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Pros & Cons of Laminate Flooring

Building, remodeling, selling, or moving into a home is both an exciting and stressful time of life for many people. There are so many things to consider when dealing with new (or new-to-you) homes. One of the major considerations for every homeowner is flooring. If you’ve ever gone house-hunting before, then you know what a turn-off it can be for a potential buyer to walk into a home with flooring that they know they’re going to have replace.

Or maybe you’ve lived in the same home for years but are growing a bit bored with your surroundings. Perhaps your home’s style is feeling a bit dated, and you’re ready for a change. You don’t want to sell your home, so a remodel of some kind is your best bet, but you don’t want to break the bank. Maybe you’re building a new home and don’t want to worry about animals or kids ruining your brand new carpet, or maybe you’ve found your dream home but know the old flooring has to go. What do you do?

There is a solution to these common flooring concerns: laminate! Laminate flooring is more popular than ever before and, being that it’s less expensive than real hardwood flooring, many people are turning to laminate to cover the floors of their entire homes. And with so many styles and colors to choose from, the options for this great material are endless. But what are the pros and cons of laminate flooring? Is it for everyone? If you’re in a situation similar to those described here but don’t know where to start, then this post is for you. Here are some basic pros and cons regarding laminate floors to get your started on your flooring journey.

Pros:

  1. Easy & Quick Installation. No glue required! Most modern laminate flooring planks lock into one another for a simple installation process that – depending on the size of one’s space – can typically be completed in a day or so.
  2. Simple Cleanup. Laminate floors can be vacuumed, swept, and mopped with ease, and never require waxing.
  3. Damage Control. Laminate flooring is practically dent- and scratch-proof! Almost all laminate boards have a protective layer on it that helps protect it, and the boards themselves are usually quite strong and sturdy.
  4. Puts a Spring in Your Step! Laminate flooring typically has an underlayment of some kind, so it’s not like standing on hard concrete. It’s a very comfortable flooring option, and allows a person to stand for long periods of time.
  5. Beauty…Without Breaking the Bank. Laminate may not be the real deal, but it does a great job of looking like it is! Materials like wood and stone can easily be replicated on laminate boards, and are also without any of the defects of said natural materials. This is definitely a plus!

Cons:

  1. Beware of Too Much Water! While laminate floors can withstand light moisture, if your they get too wet the boards can begin to swell. When you clean, use a slightly damp mop