Clearing Up Common Misconceptions About Laminate Flooring For Residential Homes

Laminate flooring is a popular option for homeowners on a limited budget. However, as popular as this choice might be, many homeowners have some confusion about the overall design of laminate, and even how this flooring is installed. This can keep someone from choosing laminate for their home, even though it may be just the option they need for new flooring! Note some of those common misconceptions many people have about laminate flooring so you know why this choice is so popular and why it may be the best solution for your home.

Laminate versus vinyl

Some homeowners think that laminate flooring, because it's not made of real wood, is a type of vinyl tile. This is not the case, as vinyl tile is made from a completely different material than laminate flooring, and vinyl tile is fabricated with a design on its surface. Laminate flooring involves moulding several layers of material together and then covering everything with a special coating that's almost like a photograph. A protective layer is applied last to keep it protected. Vinyl tile may be somewhat softer than laminate, but its surface is usually not as realistic looking, so it may seem a bit more artificial in appearance.

 Water resistance

Because laminate flooring involves an aesthetic covering as its upper layer, some homeowners assume that it's not very water resistant. However, the protective layer added over the surface of laminate flooring protects it from water as well as chips, scuffs and scratches. The only risk of water damage to laminate flooring is if water seeps in between the seams; this rarely happens, especially if you choose a style where the pieces are glued together and not simply snapped together, as the glue provides more protection against water damage.

Appearance

Many homeowners choose laminate flooring when they want the look of wood or something else but can't afford the true materials. Laminate flooring may also be fabricated to look like stone, brick or polished concrete.

You might choose a stone appearance laminate if your home cannot support the weight of real stone slabs. Brick appearance laminate is a good choice for a rustic look in the kitchen, and laminate that resembles polished concrete can create a smooth and uninterrupted appearance for flooring all through your home. Don't assume that laminate only resembles timber, but shop for this durable and affordable material no matter the look you want for your home's flooring.