Pros & Cons Of Laminate Flooring
Cost is not always the deciding factor when shopping for laminate floors. If a
professionally installed laminate floors costs approximately the same as a Swedish-finished hardwood floor why choose the laminate floor?
- Depending on the condition of the subfloor, solid wood flooring may not be a possibility.
- Laminate floors are extremely durable and are the best choice for homes with a high degree of foot traffic - including children and pets.
- They are incredibly easy to maintain and will not fade, even in direct sunlight.
- Most laminate flooring comes with a triple warranty against wear, staining and fading. Some manufacturers also offer moisture warranties.
Laminate Floors Do Have Their Limitations;
Laminate floors should not be installed in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. Although water on the top layer will not damage it as it would hardwoods, problems occur when moisture works its way along the edges or underneath. In general, we recommend tile or vinyl for wet areas.
Because laminate is a floating floor, it may produce a slight tapping sound as you walk on it. Some manufacturers have introduced acoustical padding to muffle the sound with varying results. It's a good idea to test it by walking on a dealer's display floor and imagining how it will sound in your home. Cork underlayment is best method of reducing the echo effect or tapping sound.
Most laminate products carry wear warranties ranging form 10 to 25 years, but some of the newer lines are starting to introduce "Lifetime" warranties. Several products on the market also have limited "water" or "moisture" warranties. It is very important to check with the manufacturer as to EXACTLY what their warranty will and will not cover. Do not hesitate to ask questions, all major manufacturers have toll free information phone lines, websites etc.
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