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Why Laminate Flooring is Sometimes a Better Option
A laminate floor that has been professionally
installed costs about the same as a Swedish finished hardwood floor. In
that case, you may wonder why someone would choose the laminate flooring
over real wood flooring. Well, under certain conditions, solid wood
flooring is not always an option, because of the subflooring or some
other reason. The laminate flooring is a good option in homes with
children and pets because they are extremely durable. The laminates can
be maintained easily and do not fade even when exposed to direct
sunlight. Laminate flooring is usually guaranteed against staining,
fading and wear. There are even some manufacturers that offer warranties
against moisture, however you need to read the fine print as there may
be
exceptions.
Sometimes the insurance company will not cover damage to your floor
(although they normally will). In that case, the flooring manufacturer
may cover a portion of it. Just make sure you know your options and
limitations before you purchase the flooring.
Laminate flooring is not the ideal for areas that may often get wet,
such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. Even though water does not damage
the top layer of the floor, as it would with wood floors, moisture can
seep in along the
edges of the floor or underneath it. However, there are conditions that
may arise during the installation process that can enable laminate to
work in areas that may get wet. Of course, talk to your installer before
making any plans to
install that type of flooring in areas such as bathrooms or laundry
rooms.
Vinyl or tile is generally recommended for wet areas.
Since laminate floors are actually floating floors, a tapping sound may
occur when people walk on it. Some manufacturers have produced a type of
padding that may muffle the sound, although this has not always been
successful. You may test it first by walking on a display floor at the
store. The best means of reducing the tapping sound or echo effect is to
utilize a cork underlayment for any type of floating floor.
When selecting any type of flooring, do your research first, and after
you have selected your flooring, follow the manufacturer's guidelines
carefully for installation and maintenance procedures.
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