Laminate Flooring

When you decide that laminate flooring is what you need in your home, you still are just on the cusp of decision making. Laminate flooring encompasses everything from light wood appearances to stone and tile styled products. Sure laminate is tough and attractive, but do you know what you should really be considering when you choose your laminate floor?

Texture

You'll soon discover that some laminate floor is textured and some is smooth. If you have a busy household with a lot of foot traffic and pets, strongly consider textured laminate. The smooth planks might be more visually appealing in the store, but they will show every piece of dust, dirt and dog hair which lands on top. Sure, you can sweep it up in a matter of heartbeats, so it's not a make-or-break decision, but going an extra day before dusting might be appealing enough to go with a bit of texture.

Color

Again, color can have a lot to do with the feel of your laminate flooring and what shows up. The darker the flooring, the more dirt and dust will show. It seems wrong, but since dust and dirt aren't getting ground into the flooring like with carpet, the particles sit on top of the floor and are easily spotted. Dust especially is light in color, so it shows up like a homing beacon on dark laminate flooring. Picture a dark vehicle that is obviously in need of a wash. Dark flooring though can make a home appear statelier and warmer while light colors are more contemporary and lighten a room considerably.

Pattern

Naturally you'll want to select a pattern of flooring that suits your needs and your design plans. Stone façade laminate flooring might be perfect one place while wide plank designs more suitable someplace else. Don't be afraid to try something new - just be very sure it is what works for you since you'll be enjoying it for the next fifteen or twenty years at least.

Price

There is a wide range of prices in laminate flooring. Not surprisingly there is also a wide range of quality. While there is not really a poor quality laminate since all laminate is graded on durability, some flooring choices appear more "real" than others and the texture and feel of the flooring under your feet is different as well. Less expensive laminate flooring options are thinner with fewer layers or less padding beneath your feet, but can still be very attractive and last for more than a decade. More expensive laminate will appear almost identical to real wood floors, and will have a bit more give under your feet.

Durability

Finally, you'll want to consider durability. There are multiple AC grades / ratings of laminate floors. The heaviest grades, namely AC4 and AC5, are commercial grade laminate flooring and very rough under bare feet. The first two grades are best for homes and residential foot traffic. When selecting a laminate, don't be fooled into thinking that higher grades are better for your home - the opposite is true. For once, you want one of the lowest grades available, although the absolute lowest might not last as long in your home due to the limited amount of traffic the flooring can withstand.