Hardwood floors are often considered the best kind. Certainly they are beautiful and durable. But they are expensive so require a big investment. Laminate flooring is a practical alternative, especially if you are on a budget.
Here, we explore the reasons why laminate makes for great flooring as well as how to choose from The Reno Superstore’s many options.
Top Reasons to Install Laminate Over Hardwood Floors
Laminate is a durable and a pocket-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood floors. Here’s why you should consider installing it.
But first it helps to know what it is.
What Is Laminate Flooring?This is a composite product that looks like real wood but is designed such that it can be installed in humid areas of your home, like kitchens or bathrooms. It has a high-density core with a high-definition image as the veneer mimics a wide array of flooring materials such as hardwood, tiles, and other patterns. The image is then sealed with a laminate covering. These floors are water-resistant and good quality. |
Now, what makes them a better alternative to hardwood floors?
Reason 1: Money Matters
When it comes to installing your ideal flooring, money is a consideration. At The Reno Superstore, we fairly price all our flooring products, including hardwood and laminate. On average, hardwood can cost $5 to $10 per square foot, not including installation. Laminate on the other hand starts as low as $2 to $7, which means it costs much less than hardwood flooring even with installation charges added.
Reason 2: Installation Area
Like any flooring material, traditional hardwoods have their limitations. They expand and contract with varying humidity levels and have a higher chance of denting than substances like laminate or tile. This makes hardwood unsuitable for kitchens, bathrooms, or basements.
Laminates are flexible and can be installed in various areas of your home. The core is water-repellent to offer better protection against spills.
For kitchens and bathrooms, look for floors that have been infused with paraffin wax in the joints to further repel water and protect them from swelling.
Reason 3: Durability Factor
Because flooring is an investment, you’ll need to live with your choice, which will be impacted by your lifestyle considerably. This is why durable floors are always a better choice.
Hardwood and laminates are both long-lasting flooring options. However, if wooden floors are not installed correctly, they are likely to face issues later. So it is very important to have them installed by professionals like The Reno Superstore.
Laminate flooring is tough. Its high-density core makes it a stable form of flooring. Avoid making these common mistakes and learn how to fix them.
Reason 4: Looks Perfect
Want wooden floors that look like your grandmother’s? Laminates make it possible.
Hardwood floors are natural, which means no two planks are alike. This means you want your laminates to fake the same effect. Hence, the more variations in a product, the more realistic it looks. Make sure to ask for a product where the surface lines follow the image design. This will create more authentic-looking laminates. High-quality laminates mimic hardwood (or any other flooring material) flawlessly, so it’s harder to tell them apart.
3 Tips for Buying Laminate Flooring
A wise customer is a well-informed customer. This is how to shop for the right laminate flooring product for your home or office.
1. Test It Out
Whether you buy your laminates online or from a showroom, it’s hard to understand if they are right for you simply by looking at them. Your walls, the size of the room, and the kind of lighting all affect how the floor is actually going to look.
The solution is to test out samples. For as little as $5, you can purchase a sample plank or tile. Line them up and check how they suit your environment. How do they fare during different times of day? How do they look against your furniture or wall colour?
2. HPL or DPL
High-pressure laminate (HPL) and direct-pressure laminate (DPL) are differentiated by their layers which are vital for laminate flooring. More layers translate into better durability.
It is best to install DPL in low-traffic areas as this type has only three layers. High-pressure laminates are a better investment in high-traffic areas since they have a minimum of five layers and are thus sturdier. Cost-wise, HPL is slightly more expensive but is definitely worth it.
3. Measure Correctly
If you are unable to do this on your own, get a professional. The cost of ordering and installing your laminate will depend greatly on this, so get it done correctly the first time.
Laminates accurately resemble hardwood floors and possess other qualities that make them a suitable choice for homes and offices. Base your flooring material decision upon your lifestyle and budget. The Reno Superstore offers laminate flooring in the Toronto and Mississauga area at the best prices, from leading Canadian brands. Not sure how to get started? Get in touch with us and let The Reno Superstore complete your dream project.