Laminate flooring is a man-made material with a plastic or wood core and a surface that can mimic metal, wood, stone, or tile. It’s available in high-gloss or matte finishes, geometric shapes, bold designs, and various colors.
Despite common misconceptions, laminate offers many high-quality, attractive options to suit any home décor. It is a stylish, durable, and affordable flooring upgrade that requires minimal maintenance. If you’re looking for a new floor that offers all the benefits of tile or hardwood at a fraction of the price, laminate is a great choice.
Footprints Floors provides top-notch laminate flooring installation. We are a family-owned business with years of dedication in the flooring industry. Our flooring experts promise to bring your dream laminate flooring project to life!
We begin every installation with a free, detailed estimate. We won’t start until you’ve reviewed and approved every aspect of the project with our team. Once the details are finalized, we can begin our step-by-step process.
Laminate flooring is a versatile and popular choice for many homeowners due to its durability, affordability, and stylish appearance. It is a synthetic product with multiple layers, including a wear-resistant top coating that protects against scratches and stains.
Laminate can mimic the look of natural materials such as hardwood, stone, or tile while being easier to maintain and more budget-friendly.
Laminate flooring is well-suited for many rooms across the home, particularly those with moderate foot traffic. It works great in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and home offices. It is also an excellent choice for kitchens and entryways for its resistance to stains and easy cleaning. It’s less ideal for rooms with high moisture levels, like bathrooms, where water can seep into the seams of laminate planks and cause damage.
Laminate flooring is built to endure the demands of busy households with high-traffic areas, pets, and children. Its tough wear layer protects against scratches, dents, stains, and daily wear, keeping the floor looking new longer. Unlike natural wood, laminate resists fading, scratches, and stains.
Compared to hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile, laminate flooring is a highly affordable alternative. It offers homeowners an upscale look at a fraction of the cost, providing a durable option that fits many budgets
Laminate floors are prized for their easy maintenance. They don’t require special cleaning products, waxing, or polishing, saving you time and effort. Laminate’s protective surface resists stains and scratches, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas in the home.
Laminate flooring offers a wide range of realistic designs that mimic natural materials like wood, stone, and tile. It can replicate the fine details and textures of oak, maple, slate, marble, and more. It’s also available in a spectrum of colors and finishes, easily complementing any home décor style.
Installation is typically a click-lock system where planks snap together without glue or nails, making the process relatively easy. Every good floor installation will begin with a clean, level subfloor and an underlayment for moisture protection and cushioning.
Planks are then laid starting at one corner of the room, usually against the longest wall. Each row of planks is staggered to create a natural wood-like appearance and structural stability. Precision cutting is required at walls and doorways to ensure a tight fit, and baseboards cover expansion gaps after installation is complete.
Caring for laminate floors is straightforward. Regular sweeping or vacuuming keeps dust, dirt, and grit at bay. A damp mop with water or laminate floor cleaner will make the floors shine, but excessive moisture should be avoided to prevent warping.
Unlike hardwood, laminates do not require waxing, polishing, or refinishing, which simplifies ongoing upkeep. Promptly wiping up spills and protecting floors from sharp objects or heavy furniture legs with pads will help maintain the floor’s appearance.
Prefer to pay over time rather than all at once? Submit an estimate or call us for more details on financing your flooring project!
Laminate flooring and vinyl flooring differ in composition and installation. Laminate is made by layering different materials together to create a strong, durable surface. The top layer is a clear, protective coating that helps resist scratches and wear. Vinyl is made from plastic materials, which makes it more flexible and waterproof.
During installation, laminate snaps together as a floating floor, while vinyl can come in planks, sheets, or tiles with various attachment options. Each is attractive and durable, but choosing the best option for your home depends on your specific needs for durability, appearance, and the room where it will be installed.
Some homeowners believe laminate flooring to be a DIY-friendly option because the planks usually lock together without the need for glue or nails. However, a successful installation requires careful preparation, a level subfloor, and precise measuring and cutting of planks.
Mistakes during installation, such as uneven seams or improper expansion gaps, can affect the floor’s look and longevity. If you have the time and are confident with basic tools and patient about detailed work, you might enjoy the process. That said, professional installers bring experience and efficiency for a perfect finish without any stress and frustration.
When researching your local area laminate flooring installers, look for someone with strong experience. Check reviews and ask for references to confirm a track record of customer satisfaction and quality workmanship.
It’s also important to confirm licensing, insurance, and any warranties. A good installer will communicate clearly, provide a detailed and transparent estimate, and be willing to answer your questions.
Laminate flooring is very versatile and ideal for various areas of the home. It does well in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and hallways. It’s durable enough to handle everyday wear and tear, making it a great choice for family-centered spaces.
Laminate can be susceptible to water damage if exposed to excessive moisture, so it is not recommended for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements.
A huge benefit of laminate is that it can provide the look of natural hardwood or stone at a more affordable price point. It’s also easier to maintain due to its durable, scratch-resistant surface.
The installation process is usually quicker and less invasive compared to traditional hardwood floors. Laminate also resists stains and fading, making it suitable for busy households or areas with pets and children.
The most well-known drawback of laminate flooring is that it can be vulnerable to moisture damage if water seeps into seams or the subfloor, causing swelling or warping. When planks of laminate are damaged, they often need to be replaced completely because laminate cannot be refinished like hardwood.
Some people find the feel of laminate underfoot less warm or natural compared to real wood. They can also be noisy without proper underlayment, so choosing a professional flooring installer is a must.
Choosing laminate flooring is a great way to enhance the beauty and value of your home while staying within your budget. It's a durable, scratch-resistant material that gives you the beauty of hardwood or natural stone without hurting your wallet.
With countless material options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know the right choice for your home. Footprints Floors is here to answer your questions and help you find the best option for your home improvement project. If you currently have laminate floors that need an upgrade, we also provide laminate flooring repair, so you can count on us for ongoing support and maintenance.
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