The Supposed Virtues Of Laminate Flooring
The Supposed Virtues Of Laminate Flooring description
As the poster child of the flooring industry, laminate floors
have generated a great deal of hype. Is laminate really the wave
of the future or simply another product that fails to deliver?
In the world of flooring, laminate can do no wrong. It is
perfect for every project, it is durable, it looks nice, and it
will make your home a showplace worthy of awards and accolades.
Of course, like all hype, this isn't exactly the case.
- Indestructible?
Of course laminate is not indestructible, it's not even close.
As much as we would love to believe it, there is no such thing
as a floor that can not be harmed. Even finished concrete floors
aren't impervious to scratches and stains. Laminate flooring
does tout the benefits of its prefinishing, but that finish can
only keep out so much.
The top coat of laminate flooring protects the floor from basic
scrapes, scratches, and stains. There are industry standards and
ratings designed to give consumers a better idea of how tough a
particular brand of flooring is. If all laminate floors were
indestructible, of course, there would not be a need for a
rating system.
AC1 and AC2 laminate floors are basically wimps. The AC1 and AC2
ratings indicate that those types of laminate should only be
used in areas with light foot traffic, such as a bedroom or
dining room. Wait a minute. If I can't even walk on it that
much, why should I believe it won't end up scraped and damaged?
Actually, according to the industry, this is right on the money.
Not all laminate is created equal, and if you are looking for
the indestructible kind, you need to focus your attention on AC3
and above. In fact, AC5 really is the toughest flooring around.
AC5 is used commercially in places like car dealerships and
department stores. If laminate can withstand SUVs and Christmas
shoppers, it can certainly withstand your Chihuahua.
- Waterproof?
Is laminate waterproof? This is a definitive Maybe. Upon closer
inspection, only some brands of laminate manufacturers offer
moisture protection in their warranty. So for those brands,
keeping water out of the seams is a big deal. It might not be an
area of interest for other manufacturers however.
In general all laminate is water resistant, but that doesn't
make it water proof. To be sure of how much moisture protection
your brand of laminate has, simply consult the warranty
information. No company will offer coverage on a product they
know is not watertight.
- Attractive?
Consumers are split about the attractiveness of laminate. A vast
majority find it very attractive, especially the products at the
high end. The wood grain (or tile) on a section of laminate is
quite simply a photograph of real wood sealed to the layers of
backing. This offers the appearance of real wood along with the,
if not indestructible, certainly strong, protection of laminate
sealants.
So, as with all things, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Laminate is not real wood, but the higher end of the laminate
selection can certainly fool the eye for a moment. Laminate
appearance improves along with quality and price. The least
expensive laminates might not be as attractive or wood-like in
their appearance, but it is wrong to judge an entire product
line or industry by the cheap generic version. Test drive the
deluxe model before making up your mind.
- Bottom Line
Laminate is certainly a wonderful product, but the
responsibility falls on the consumer to be sure he is selecting
the best laminate for his needs. Like any product, not all
laminates are of the highest quality, and some do not do justice
to the market as a whole. Consider laminate flooring with an
open mind, and regardless of your initial skepticism, there is
certain to be a laminate floor perfectly suited for your needs.
About the Author: Rebecca Garland is an expert on the subject of
Laminate Flooring. For more info on all types of laminate, visit
laminateflooringco.com |
