What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring has captured the hearts of many homeowners, offering a visually appealing and practical solution for various spaces. Its popularity stems from its unique blend of affordability, ease of maintenance, and stunning aesthetics. Laminate planks are made with layers of wood fibres 'laminated' together to give them exceptional strength and durability. The strong, scratch-resistant, highly durable and low maintenance features of laminate flooring make it a practical choice for high traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms. While other flooring options like engineered wood or parquet offer distinct advantages, laminate flooring carves its own niche, catering to specific needs and preferences.

It has become an attractive alternative to real wood flooring, capturing the essence of natural beauty in a variety of styles, thicknesses, and grades. This allows you to find the perfect match for your project, whether you're revamping your living room or creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in your bedrooms.

This blog post explores the world of laminate flooring, highlighting its key features, benefits, and considerations to guide you in making an informed decision for your home.

Laminate flooring boasts several advantages that make it a compelling choice for many homeowners:

✓ Budget-friendly

Compared to solid wood flooring, laminate offers a significantly more affordable option, allowing you to achieve a beautiful and stylish look without breaking the bank.

✓ Durability

Laminate flooring is engineered to withstand daily wear and tear. Its exceptional strength and resistance to scratches, fading, and wear make it suitable for even the busiest areas of your home.

✓ Low maintenance

Unlike real wood, laminate requires minimal upkeep. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a laminate-specific cleaner are all it takes to maintain its pristine look. You can also check out our blog on 4 Expert Advice for Laminate Floor Maintenance.

✓ Aesthetic appeal

From classic wood grain patterns to contemporary designs, laminate flooring presents a vast array of styles and textures, allowing you to create a space that reflects your unique brand or personality. Explore laminate options from Floorworld here.

When selecting laminate flooring, consider these factors:

Traffic level

Traffic level is key. High-traffic areas like hallways need a workhorse floor. Look for an AC rating (AC4 or AC5) that indicates high durability against scratches and scuffs. Lower traffic areas like bedrooms can handle a lower AC rating (AC1 or AC2) for a more budget-friendly option.

Style

Don't be limited by function though! Laminate offers a surprising variety of styles. Wood-look planks come in all sorts of species and finishes to mimic classic hardwood. For a different look, explore stone and tile effects for a kitchen or bathroom, or even go bold with textured finishes or patterned planks.

Thickness and grade

Finally, consider thickness and grade. Thicker laminates (10mm-12mm) feel more substantial underfoot and mimic real hardwood better, but they tend to come with a higher price tag. Thinner options (6mm-8mm) are easier on the wallet but might feel slightly hollow. Grade refers to the wear layer's resistance to scratches and stains. Higher grades mean a longer lifespan for your floor. You can find options that balance thickness, grade, and price to fit your needs. 

By considering these aspects, you can make an informed decision and select the perfect laminate floor to elevate the ambiance and functionality of your space.

Floorworld, with our extensive experience and expertise in the flooring industry, is your trusted partner in creating exceptional spaces. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing the best guidance and assistance throughout your flooring journey. We are here to help you select the perfect flooring solution tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you achieve outstanding results. You can count on our expertise and industry-leading products to transform your space into something truly remarkable.