Choosing the right material for the floor in your home is not that simple since there are different options available, and all of them have certain benefits and potential downsides. When it comes to laminate, it represents the most popular solution, and this trend is active for decades already.
Like with any other product, finding a well-known and reliable manufacturer is among the key factors. Therefore, those interested in laminate flooring should visit this site. Moreover, we are going to analyze more about the features of this material, along with all of the benefits and downsides.
Main Features
While there are some similarities with the wood, especially when it comes to visual features, that similarity is only related to the surface of the laminate. The most common materials used in production are fiberboard and plywood. It represents an excellent alternative to wood since the surface is covered with a special layer where you can choose all kinds of designs, colors, and patterns.
Those with the same visual characteristics like wood are the most popular. Another part of the laminate is the wear layer that goes over the surface and its purpose is to make it more resistant to scratches and water. The most common types are standard, waterproof, and water-resistant.
When it comes to the first one, you have to be aware that spilling water over it will lead to damage. Therefore, it is not a good choice for the kitchen. On the other hand, standard model is perfect for a bedroom, living room, and other parts of your home. When it comes to maintenance, the most important thing is to never use a wet mop to clean it.
The water-resistant model is an even better solution, but larger amount of liquid can still cause damage if you let it stay on the floor for a longer time. The waterproof model is perfect for the kitchen since it is sealed, and you don’t have to worry about bumps.
What Are The Main Benefits?
As we already mentioned, the only model that is a good option for the kitchen is the waterproof one. It offers excellent resistance and durability. Also, it will be much easier to achieve the desired design of the kitchen since you can choose all kinds of visual features and details on the tiles. While ceramic and vinyl tiles, along with wood, might have some advantages over this type of flooring, you have to be aware that they are much more expensive.
In that matter, choosing laminate is the cheapest way to get the best design for your kitchen floor, while also securing durability and resistance. The installation process is also quite simple, and even a beginner can install it without any issues. If you are not interested in playing around with that since you don’t have any experience, the professionals will charge you four or even five times less when compared to wood and tiles.
Moreover, it offers a great flexibility when it comes to design, and keeping it clean and in good condition won’t be a problem. If you choose the right model and hire professionals to install it, it might serve you for more than 30 years without the need for any additional repairs.
Are There Any Downsides?
It is a well-known fact that wood is the best material for floors. When it comes to the kitchen, ceramic tiles are even more common. If budget is not a problem for you, and you want to achieve the luxurious appearance of your kitchen and other parts of the home, laminate simply won’t be so good in combination with modern kitchen parts, new appliances, and premium furniture.
Also, you will always have to pay more attention to its condition. Leaving some water on the surface for a longer time will cause problems, especially if you don’t have a waterproof mode. Besides that, it could be a mistake if you are focused only on the price. Those highly cheap options usually have a short lifespan of under 10 years.
Low Price Is the Main Advantage
The most affordable model is the standard laminate. However, that is not something that you want to install in your kitchen. When it comes to the other two popular models, the price is around $2 per square foot for the water-resistant type, while the most expensive option is the waterproof one, and the price can go up to $5 per square foot, depending on the details, quality of the product, and more.
When you compare these prices with other materials, you will see that it is at least three times cheaper to cover the floor by using laminate. High-quality wood costs around $10 per square foot, but you will have to add the installation price to that as well, which will be at least $5 more. Therefore, covering a small area in the kitchen can still cost over $10k, while it can be under $2,000 if you choose laminate. The price of vinyl tiles is similar to wood.
Be Sure To Choose the Right Model
As you can see, you will be able to save thousands of dollars by choosing this option. Still, there is a lot of room for mistakes that will result as a waste of money and need for additional repairs or even complete replacement of the flooring.
In that matter, be sure to isolate the parts of the kitchen where water can start leaking so it won’t get in contact with the floor. Also, it will be difficult to avoid spilling some water on it when you are preparing the food or washing dishes. Therefore, only the waterproof version is reliable for the kitchen.
Last Words
This option represent a great way to save a lot of money, but also to improve the design of your home. You will enjoy in the benefits only if you select the right model and reliable producer that is providing resistant and durable materials. In that case, it will serve you for decades without any problems.