How to shop for laminate flooring
Laminate flooring has
come a long way, thanks to modern technology. Once considered a
functional economy flooring, it now is thought
of as a beautiful and affordable alternative to wood, stone, or tile,
thought by many to be the next big design trend. It has the same high
durability, low maintenance, and easy installation as before.
Buy the thickest surface your budget will allow
A more robust product
hides subfloor imperfections, is quieter, and has excellent design
options. While laminate comes in a range of thicknesses, a density
of 10-mm or 12-mm will give you that quality, authentic feeling.
Especially if you select a wood look, you’ll want that hard surface
feeling underfoot.
Looking into laminate style
If it’s high quality,
it will have true-to-life images taken with digital photography.
These have clarity and vibrancy with knots, swirls, grains, and
veining variations with micro beveling and deep embossing to add
depth, dimension, and textured appearances. It won't be uncommon to
find grainy textures or wire-brushed, hand scraped, weathered and
distressed looks.
Following trends, you can find whitewashed floors or stone surfaces such as marble, granite, travertine, etc. If the tiles are your preference, look for chevron, herringbone, encaustic styles, and filigrees, all of which can be mixed and matched to create a unique design. The material can be cut to mimic hardwood boards or groutable squares to echo stone and tile.
Following trends, you can find whitewashed floors or stone surfaces such as marble, granite, travertine, etc. If the tiles are your preference, look for chevron, herringbone, encaustic styles, and filigrees, all of which can be mixed and matched to create a unique design. The material can be cut to mimic hardwood boards or groutable squares to echo stone and tile.
Some things to know
Laminate's highly
durable. This is a layered product, and the layering automatically
makes it firmer and more rigid. The top layer is also a transparent,
long-lasting aluminum oxide that protects the floor from scratches
and scuffs. There's a new waterproof version with a unique
construction that keeps spills from absorbing, staining, and
rippling, allowing it to be installed in every room, including the
kitchen and bath, where it was once avoided due to moisture concerns.
Installation can be a fast and uncomplicated floating floor. Here, the pieces click together, mat, and hover over the subfloor without nails or glue. Subfloors need to be clean, dry, and level.
Installation can be a fast and uncomplicated floating floor. Here, the pieces click together, mat, and hover over the subfloor without nails or glue. Subfloors need to be clean, dry, and level.
Let’s find the best laminate flooring for your home
Many say the installation is just as important as the product, and at Outlook Flooring, we can make any product look like high-end flooring. To learn more about laminate flooring, and services that range from a shop at home option to design consultation, hardwood refinishing, commercial installations, free estimates, and more, visit any one of our four showrooms in the Greater Charlotte area. We're proud to serve the area's of Charlotte, NC, Rock Hill, SC, Monroe, NC, Lincolnton, NC, Fort Mill, SC, Gastonia, NC, and more! Be sure to get your free laminate flooring quote.
