Laminate flooring is a synthetic flooring product that has several layers, fused together with a process called Lamination. Wood laminate flooring looks like authentic hardwood and is durable and easy to maintain.
The laminate flooring has gained popularity in the recent years because of their ease of installation as compared to the other surfaces such as hardwood flooring and also due to the convenience of maintaining them.
If you are a bit apprehensive about choosing Laminate Flooring for your place, we will help you out with its potential pros and cons.
Pros
- Easy Installation
The best thing about Laminate Flooring is its easy installation. It is completely a DIY project that does not require any nailing. The planks or tiles of the laminate flooring are designed to be snapped together easily.
- Easy to clean and maintain
Laminate flooring has a wear layer that is tough in nature. This makes its clean up and maintenance quite easy.
- Weather-friendly
Since the flooring has a laminate construction, there is no complaint of its seams opening up during humid weather.
- Can replace any surface
Laminate flooring can be easily installed on any existing surface (except on carpets) since they are installed over a thin layer of cushion. This makes it a popular choice under any situation.
Cons
- Is susceptible to damage by moisture
No laminate flooring is foolproof when it comes to a potential damage due to moisture. For this very reason, they are not a very good choice for spaces with water pumps or floor drainage. These are, absolutely, not recommended for laundry rooms and must include a moisture barrier if they are to be installed in the kitchen, basement floors or slabs.
- Cannot be refinished
Once laminate flooring is worn out, it has to be replaced completely since it cannot be retouched or refinished like real wood. For this reason, it is important to check the warranty of the flooring that you are looking to buy. This assures a long shelf-life and a better-quality flooring.
- Gives an unnatural feel
Even though laminate flooring is often compared to wood for its appearance and feel, we must not forget that it is a synthetic product and cannot be as natural as wood. It also makes an unusual creaking sound when you walk on it.
- Are not environment-friendly
Some of the laminate floorings are believed to be made of chemicals and also release toxins. Its wear layer contains plastic that is non-degradable. Because of this, the environmental experts have concluded that laminate flooring is not environmental-friendly.
Tips to clean laminate flooring
Any liquid spills must be cleaned immediately. Use a dry cloth or sponge to soak any excess liquid.
Use a dry duster or a mop to clean the flooring on a regular basis. If the flooring is not cleaned regularly, it will look dull and patchy. Stained flooring is even more difficult to deal with.
Wet cleaning is recommended once in a few months or when a large portion of the floor is dirty.
When cleaning the floor, use only a damp mop. If you re-soak the mop in the water, remember to wring it well again.
If the laminate flooring has become excessively dirty, dull or stained you can use a solution of Vinegar and water to clean it well. You can make a solution by diluting approximately 60 ml of Vinegar (white) in 1000 ml of water. Mix it well in a spray bottle.
