Laminate Flooring in Wexford, PA

Why choose laminate flooring?

We know laminate flooring is a popular hard surface flooring option for many, but does that make it the right fit for your home? Let’s consider some of the specific pros and cons of laminate flooring. 

Thanks to its high-quality design layer, laminate is generally considered to be a better imitator of hardwood flooring than most varieties of comparably priced vinyl flooring, so it can be a good choice if you want your flooring to resemble hardwood very closely, at a more affordable price but without requiring the same maintenance needs. 

Laminate is also extremely durable thanks to its fiberboard core and separate wear layer. Unlike vinyl flooring however, laminate is not completely waterproof, although most of it is considered water-resistant. So it’s important to take care when cleaning it, and it’s also recommended you consider other types of flooring (like vinyl or ceramic tile) that may be a better fit for more moisture-prone rooms in the home. Laminate is also a popular choice for stair treads due to durability and overall affordability.

What is laminate flooring made of?

Laminate flooring consists of four layers: the wear layer, which uses clear aluminum oxide to protect against scratches; the design layer, which is a high-quality photographic print to give the flooring a natural look of wood or other materials; the core layer, which is constructed of highly compressed fiberboard; and finally the underlayment, which is a soft layer at the bottom that helps with uneven subfloors. 

Laminate’s intricate construction is what makes it such a durable product, and although it is not 100% recyclable, due to some synthetic materials used in its layers, many laminate manufacturers prioritize recycled materials in the wood-based fibers of the core layer, making it a bit more sustainable than most vinyl products. 

For homeowners concerned about allergens, laminate flooring can also be a budget-friendly hypoallergenic flooring option, particularly high-quality laminate brands like Engineered Floors that are Green Label Plus approved for very low VOC emissions.

Is laminate flooring a good choice for kids and pets?

Laminate flooring is considered by many to be a cost-effective, pet and kid-friendly flooring option, since it is tough, durable, and resistant to both scratches and stains. It is also easy to clean. Most, but not all laminate flooring brands are water-resistant, so be sure to double-check that your laminate is considered water-resistant before purchasing, if you have pets.

Is laminate flooring a good choice for kitchens?

Laminate’s versatile design, affordability, general water-resistance, and durability make it a great flooring choice for kitchens.

How does laminate compare to vinyl flooring?

Laminate and vinyl plank flooring are often mistaken for each other, due to both being hardwood substitutes that often have a similar look to regular hardwood flooring; however, there are some key differences between the materials they are made with and how well they hold up to moisture. Laminate is made of a four-layer combination of natural and synthetic materials; while vinyl flooring is 100% synthetic, making vinyl flooring less sustainable than laminate. Between the two, laminate flooring typically resembles genuine hardwood more closely, but it is also less waterproof, making vinyl a better option for basements or moisture-prone areas. 

For a full list comparing the pros and cons of laminate vs hardwood flooring, check out the rest of our blog.

How does laminate compare to hardwood flooring?

Hardwood flooring is often compared to laminate flooring due to its appearance and durability. Engineered hardwood and laminate are particularly similar because both are constructed of layers; the difference is that engineered hardwood’s layers all consist of wood, from the beautiful veneer on top to the stable plywood core. Laminate flooring also has a core made from wood particles, but its top layers include the plastic wear layer and the photographic design layer instead, so it is usually more affordable than engineered hardwood. 

To learn more about our wide selection of laminate flooring options available from our Pittsburgh store, please contact us or stop into our Wexford, PA showroom to explore our inventory and select the perfect flooring for your household.