With all the types of laminate flooring available, there are several key factors to consider before choosing the right type for you.
Wear and tear: Used in a high-activity area? It is durable and has a scratch-resistant finish. Check laminate flooring’s AC rating – this stands for Abrasion Criteria and is a rating system used to test durability, abrasion, and impact resistance. In areas with lower traffic, you can use a lower rating.
Resale Value: If you plan to sell your home soon, wood flooring can increase its value more than plastic laminate.
Cost: Is this part of a larger remodel, or are you specifically targeting a flooring upgrade? Laminate flooring is affordable and if you prefer other renovation elements, it can be a great option to keep the overall cost down. However, if you want to go all out with flooring, you may be willing to spend more on other types of flooring materials.
Installation: If you want to do it yourself, laminate flooring is an excellent choice. If you’re envisioning a more intricate look, you may want to hire a professional.
Laminate floors are incredibly and simply versatile. It also comes in a variety of finishes to achieve the desired look. It can mimic different types of wood floors in finishes such as oak, walnut, hickory, and maple, or it can model tile or stone floors.
The pros and cons of laminate flooring
Different materials have different pros and cons, but in general, laminate flooring is a very affordable option, especially when compared to wood and stone flooring. Material costs are low, and the DIY option makes it possible to reduce rebuilding costs as well.
Durability is also a very important reason for choosing laminate flooring. Faux wood and plastic laminate are different, but laminate flooring is a tough choice and will withstand moving furniture, pet claws, broken dishes, and more. It requires no special tools or products to clean and is waterproof or water-resistant, depending on the material you choose. Laminate flooring that looks a lot like the “real thing,” when it comes down to it, this can be the biggest cons and drawbacks. If you have a specific aesthetic in mind that requires wood as well as stone, tile, or other similar material, then you may not be happy with the laminate flooring alternative.
Thickness for laminate flooring
Laminate flooring comes in many thicknesses with common options including 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm. The thicker the floor, the more expensive it is. Thickness refers only to the distance between the base of the board and the top of the board.
While thickness affects longevity to some extent, its most important factor is how it affects aesthetics, as thicker laminate can more closely mimic more expensive flooring materials. Thickness also affects sound absorption. 10 or 12mm is recommended for a floor that looks the most like real wood, but if you don’t care about it looking “real” and want to save some money, then 7 to 8mm works too.