Laminate flooring is an alternative that requires little upkeep while retaining the allure of genuine wood. We are a prominent flooring company serving the Fort Mill area, and we have a large assortment of flooring.
Local Laminate Floor Installers in Fort Mill, SC
Homeowners who want to invest in a long-lasting flooring material should take the time to consider the benefits of laminate floors. Laminate flooring is made with a compressed wood board and wood fibers, with a tough resin wear layer on top. This flooring material sits between vinyl and hardwood flooring options in both price and durability. Check out the benefits of laminate floors at Gil Flooring Solutions.
Laminate Flooring Contractors in Fort Mill
One of the materials that is considered to be the most popular today is laminate flooring. The production of laminate flooring begins with the compression of wood fibers around a particle board wood basis. This is followed by the application of an image layer, and finally, a resin wear layer is applied as the final step. Homeowners will have the ability to select their preferred grain patterns, tones, and colours thanks to this flooring material’s picture layer, which serves as the heart of the one-of-a-kind design that will comprise it.
The coating of resin is what gives laminate flooring its reputation for being extremely long-lasting. A substance that is resistant to high-impact damage, heavy traffic, and scratches is called resin. Resin is a durable material. This flooring material is resistant to dampness and scuffs because to the resin layer, which is also responsible for the material’s toughness. Homeowners will have the option of selecting between a glossy or a matte resin coating.
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Benefits of Laminate Flooring
While there are many notable benefits of laminate floors, one of the most attractive benefits is the endless style and design options homeowners can explore with this flooring material. Some laminate floors are designed to look and feel like real hardwood planks, while others can mimic the appearance of parquet floors. Other benefits of this flooring include:
Durability
Laminate floors are exceptionally durable since these floors are protected by an external wear layer and a resin coating that makes the floor much stronger than other materials – including softwood options for wood floors, such as walnut and pine. Laminate floors are moisture-resistant, fade-resistant, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and impact resistant.
The durability of laminate floors is one of the reasons why homeowners with children and pets prefer this flooring material. This flooring is also durable enough to avoid dents and scratches from high heels or other shoes.
Easy Maintenance
One of the best things about laminate floors is the ease of maintenance. Due to unique qualities such as being waterproof and stain resistant, cleaning a laminate floor does not take much effort. In general, all you will need to do is use a damp mop or duster on the floor a few times a week, with occasional spot cleaning.
To protect the laminate material, it’s also a good idea to wipe up spills quickly, use floor protectors and furniture legs to prevent scratching the floor and use doormats in thigh traffic areas. If there are any small scratches or nicks, these can easily be corrected by using special finishing putty for laminate floors. Other flooring may require much more significant repair to restore the material to a good-as-new look.
Economical
Finally, laminate floors are a much more economical flooring option than hardwood, tiles, and ceramic. Not only are laminate materials less expensive in general, but these floors also have considerable longevity without the need for repairs or refinishing. While you may need to refinish a hardwood floor every three to five years, laminate floors will last for 15 to 25 years (or more) without any additional wax, varnish, or refinishing costs.
What Are Laminate Texture Options?
Laminate floors are available in three texture options: smooth, embossed, and hand-scraped. Smooth laminate is the most basic texture, while embossed laminate has a slightly textured surface that resembles natural wood. However, if you want to enjoy laminate floors with a texture that mimics natural wood, then hand-scraped is the best option.
Which Gloss Finish Should You Pick?
Laminate floors are finished with a tough resin layer that gives the floor exceptional long-lasting durability. However, this resin wear layer can be finished with a matte or high-gloss coating. There is no difference in the durability of these gloss finishes, so the choice between these finishes will depend on preference. The gloss finish will look like a polished wood floor, while the matte finish will hide small areas of wear and tear.
Do You Ever Need to Wax Laminate Floors?
Hardwood floors occasionally require wax and special polish to keep the wood in tip-top condition, but laminate floors can maintain the same level of shine with proper cleaning. A laminate floor will never require wax to maintain the gloss finish.
Is Laminate Flooring Better Than Vinyl or Hardwood?
While laminate is one of the most popular modern flooring options, comparing laminate to vinyl or hardwood can be like comparing apples to oranges. Each of these flooring materials has unique advantages and disadvantages. Factors such as cost, durability, water resistance, and style will help homeowners determine which flooring option is most appropriate for their needs.
Although some people mistakenly believe that laminate floors are made with the same synthetic material as vinyl, these floors are made with wood fibers. The unique construction of laminate floors makes it one of the smartest flooring options for homeowners who want to enjoy a long-term, cost effective, and low-maintenance floor.
Looking for a local and professional laminate floor contractor in Fort Mill? Give Gil Flooring Solution a call at (704) 245-9110 and we will discuss what flooring options may be right for you!