Should I Choose Laminate Flooring?

Chances are, if you’re contemplating new flooring, laminate is high on your to-do list and understandably so. It’s affordable, utilitarian and comes in a massive number of styles. However, before making a purchase, it pays off to know what exactly you are purchasing and which type will fit in your home perfectly.

Why is laminate worth considering?

You get plenty of choices. Laminate is also offered in plenty of colours, plank sizes and finishes which can be more suited for your décor than you realise. Whether you want to opt for something lighter and modern or with a more classical feel, there is usually some type of laminate that works. For 12mm Laminate Flooring, visit //www.irwintiles.ie/wooden-flooring/laminate-flooring/laminate-12mm-water-resistant

It’s designed for everyday wear. A lot of laminate flooring is manufactured to withstand scuffs, scratches and general foot traffic, which makes it a popular option for busy homes.

The different types of laminate (in layman’s terms)

Laminate is often referred to as a floating floor. Which just means that the boards lock together and sit over an underlay, instead of being glued down.

Click-lock planks: fast and straightforward to install, you can lay these in most rooms.

Laminate with a built-in underlay: can simplify installation, but your subfloor still needs to be flat and dry.

Note that names can vary by retailer, so it’s always worth giving the product description a scan.

Durability: the long-term view

Although laminate is strong, it cannot survive a beat-down. Leaving spills to sit, filling poorly or having an uneven subfloor can shorten its life expectancy. To ensure it looks good for years, focus on:

Higher for hallways and living areas. The right rating for your room

Proper installation (especially expansion gaps)

Intelligent cleaning (damp mop, not soaked).

If you select a well-made product and have it installed properly, laminate can be an intelligent, low-maintenance flooring solution for many homes.