Reasons To Have Laminate Flooring Installed Rather Than Hardwood

Laminate flooring is a good alternative to hardwood, and in some cases, it can even be a better option. Wood floors are a classic choice that go well with about any type of home décor. Laminate floors can give you the warm look of wood at a lower cost and with more relaxed maintenance requirements. Besides being more affordable, here are some reasons to choose laminate rather than wood floors for your home.

Laminate Floors Float

Floating floors are easy to install and they can go over other types of flooring. The boards click together rather than being nailed to the floor. The only special tool needed is a saw to trim the boards to fit. If you're looking for flooring that is easy to install and that won't disrupt your household for days, then laminate is a good choice. Since a laminate floor won't harm the floor underneath it when it is installed, you could even put one of these floors into a rental home and take it out when you move if necessary. Wood flooring, on the other hand, is permanent. It is nailed or glued down securely and is intended to last the life of the home unless it is damaged and needs to be removed.

Laminate Tolerates Water Better

While you don't want to make it a habit of getting a laminate floor wet, it is possible to put this type of flooring in a kitchen or bathroom as long as water isn't an issue. If you mop up water quickly and allow the floor to dry, it shouldn't have any water damage. However, if a bathtub or washer floods the room and the water isn't cleaned up right away, then laminate flooring might swell or warp. It isn't as waterproof as stone or sheet vinyl, but it isn't damaged as easily by water as hardwood. If you want wood floors in your kitchen, then laminate planks are probably a better option than real wood, especially since some brands are made to be water resistant.

Laminate Is A Good Choice For Pets

Laminate flooring is a good match for dogs in your home because it doesn't scratch as easily as some types of hardwood. Some of the more affordable types of hardwood are soft enough to be scratched by dog claws. Another problem with wood is that it can soak up urine and develop a terrible odor. Laminate has a surface that resists scratching and that causes liquids to bead up rather than soak in. This gives you time to clean up urine and wet paw tracks before they can damage the floor. One thing to keep in mind is that high-gloss laminate floors can be slippery for pets. If you're looking for flooring that's best for dogs and cats, you should look for laminate that has a textured surface.

In addition to the above advantages of laminate flooring, it also has the benefit of being easy to keep clean over its lifespan. You can dust it daily to keep your home free of dust and allergens. You may want to damp mop it occasionally or use a cleaning product made specifically for laminate floors to remove dirt and grime. However, you won't have to worry about sanding, staining, or refinishing the flooring like you do with wood.