The Advantages of Laminate Flooring

 

Laminate floors have been around for decades, but the advent of vinyl flooring transformed this material into something new and interesting. Because of today's vinyl's great looks and easy maintenance, laminate flooring has gained popularity among homeowners. Here are a few features of laminate flooring that you might find useful.

One big advantage of laminate flooring is its durability and resistance to damage. Laminate is typically covered with an adhesive or heat-resistant protective coating so it can withstand heavy footwear and other rough activities. Laminate floorings also have a highly dense surface layer and a thick top surface layer that protect the sub-floor below from scuff marks and makes for a big difference in the life of your laminate flooring. Even the biggest culprits typically responsible for wearing down your laminate flooring don't dent or scratch it easily. You can even clean up dirt and debris that sink into your floor very easily.

Another feature of luxury vinyl flooring that sets it apart is its ease of installation. Laminate is a fairly simple material to install - all that's required is basic preparation of the sub-floor, a few nails, and a flat washer for attaching the backing. No cutting, no drilling, and no special tools are needed for installation. Laminate also requires little in the way of upkeep, since vacuuming and sweeping will keep dirt and debris from getting caught in nooks and corners. Laminate is also a very hardwearing material, with the only real concern being water damage, and if your floor is affected by water, then simply removing the affected section and replacing it with new laminate flooring should fix the problem.

But the beauty of laminate flooring goes beyond its easy installation. Its clean lines and sleek, contemporary appearance have made it one of the most popular forms of floor covering in the US. It comes in a variety of colors, styles, patterns, and finishes, so you're sure to find something that suits your personal taste and needs. And thanks to today's modern printing technology, modern laminate flooring can even have the look of real wood! With the use of low-VOC finishes and genuine wood grains, real wood-like planks are now available. As you might imagine, real wood planks offer the look and feel of real wood without the extra cost and trouble.

There are some things to consider, however. Although laminate flooring can be installed virtually anywhere it's flat, it's not suited to all surfaces. Due to the fact that the planks are made in multiple plank-like layers, they can wear unevenly over time, causing scratches and surface damage. And while it's very possible to wax or seal laminate flooring in place, this can become quite costly - not to mention labor-intensive - if it's done incorrectly.

In addition to looking great wherever it's installed, laminate flooring has another big advantage that you won't find in many other types of floor: it's actually good for your health. Because it's a cool-colored material, it absorbs body heat and produces very little heat all on its own. This is why you can place it in any room, on any type of floor, without worrying about it getting too hot or too cold. If you need to heat up a room a bit in the winter, simply put down a few layers. If you want to cool your living space, just remove a few layers!

 

West Coast Floor Company with showrooms located in Vallejo and Napa for the convenience of our Napa Valley customers has been installing all types of flooring for many years. Our installation crew is the best and will get the job done for you quickly and professionally. Call us to arrange for a visit to one of our showrooms - (707) 864-2199 to see our great selection of samples, or visit our website for more information.  You'll be glad you did!