If you’re looking for a flooring option that combines beauty, durability and affordability, laminate flooring could be the perfect choice. Laminate floors have come a long way from their humble beginnings, and today’s high-quality laminates can mimic the look of hardwood, stone and other premium materials with stunning realism.
Here, we’ll explore the world of laminate flooring in depth, covering everything from the various styles and finishes available to the installation process and maintenance tips. At Greg Stone Flooring, we offer a wide selection of laminate floors to choose from – why not visit our Flooring Warehouse in Portslade to browse the options?
What Rooms Are Laminate Floors Suitable For?
When it comes to the best rooms for laminate flooring, it’s a good idea to consider the level of foot traffic that room will receive, the amount of moisture in the air and whether you have pets who will be going in and out throughout the day.
Living Rooms and Bedrooms
Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for high traffic living areas like living rooms and bedrooms. Its durable construction and easy maintenance make it ideal for spaces that see a lot of foot traffic and daily activity. Plus, the wide array of finishes allows you to achieve the warm, inviting aesthetic you desire without the higher cost and maintenance needs of some other materials.
Hallways and Entryways
The robust scratch and stain-resistant properties of laminate make it a great choice for high-wear zones like hallways and entryways. Even with shoes, pets and heavy foot traffic, quality laminate holds up beautifully with just routine cleaning.
Kitchens
The variety of wood, tile and stone-look styles provide design versatility when it comes to kitchens. However, homeowners should still exercise precaution around major spills and leaks, making sure they’re cleaned up swiftly to avoid any lasting damage.
Areas to Avoid
While beautifully versatile, laminate flooring should be avoided in moisture-prone rooms like bathrooms, laundry rooms and other spaces with consistent high humidity and risk of puddling water. The wood composite core can swell when exposed to excessive moisture over time which will damage your flooring unless you choose a brand that’s waterproof or water-resistant. For a bathroom-friendly floor, we’d recommend LVT instead.
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Styles and Finishes of Laminate Flooring
When it comes to styles and finishes, laminate flooring offers impressive variety to suit any interior décor or style preference. The most popular and widely available options mimic the rich looks of natural hardwoods like oak, maple and cherry. These wood-look laminates feature incredibly realistic wood grain patterns, textures, knots and colour variations thanks to advanced printing technology for a truly authentic finish.
For those seeking a more modern style, stone-look laminates provide the premium visuals of slate, travertine, marble and other tiles at a fraction of the cost. These resilient floors capture the unique veining and cool surface of these elegant materials, and both wood and stone effect laminates come in a range of shades from light and natural to deep hues.
The surface texture and gloss level also contribute to the authentic look and feel. Textured laminates imbue the floor with a vintage, rustic charm, while on the opposite end of the spectrum, high-gloss smooth finishes provide a sleek, polished look perfect for contemporary settings. Satin and matte finishes strike a balance between reflective shine and an organic matte aesthetic.
Laminate flooring is also produced in both narrow planks to mimic traditional hardwood strip flooring and wider, longer planks that showcase fewer seams for a clean, modern vibe. And like real wood, various thicknesses from 6mm up to 12mm are available depending on the desired durability, impact underfoot feel and subfloor.
Installation Process for Laminate Floors
One of the biggest advantages of laminate flooring is its relatively easy installation process. Laminate planks interlock seamlessly using a click-lock system, eliminating the need for nails or adhesives. This straightforward approach enables many homeowners to take on laminate flooring as a DIY project.
However, for those seeking a flawless installation without the hassles, hiring skilled professionals is the optimal choice. Our skilled installation team can manage your laminate flooring project from start to finish, ensuring a perfect result.
Initially, they’ll thoroughly inspect the subfloor to verify it meets the required flatness and structural integrity standards – conducting any essential repairs or levelling work during this phase. We recommend installing a high-quality foam underlay across the entire floor area, which serves double duty by providing an even base and enhancing comfort underfoot.
After precise room measurements, our experts will position the laminate planks, carefully staggering seam placements across each row for an impeccable appearance. They’ll also handle all complex and intricate trimming tasks, ensuring a polished final result.
Maintenance and Care Tips
One of the biggest selling points of laminate flooring is how low maintenance it is compared to other floor types. The protective top layer makes laminate highly stain- and moisture-resistant when properly installed and maintained. This means that for daily cleaning, a simple vacuum or sweep to get rid of dust and debris is all that’s needed.
Weekly cleaning with a laminate-approved cleaning solution and flat mop will help keep the floors looking their best – be sure to avoid excessive water and wipe up any spills promptly to prevent water from seeping between planks.
Where To Buy Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has truly come into its own as a versatile, high-performance and affordable flooring option. With this comprehensive guide, you now have the knowledge to determine if laminate is the right choice for your home. If you’re ready to invest in new laminate floors for your property, why not get in touch with Greg Stone Flooring today – we offer a great selection of floors from leading brands and all at competitive prices.
