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Laminate floors are widely favoured by people, because above all else, they are extremely practical. Unlike other forms of flooring it is scratch, stain and fade resistant, in some cases even burn resistant. The reason for its durability is a feature called a wear layer, which is a resin-based coating on the individual boards of laminate floors which is specifically designed to resist many forms of abrasion. It is typically made up of several coats of aluminium oxide or melamine. The added protection of flooring means that for families with small children and pets it's a clear winner. Due to recent modifications of laminate flooring, there are moisture resistant choices so you can now install it into your bathroom and kitchen. There are numerous laminate flooring suppliers that now offer moisture resistant flooring for homes.
Another attractive feature of laminate flooring is its low maintenance. Once installed Laminate flooring maintains its ‘brand new' look for years to come, and only requires some light cleaning. Unlike hardwood flooring, it does not need buffing or waxing giving you optimum benefits without disadvantages. No other flooring is easy to care for than laminate floors! For everyday cleaning, simply vacuum the floor or sweep to remove loose dirt and debris. Do not use soap, wax, household cleaners or any other product on laminate floors. This will leave a film on your floor and cause it to attract more dirt and leave streaks and footprints. The best way to clean your laminate floors is to use ammonia and water, or any other window cleaning product. First sweep or vacuum loose dirt, then mist the floor with your cleaner and buff it up using tea towel or cloth.
There are even health benefits associated with this choice of flooring, especially for people with allergies. Laminate can be a more hygienic choice for your home, as unlike carpets (which can add to allergy symptoms); it does not collect dust mites, food crumbs, or human and animal residues. Therefore providing you with a cleaner and healthier living space. In cases of extreme allergies, the removal of carpets has been recommended by medical professionals.
Also, you may not have thought it, but your choice of flooring can also add to the value of your home. In today's market, potential home buyers are looking for a hardwood floor opposed to carpeted flooring. So if you are looking to sell your home, laminate flooring could in fact be a valuable investment. Alternatively should you wish to move home, the option of taking your flooring with you is also available with laminate flooring.
If you do decide to invest in your home, laminate flooring is a remarkably cheaper option than other flooring choices. Laminate flooring is far cheaper than both carpet and hardwood. Currently in the flooring market, retailers are offering anything up to a 15 year guarantee with laminate packs.
All of the tedious maintenance involved with real wood or stone flooring can be intimidating and it's really not agreeable for most homes or offices today. In the past 20 years, laminate flooring has grown widely popular for this very reason. Treatment of real hardwood or stone flooring has failed to compete with the durability and longevity of today's quality laminate flooring products and services.
There is an expansive variety of laminate flooring products offered by several manufacturers. You can enjoy almost endless design options for any room in your home or office, as well as many quality and treatment choices which will enable you to select flooring that is appropriate for the traffic and environment of each room. It's important to choose your laminate flooring carefully to get the most value, but there are so many options that you can no doubt find the perfect style and quality to attain the image and durability you need.
Your laminate flooring will be protected against environmental factors and stand up against the test of time. Your floor can be resistant to the harmful UV rays that can cause your flooring to fade over time, protecting the colour and pattern of your laminate flooring for many years. You can also select flooring that will be protected against moisture and water damage, which is excellent for maintaining a beautiful floor in your bathroom or kitchen.
You can also expect a very reasonable warranty for many years, covering any scratches, dents, or stains on your laminate flooring. If there is any damage, despite protective measures, replacing planks or tiles of your laminate flooring is much simpler than real wood or stone flooring. You can easily replace a single tile or plank without contrasting with the pattern of your original laminate floor.
Unlike the maintenance of traditional wood or stone, you can easily maintain the beauty and quality of your laminate flooring and clean up spills with a mop or sponge. As long as it has been correctly installed, there will be no cracks or gaps between your tiles or planks and no pores on the surface to absorb moisture. The extent depends on the quality of the flooring you choose, but in general all laminate flooring will be better protected against these factors and far easier to maintain.
Installation of your laminate flooring is very simple as well. Professional installation is not necessary if you have the time and energy to put into your flooring project. Even professional installation can be far cheaper than real hardwood or stone flooring. If you choose to take on the project yourself, choosing glueless or pre-glued laminate flooring planks or tiles may be wise. They are usually a bit more expensive, but make installation and clean-up a great deal easier and less stressful.