Laminate flooring is a type of flooring that looks like wood but costs roughly half as much. It’s so lifelike that you’d mistake it for the genuine thing if it weren’t for its product label or the price tag at your local utility stores. This kind of flooring is not only durable, but it is also simple to set up and has a projected life expectancy of about 10 to 20 years, which is quite a long time. There are several colours and designs to choose from, too. You might be surprised to learn that this eye-catching, low-cost material is none other than laminate because of the various beneficial features that it brings to the table. Sometimes, homeowners believe that all of this is too good to be true and that there has to be a catch that comes along with this type of flooring. This often leads to them asking whether laminate flooring boosts a home’s value or cheapens the overall cost of the home. Below ponders upon this topic; you will find information about what laminate flooring has to offer and whether or not it will increase the resale value of your home.
The Layers of Laminate Flooring
Laminate is not found in nature. However, it is not a pure plastic and fully filled with artificial materials. According to numerous flooring industry experts, laminate combines four separate bonded layers into a single material. The base layer, core layer, decorative layer, and wear layer are all of the four layers that these professionals were talking about. The initial or base layer of laminate flooring prepares the floor by laying down a smooth, level foundation. It also acts as the first line of defence against any moisture that may cause harm to the flooring. The core layer, which is commonly composed of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), increases protection and forms a strong, durable surface. The top layer of laminate, often known as the decorative layer, is a high-resolution image of the material it is emulating and replicating. You’d be surprised at how well the printed paper overlay imitates stone, wood, or even marble. A protective or wear layer of aluminium oxide tops off this multi-layer masterpiece that the flooring industry has to offer. The wear layer not only seals in the ornamental layer, but it also protects the floor against stains, fading, scratches, and other damage that might detract people from its attractiveness.
The Benefits of Laminate Flooring
Even though it has been on the market for quite some time now, laminate still remains a popular flooring choice among various homeowners around the world. This is for a couple reasons that include its cost, its ease of installation, its durability, and its aesthetic appeal.
Cost
Budget is usually the most important factor in deciding to install laminate flooring, which is one of the least expensive options. The reason why it is more affordable than other flooring materials is because of its relatively minimal use of natural materials like wood and such. This means that laminate flooring is cheaper to make, which allows companies to set their mark-up price for this flooring at a more reasonable price. That is why most professionals estimate that laminate floor supplies can cost up to 3 times cheaper than natural flooring types, like wood, marble and other flooring options on the market. With that being said, laminate flooring is perfect for those who want their home to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye while still saving a good chunk of their money in the process of doing so.
Ease of Installation
Laminate flooring is sold in individual boards or planks that interlock without the need of adhesives or nails, allowing the material to “float” above the substrate. You may install laminate on top of existing wood, concrete, or vinyl flooring in some circumstances, as long as the existing flooring is smooth and level and a laminate underlay is used. By taking all of that into account, laminate is significantly easier and faster to install than wood or tile. Furthermore, because of its ability to be easily installed, it has allowed homeowners to DIY the installation of this flooring type, which saves them both time and money. That is why laminate flooring has become a popular option among countless homeowners.
Durability
Earlier types of laminate were not recognised for their moisture resistance, but there are now waterproof versions with a water-resistant core layer that are available on today’s market. If the floor is wet, this extra layer will buy you some time and allow you to clean up the mess without it doing any damage to the structural integrity of your home. In addition, unlike actual wood and other types of flooring, laminate will not crack, stain, dent, or fade in sunlight. This type of flooring is extremely durable, which is why it lasts quite some time compared to the other flooring types that are on the market and offered to homeowners.
Aesthetic Appeal
Because of the newest high-resolution images behind the decorative layer of laminate, this type of flooring has the ability to give the floors of your home a wood-like look and feel. This type of flooring tends to be practically indistinguishable from the real thing, which is amazing considering that you can purchase it for half the cost of real wood or whatever material you are trying to mimic. With so many various style and colour options available, there’s something for everyone, making it a universal top choice amongst homeowners.
Does It Increase Home Value?
Laminate flooring does have the ability to add value to a property more than other alternatives out there, like carpet and such. Studies have shown that most homebuyers are willing to spend extra for laminate flooring over carpeting when purchasing a home since it is a low-cost item with a larger return on investment. With all the amazing qualities it has to offer, many homeowners desire to have this type of flooring present in their living areas.
Laminate flooring has become a popular choice that homeowners select when choosing the right flooring for their home. It provides various beneficial features that include its affordable cost, its ability to be easily installed, its durability and its aesthetic appeal. Because of these factors of this type of flooring, having it inside your home will increase your home’s resale value and attract homebuyers if you ever sell it in the future. With that being said, if you want to invest in laminate flooring, talk to your local, trusted flooring contractor today!