Laminate Flooring The relationship between homeowners and laminate flooring start when the homeowners starts to look for a flooring option that suits their budget and lifestyle. With the great number of materials in the market, this is not an easy task. Originally a countertop material, laminate flooring has distinguished itself among other flooring options by being an easy-to-maintain flooring option that gives the look of a variety of other flooring materials at a price point that homeowners love. Unlike most flooring options, such as wood, laminate flooring can be installed without trouble even in below-grade locations. It’s even available in patterns to mimic stone and bamboo flooring if you like. What Is the Difference Between Laminate and Hardwood Flooring? Both laminate flooring and hardwood flooring can beautify a home. While hardwood is often thought to be a superior choice, there are several advantages to laminate flooring. Distinct differences between the two types of flooring often make laminate a more attractive alternative. Solid hardwood of any thickness (most is 3/8″ to 3/4″) should be installed only above grade. Laminate flooring can be installed above or below grade, and over virtually any other flooring surface.
Laminate Flooring vs. Engineered Hardwood Some hardwood flooring is engineered, meaning that instead of solid hardwood, it is made of several wood layers with a hardwood veneer. Laminate flooring, usually 7mm to 8mm (5/16″ to 3/8″), is also made of several layers. These are laminated together which makes for stability and strength. The top surface of laminate flooring is a photograph of hardwood.
High quality photographs faithfully reproduce the grain and color of natural hardwood, and the surfaces on quality laminate flooring closely resemble real wood. Although many people insist on hardwood flooring, laminates are a long-lasting, durable, affordable option that are quickly becoming one of the most popular types of flooring.
