Laminated flooring, as the name suggests, is a multi-layered artificial flooring product. The underlying wooden fiber layer is covered completely with a thin layer of plasticised/deposited glues/ures/glups, and a second layer of functional (imitation) flooring materials is usually applied on the top of the plasticised layer to give it added strength and flexibility. These two layers are bonded together using high performance resin glue, or a variety of other glues. As a result laminated flooring products are extremely durable and hard wearing. However, laminated flooring can be quite slippery when it has not been properly installed, and it can be especially slippery in winter.
In order to minimize the effects of laminate floors on foot traffic, it is important that they are installed in rooms where there is considerable human traffic, in other words where the traffic will be either walking or at least passing through. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if you have young children or pets then laminated flooring should be avoided wherever possible, because it is very easy to damage this type of floor. If, however, you are looking for a solution to the problems caused by moisture, grime, and stains then laminate floors can provide a great solution to these problems.
One of the most common complaints about laminated flooring is that it is seen as cheap by many people. In most cases laminated floors are considerably cheaper than their hardwood equivalents, and in some cases the cost per square meter is much lower. This is mainly due to the fact that laminate flooring is made from a higher grade of hardwood, which increases the strength of the boards and the durability of the whole underlayment. As a result laminated flooring often offers a better quality of sound insulation than hardwood flooring, which can make it an even more attractive option in some settings.
One of the reasons why laminate flooring is seen as cheaper than hardwood is that it often comes pre-finished. Although it is true that you will need to apply a sealant to keep the laminate floor in good condition, applying a sealant is generally not necessary unless you live in an area that is regularly exposed to water or has a particularly high humidity. This does not mean, however, that you cannot benefit from the benefits of a high quality laminate floor if you live in an area which does suffer from problems with moisture or dampness. If your home is in a basement, it is often advisable to install a damp proof floor between the ground and the floorboards, so that moisture can be effectively prevented. Also, if you live in a particularly cold region, then you may want to consider adding a layer of insulation between the floorboards and the subfloor, which can reduce the need for heating ducts and overall heating costs in your home.
When you are selecting your laminate flooring, you will undoubtedly have many design options to choose from; from colors and styles to finishes and levels of gloss and matte. Because laminate is a composite material, it is possible to create a virtually unlimited range of unique designs. However, the most popular colors and styles are those that are based on classic and timeless images, such as that of oak or beech or walnut. Many people also opt for natural wood effects, such as that of old-growth pine or cedar. Of course, beech and oak remain two of the most popular of all colors and styles, but if you are looking for something a little less commonplace you will certainly find a wide range of selections to suit your taste.
The advantage of laminate wood flooring, particularly if you install it in your bathroom or kitchen, is that you can easily change the look of the room on a daily basis. You do not need to worry about repainting your floors. You can also choose to have vertical or horizontal panels to create different effects. And because it is made up of individual timber panels rather than one solid board, you can choose to use genuine oak floorboards or a more contemporary selection, such as that of beech or maple. This flexibility means that you can easily adapt your laminate flooring to meet your requirements throughout the years. For more info on laminated flooring visit the best flooring company in Durham.