Laminate floors are a staple in the flooring industry. They are versatile in terms of their use, they can be installed anywhere in your home, and they hold up well to both wear and tear as well as moisture. And, they are attractive. They are a good all-around floor, but there are five things you should consider before you buy.
First, consider the overall look you want
There are so many styles of laminate floor available, that you might want to begin here. Are you interested in a hardwood look or perhaps you might find the appearance of tile more attractive? One very popular trend has been with grey laminate flooring, which gives the appearance of wood that has been weathered and greyed over time. Remember, one of the beautiful features of this flooring is that there are many different styles and you can vary styles from room to room.
Second, consider your needs
For instance, is this flooring going to be in a bathroom or kitchen where moisture is prevalent? If so, you will want to look for a laminate that is designed specifically to resist higher levels of moisture and which has a plastic or waterproof core. This will provide you with the longest lifespan for rooms where spills and splashes are commonplace.
Third, consider the underlayment
There are three things that underlayment can achieve. First of all, it prevents moisture from attacking the floor from underneath. Typically, this is most important in basements where moisture will come up through the concrete. Secondly, they control sound. Sometimes laminate flooring can have a kind of hollow sound when walked upon. These pads muffle the sound and make footfalls sound more like they were on solid wood or tile. The third aspect is that they give a little cushion to the floor, which helps to support the backing. Depending on where the floor will be installed will influence the kind of underlayment that you will need.
Fourth, consider how the floor will be installed
Most commonly, laminate flooring is installed as a floating floor, which means it can be placed over any surface you choose. Yet, some surfaces may need some preparation before you are ready for installation. In some cases, it can also be glued down. This is often done in slab construction, but not always.
Fifth, consider your budget
Nobody likes talking dollars and cents when it comes to a product. Yet, it is a reality in our world. You may initially fall in love with a high-end laminate, but if that is out of your price range, we are happy to help you find the right floor that will fit into your budget.
A bonus consideration, we can come to you
While we have three beautiful showrooms to serve you, we also have a mobile showroom that we can bring to you. The benefit of our Shop at Home service is that you can look at our full range of options all from the comfort of your own home and our knowledgeable designers will help you determine what will serve you best in each room of your home.
We, at Nielsen Brothers & Sons, are your source for all sorts of laminate flooring and our knowledgeable design staff can help you make the perfect decision for your home. We have showrooms in Bellevue, Auburn, and Lynwood, WA, and have a mobile unit that can come straight to your home. We serve the larger regions of Tacoma, Edmonds, Bothell, and everywhere in between. Give us a call and schedule an appointment. You will be glad you did.
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