Laminate Flooring Advantages And Disadvantages
Laminate Flooring Advantages And Disadvantages description
Most Americans have no idea what laminate flooring is, although
they are often aware of Pergo flooring. Well, Pergo is to
laminate floorings what Kleenex is to facial tissues. As the
first company to create this type of flooring and sell it in the
United States, their name has become synonymous with laminate
flooring in the minds of many consumers. That being said, there
are over 30 other brands of this type of flooring available as
well.
Laminate flooring is typically made up of three separate layers:
a tough aluminum oxide wear layer with a photograph of wood,
stone, or brick adhered to the underside of it; a core or
?carrier? usually made of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) which
is a processed wood product that is very moisture resistant; and
a final layer of plastic laminate backing to seal the entire
piece against moisture and potential pests.
Laminate flooring is a cost-effective and easy to care for
alternative to genuine wood or stone surfaces. Being more
tolerant to moisture, it can more readily be used in bathrooms
or other areas where moisture may pose problems for other
flooring materials ? as long as the manufacturer?s warranty
includes moisture coverage. Because of its simple tongue and
groove attachment pattern, it can be utilized in virtually any
room of the house, provided that there is a concrete, plywood,
or other firm floor surface below it.
Laminate floors do not stain, fade, dent, or warp like real
hardwood floors, although they have a similar cost. They also
often include lifetime warranties against most problems and
defects. If your home has significant foot traffic (including
children and/or pets) then a laminate floor will hold up much
better than a comparable wood or even tile floor, and be
considerably less expensive than stone flooring materials.
If you have a lot of traffic in your home and plan to stay there
for some time, laminate flooring may prove to be the best value
for your money because of its long life, durability and
excellent warranty coverage. It is not the least expensive
flooring option, so it is always important to weigh the costs
and features against your needs. If you want the look of
hardwood but have a sub-floor that is incompatible with real
hardwood floors, laminate flooring may be the choice for you!
About the Author: David Schwartz is an independent contractor,
specializing in quality flooring options. He is also a regular
contributor to http://thelaminateflooringsite.com ? an
informative online guide to ( http://www.thelaminateflooringsite.com/installing-laminate-flooring.aspx
), ( http://www.thelaminateflooringsite.com/laminate-flooring-ratings.aspx
) and more. |
