Advantages of laminate

Compared with other types of flooring, laminate offers a number of distinct advantages.

Protected by a tough external layer and resin coating, laminate is much stronger, scratch-resistant, and longer-lasting than any hardwood, vinyl, or carpet flooring.

Not only are laminate sections smaller, designed to interlock, and easier to work with, but laminate can also be installed over most non-textile existing floors. In this “floating floor” method of installation, laminate is laid or “floated” over the existing floor without being glued to the surface. This saves considerable time and installation cost. Additionally, the introduction of glueless laminates further revolutionized ease of installation in the flooring industry. More than two thirds of current laminate flooring is glueless.

Not only is laminate generally less expensive to start with, but when its durability and longevity are considered, compared to other flooring options, it becomes a particularly economical choice.

Originally, most laminate floors replicated only the most in-demand wood floors. As laminate grew in popularity however, other looks were introduced, including highly realistic stone and marble. One of the most appealing characteristics of laminate is that designs are limited only by the imaginations of the producers. This has resulted in laminate becoming a medium unto itself, and a variety of rich, innovative product designs that are recognized by the design and decorating communities for their ability to create an atmosphere of sophisticated beauty in addition to long-term durability.

Most laminate flooring manufacturers offer extensive warranty protection against stains, fading, and moisture damage. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, are subject to wood grain staining, fading in sunlight, and are not appropriate for high-moisture areas.

Laminate's wear and moisture-resistant surface coating make spills and other messes easy to deal with.

Since it is made from paper, laminate's manufacture does not involve the harvesting of old-growth hardwoods as does that of wood flooring. Unlike some carpet, laminate does not contain significant quantities of some elements that affect indoor air quality. And when a laminate floor is easily replaced, it can be destroyed with no danger to the environment.