Laminate wood flooring has earned huge popularity these days. The wood-like flooring looks smart and goes well with modern and retro furnishing equally. But before you decide to go for laminate wood flooring for your home, let’s check and analyze the option from a closer view.
Laminate wood flooring replicates the appearance of natural wood made flooring, but it comes with lesser cost than real wood made floor. However, it is a synthetic product made from cost friendly raw materials. It is a relatively recent invention and is gaining popularity due to its affordability and ease of installation. Unlike other wood flooring types, it does not use natural wood. Instead, it uses photographic image of wood on a décor paper. There are several pros and cons of laminate wood flooring, which a homeowner should consider before buying it. Here we have described some of the most significant pros and cons of laminate wood flooring, which would help you while buying or deciding for laminate wood flooring.
The pros and cons of laminate wood flooring are as follows:
Pros/Advantages of Laminate Wood Flooring
Laminate Wood Flooring is Easy to Install
Laminate wood flooring is made of a light-in-weight material and it is simple to install on any substrate (surface) except carpet without dismantling or removing an existing floor. The laminated floor planks can be repaired easily because they join each other with an interlocking mechanism known as a tongue-and-groove joint. It requires less time for acclimation, as compared to solid wood flooring. Laminate wood flooring comes in planks, and the edges are designed in such a way that it can snap easily without any need of nailing the planks, or gluing them. Thus, installation process is very easy and fast, and it is a great relief.
Another benefit of laminate wood flooring is that the whole flooring can be conveniently removed and reassembled at a new location if you intend to move your house or change flooring from one room to the other.
Maintenance of Laminate Flooring is Easy
You can clean it using a broom, vacuum cleaner or a damp mop. The transparent top wear layer of a laminated floor prevents the surface from penetrating spills and stains and ensures easy cleaning. It is also durable and highly resistant to scratches and fading what usually happens due to the adverse effect UV rays.
Ensure that no drops remain on the floor; clean them immediately so that the liquid does not penetrate through the joints into the substrate.
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Laminate Wood Flooring Looks like Natural Wood
As laminate wood flooring uses decorative paper, you can choose from a variety of species, patterns, and colours according to your discretion. You can also select digitally created wood species which may not be available in your area or restricted due to deforestation rules and regulations. Hence as far as design goes, wide range of choice is available for you.
There are multiple colour-options in laminated wood flooring which replicate natural wood such as oak, mahogany, walnut, etc. Unlike natural wood, each of the floor boards is of consistent quality and design. Textured laminate floors have been introduced by several brands that replicate the feel and appearance of real wood.
Laminate Flooring is Cost Effective
One of the biggest benefits of these floors is that the material is fairly priced, and it is an inexpensive alternative to real wood made floors. It comes at a cheaper cost than the other flooring materials. It is light in weight as compared to natural wood and stone flooring, and hence transportation cost is also much affordable.
Laminate Wood Flooring is Non-Allergic
For allergic or allergy prone people, laminate flooring is a safe option, as the product does not attract allergens and dust and this flooring is easier to clean. But some irritating reactions may affect a small number of chemical sensitive persons due to the resins and glues used in the flooring.
Laminate Wood Floor Looks Extreme Resilience
The top layer or the wear layer of laminate wood flooring is scratch-resistant and provides shiny surface, which can be easily cleaned.
Want to know whether the laminate flooring is suitable for DIY or not? Go through this article written by Gharpedia.
Cons/Disadvantages of Laminate Wood Flooring
Surface of Laminate Wood Flooring is Hard
The floor is usually felt rough to the feet and, when stepped on, it mostly produce an unusual hollow sound. As a safety measure, before laying the laminate planks, it is advised to add a foam layer on the substrate; this arrangement eliminates sound propagation and acts as an efficient sound-absorbent membrane for the floor. Furthermore, Laminate wood flooring requires a highly levelled sub floor for installation; otherwise installing gets difficult
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Lifespan of Laminate Floor is Limited
Depending on the consistency of the core material and the wear layer, the average life of a laminated floor may range between 10 and 30 years. While natural wood, stone and tiles have more service life to offer. Hence, if you are opting for laminate wood flooring, you should opt for only those brands with decent warranty periods.
Laminate Wood Flooring cannot be Repaired
The primary downside of a laminated wood floor is that it cannot be refurnished sanded or restored like natural wood if the floor gets damaged. You have no option to replace the damaged planks. The uppermost wear layer can slowly erode away with continuous use and cleaning. Keep in mind that the individual piece might have to be replaced in case of damage, or the entire floor needs modification in the event of widespread spoiling.
Laminate Flooring is not Resistant to Moisture
Laminated flooring is not just appropriate for moisture-ridden areas like bathrooms, laundry areas and outdoor areas. It may turn as a vulnerable spot/area for fungal growth or cause warping (bending) of the floor planks if moisture seeps into the floor substratum. They are prone to termite attack, and therefore proper care must be taken. Protect the floor from stagnant water as well, as it can lead to the HDF core layer disintegration and complete damage of the total surface area.
Laminate Wood Flooring Looks Artificial
Although it offers the look of wood, it does not give the feel or warmth of natural wood. In contrast to natural wood, some consumers do not find the look and feel of laminated floors visually appealing.
Laminate Flooring is not Noise-proof
The noise factor is another downside of laminate wood flooring. Laminate flooring can be disruptive and produce a hollow sound if installed without the proper underlying arrangement.
Additionally, it is made from fibreboard core, which is not fire-resistant like vitrified tiles. It does not increase the resale value of your house.
Although it is less durable as compared to other flooring materials, laminate wood flooring comes at a cheaper price and does not demand heavy maintenance.
After considering the pros and cons of laminate wood flooring, the homeowners should take a decision according to their choice, convenience, and budget.