Advantages of using a laminate wood over a real hard wood
People have many questions about what are the best choices to make when they are remodeling or building a home. There are paint colors and carpet to choose, new furniture and a host of other decorating options. One of the most important things that need to be considered when you are settling into a house is what is going to be under your feet all the time. Many people aren't sure whether they should choose real hard wood flooring or laminate wood floors. Here is some info to understand what advantages laminate floors have over real hard wood.
Lower cost
One of the biggest advantages to laminate wood flooring over hard wood is that it is less expensive than real wood. It is less costly to produce for the manufacturers and less expensive to buy. It is also less expensive for professionals to install it because it is much less labor intensive than installing hard wood floors. Price is usually the most important factor people consider when they are deciding which type of floor to use in their home. Laminate almost always takes the cake here.
Impact and scratch resistant
One of the most important benefits of laminate floors over hardwood is that they are extremely scratch and impact resistant. They are able to stand up to the demands of a busy family and lots of foot traffic. Laminate floors are often chosen for areas that are used a lot mainly because of this feature. It is important for almost everyone that their investment in their floor continues to look good for a long time.
Stain resistant and won't fade from sunlight
Laminate floors are also stain resistant and won't fade from sunlight. Stain resistance is something that is not very good at all in hardwood floors, especially when the finish is a little older and may be wearing off a little. The everyday spill is much less of a concern for people with laminate floors. Another aspect of this is that they are also very easy to clean up. This is one of the main reasons that laminate floors appeal to families with younger children who have trouble keeping their grape juice in their glasses and their pasta on their plate. Laminate floors keep unsightly stains from getting on your floor and "adding character".
Don't need wax or polish
Laminate floors also need very little maintenance. This is important for people who may not spend as much time at home or may not have as much money to spend on maintaining a floor. Another aspect of this feature is that laminate floors are also easier to maintain than hard wood. There is no need to wax and polish them (it is also a very bad idea to try) because of the artificial finish on the planks. There is less concern about always having someone refinish the floor and the costs that are associated with it.
Install over concrete slabs
One more thing that is important for the use of laminate floors is that it can be installed on nearly every surface. It uses what is called a floating construction and can be placed over practically any other flat and level surface because it doesn't have to be attached to the subfloor. This also makes it very convenient for people who want to put it directly on their concrete slab. It is however recommended to use special padding under the laminate to keep it insulated from sound and to make it more durable.
Easy to install for handyman
Laminate floors are also much easier to install for a do it yourselfer than hard woods. This is because the planks are joined to each other and just snap into place rather than having to attach to any kind of tack board or gluing agents.
Like this article? Then Digg It
or
add it to your Del.icio.us Bookmarks!
Tags: floor laminate hard_wood real family cost budget younger traffic install maintain resistant
