Choosing the Right Floor: Part 2 of 6

Laminate Flooring

• Laminate flooring is meant to provide the look of hardwood. A laminate floor is not made of wood at all, but rather consists of several materials bonded together under high pressure. Most laminate floors consist of a moisture-resistant layer with a layer of high-density fiberboard, topped off with a high-resolution photographic image of some type of natural wood flooring.
• Laminate flooring is one of the most durable and environmentally friendly floors you can buy. 
• Made from over 70% recycled content, using low-VOC inks and adhesives.
• And laminate offers advantages over the other flooring types - the exact ones it's designed to resemble:

Laminate vs. Ceramic Tile

Laminate offers:

• The elegant look, without the worry
• A softer, warmer feel underfoot
• Easier maintenance and grout free installation
• Affordability
• Laminate vs. Hardwood
• Laminate offers:
• The natural look of wood without the maintenance
• Up to 5x more scratch resistance
• Affordability

Why Choose Laminate?

• Laminate flooring is less expensive than hardwood flooring, so it can be a way to achieve a hardwood look without actually paying the higher hardwood prices. Installation is often simple, requiring only basic knowledge and skills.

Reasons to Avoid Laminate

• Laminate may not be a wise choice for an entryway or a high traffic area. It cannot handle a lot of moisture, so using it at the entry point of a home may mean that it will wear faster. It is also important to choose laminate flooring that is at least 8 mm or thicker; otherwise the placement of heavy furniture on the floor may cause the floor to shift or buckle.

FAVORITES 

Some of our favorite laminate looks: Pictures provided by Mannington Laminate