Did you know that the global laminate floorinlaminate flooring priceslaminated wooden flooring priceg market is expected to reach USD 44.36 billion by 2029, according to data? Wondering if laminate wood flooring is a good idea for your home? How is laminate flooring different from wooden flooring? How to compare laminate flooring prices with that of wood?
If all these questions sound familiar, this in-depth guide is for you. We will explore everything you need to know about laminate tile flooring and more.
Let’s jump right in.
So, What Does Laminate Flooring Entail Exactly?
Take a look at the image above. If you look closely, you’ll notice how similar laminate is to a wooden tile in terms of looks.
However, its intrinsic properties differ from that of a pure wooden floor. For starters, it is a type of composite flooring having three separate layers:
- A particleboard wood base/fibreboard/plywood core, which provides improved strength and stability
- An image layer for enhanced strength (like the one wood provides)
- A protective and transparent wear layer for added protection
This type of flooring is also relatively more damage-proof so that you can get the most out of your spending and boost your home’s aesthetic appeal.
The laminates that you see today have evolved as technology has evolved too. Thanks to high-def imaging, improved graphics, deeper textures, and better embossing as well as seaming, the end result you get is a wide variety of aesthetically-beautiful and high-performing laminates.
Got It. What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Laminate Flooring?
Great question. Whether you are thinking of using laminate flooring for kitchen designs or bedroom designs, you need to be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of this material.
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3 Best Laminate Flooring Ideas
Let’s now look at three laminate flooring ideas worth emulating:
1. A Classic Light-Coloured Laminate Floor Can Uplift Your Living Room
If you are looking to spruce up your living room, you should look for laminate flooring.
Take a look at the image above. This laminate flooring adds layers of depth and character to the floor space. Since the decor is largely conceptualised in beige and neutral tones, a light brown colour laminate floor offers great contrast.
Plus, since the recent laminate designs are skid-proof, it makes logical sense to get it installed in a high-traffic area such as your living room.
2. A Textured Laminate Finish Works Wonders in Lending a Rustic Look and Feel
Want to go the rustic route? Want to extend an earthy vibe to your living room? A surefire, quick, and cost-effective way is to add laminate floors to the space.
Since the newer laminates are pretty much DIY and don’t need any kind of gluing, you can transform the space in one afternoon! All you need to do is select the right kind of material and finish for your laminate and make sure it sits well with your interior decor style.
3. A Neutral Laminate Colour Is Perfect for Adding a Sense of Airiness to Your Open Kitchen
Here’s another laminate flooring idea that is perfect if you have a long, open kitchen like the one shown above. By using lighter colours, you can make the space look big and airy.
If you have a dining table, make sure to complement it with your flooring design to create a balanced and cohesive look.
Which Are the Best Areas in Which I Can Install Laminate Flooring?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions (and for a good reason).
You can easily find laminate flooring in areas that aren’t exposed to too much moisture all the time (think: your living room, hallway, dining space, bedroom, etc.).
That means areas such as your bathroom, kitchen, laundry area, etc., should not have laminate flooring as they are often exposed to still water for a prolonged period of time. For these areas, you can use porcelain or vinyl tiles instead.
When investing in the right kind of laminate, make sure to go for high-quality waterproof laminate flooring. This becomes essential if you are considering laminate as a part of your balcony flooring ideas.
What’s the Cost of Laminate Flooring?
Generally speaking, the laminated wooden flooring price can range from Rs 80 to Rs 400 per square foot (or more), depending on the quality of the print layer and finish of the laminate you go for. The cost is also influenced by the wear layer’s thickness.
Additionally, note that the cost of laminate flooring installation (which includes the material and the labour costs) comes up to Rs 40 to Rs 50 a square foot. In contrast, hardwood flooring can cost up to Rs 1500 a square foot to install, making it a more expensive option.
So, look out for these factors and make an informed decision.
How to Repair and Maintain Laminate Flooring?
To best care for laminate flooring, use a vacuum or a good-quality broom. You can also use a slightly damp mop or a laminate floor solution to get rid of the excess dirt. Make sure that the mop is not soaking wet, or else you risk getting the water seep into the laminate board.
Additionally, contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need any kind of floor waxing to get your laminate flooring neat and clean.
How to Install Laminate Flooring?
One of the biggest advantages of laminate flooring is that it is super quick to install. The installation can be done by leveraging the “fold-lock” system of laminate placement, where each laminate plank is interlocked from one end to the other.
This system replicates a sort of mat. You don’t need glue to stick the pieces together.
Conclusion
Here’s the long and short of it: Whether you want the look of natural stone, wood, or any other finish, laminates can effectively produce the same look and feel. This is probably why laminate flooring has emerged as a staple for homes today.
Plus, it is an attractive, durable, and cost-effective alternative to hardwood floors.
If you want a functional and inexpensive flooring option, laminate flooring is the best option for you. It may not add to your home’s real estate value, but it is great for providing functional benefits.
For more up-to-date information on laminate flooring, come on over to HomeLane.
FAQs
1. What Is the Downside to Laminate Flooring?
The biggest downside to laminate flooring is that it cannot be retouched, sanded, or refinished. So, if your laminate has many scratches, grooves, or dents, you may need to replace it altogether. This is why maintaining your laminate flooring is key if you wish to prolong its life.
2. Which Floor Is Better Vinyl or Laminate?
When it comes to selecting between vinyl or laminate, both are the same in terms of cost. And each has its own set of pros and cons.
For example, premium vinyl offers more advantages than laminate as it is more durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to maintain. However, if you are on a tight budget and want a quick-fix solution for a shabby floor, laminate flooring is a good idea.
Remember that for areas with low exposure to moisture and lower footfall in your home, laminate can double up as an effective choice. Plus, you can choose from a wide variety of designs, making laminate the ultimate versatile flooring solution.
3. How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?
Depending on the quality of the laminate, the installation service (whether you are getting it done by a professional or doing it yourself), and the intensity of usage, your laminate can last anywhere between 10 to 30 years. The better you maintain it, the longer it will last.
4. What Is the Most Durable Type of Laminate Flooring?
If you are looking for a laminate for your home, you can go for an AC3-rated laminate, which is the highest-rated laminate for residential use. It can withstand heavy traffic and is known to be more durable than its counterparts.
