What to Know Before Shopping for Laminate Wood Flooring*

Laminate is an excellent material that has come a long way since its beginnings when it was first introduced to the market. New technologies and modern materials have meant that the surfaces have become much more ‘natural’ in appearance, thanks to new pattern printing techniques, and decidedly robust, able to withstand the most intense stresses, such as continuous trampling in commercial environments. So much so that many architects suggest using Wood and Laminate Floors for their solid and practical characteristics.

We have prepared for you five great tips to keep in mind before consulting your laminate flooring supplier to help you choose the perfect laminate floor.

1 – Laminate thickness is important

A laminate plank consists of a top surface printed with a natural effect and a transparent, water- and impact-resistant overlay glued over a wooden base shaped to fit with the other planks. The thicker these elements are, the more stable and resistant the floor will be once laid. Therefore, the longer it will last.

2 – Buy the correct type of laminate for the space you need to refurbish

Although laminate has excellent durability and impact-resistance characteristics, several laminates are available on the market, suitable for different kinds of use (from light to intensive), as indicated by the manufacturer on the product sheet. Refer to these when purchasing your laminate floor, or risk throwing your money away.

3 – Imagine your floor within the context of the whole room 

No room is an island, and installing a new floor changes, often radically, its appearance. So, imagine your room within an overall ‘picture’. Remember that very bright colours – light, dark, or tinted – can be beautiful but not suitable for the rest of the space. So, think about it: the best solution is to test the final effect in the field with a material sample.

4 – There are so many types of laminate and ways of laying it

In addition to the colour, the type of installation and the type of batten used must be considered. For example, elements with wider slats help make rooms appear larger, and the direction of the joints helps to correct the proportions of a room optically. If you have any doubts, consult a professional who can best advise you on the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

5 – Find out about product conditions and guarantees

Although almost all Wood and Laminate Floors manufacturing companies on the market have certifications and offer product guarantees, it is always a good idea to inform yourself thoroughly about the product you are buying so that you will not have any nasty surprises once it is installed.

At a glance

Laminate is an excellent material: robust, inexpensive and easy to install, but its choice is entirely up to you. However, there are some small practical rules that it is best to follow when choosing: for example, a darker colour is more suitable if your floor is subject to frequent passing, and therefore, gets dirtier, while a lighter, more uniform colour is easier to see dirt, so it is more suitable for the home and if you have pets.

Love,

*THIS IS A SPONSORED POST