Laminate Flooring

Laminate is the ideal floor covering for any high traffic area. Laminate options range from traditional checkered or patterned resilient sheets that mimic linoleum to authentic looking wood plank, stone or tile versions which can add ambience at half the price of the real thing. Laminate tile flooring can be glued down, as can sheet laminate. Other laminate flooring options provide an interlocking adhesive seam to allow the floor to ’float’. These are generally installed over an underlayment material to add soundproofing and increase impact resistance and comfort.

Rooms Where Laminate Flooring is Used

A less expensive option than hardwood or carpet, laminate is often used in workrooms, dining and living areas, office space and commercial buildings. If properly installed, laminate can be waterproof and used in areas where spills are frequent such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Laminate wood flooring can be acquired in various colors to match cherry, walnut or other wood cabinetry in kitchens. Dining or breakfast nooks attached to kitchens are often also done in laminate for continuity’s sake. Oak laminate flooring is popular for dens and family rooms, and tile laminate flooring patterns are often used for entries and bathroom floors.

Advantages of Laminate Flooring

Laminate has the advantage of being easy to clean and flexible. In situations where foundations may shift and tile could crack, laminate is the natural choice. Laminate floor tiles can be applied directly to clean concrete flooring or over an existing sub floor if properly prepped. Sheet laminate can even be used on floors in playhouses or screened porches, although some fading may occur in direct sunlight.

What to Consider When Purchasing Laminate Flooring

Laminate is not a good choice in areas with chance of water on the floor if there is no way to waterproof around the edges When deciding on flooring for your home, enlist an expert to help you determine which areas are good candidates for sheet laminate or laminate floor tiles. The cost of laminate vs. other flooring options makes it an attractive choice for rental space, so consider it if you own apartments or rent houses as an easily replaceable floor covering. The experts at Ideal Floor can walk you through the selection of laminate floor tile and tile or wood laminate flooring to find the best option for your home or business.