Don’t we all just love the seamless elegance of hardwood flooring? Its timeless beauty is etched in our minds as the paradigm of classy interiors. However, hardwood flooring is mostly a design feature from the West where it is cold and not quite so humid. You must have wondered if hardwood works for tropical climate or is laminate flooring in India a better choice? Laminate is basically wood effect tiles that look similar to wood but have different properties.
Here is a breakdown of everything you need to know about laminate flooring to make an informed choice.
Laminate Flooring India Pros & Cons #1: Installation
Laminate flooring is rather easy to install. In fact, with the right guidelines, you could do it yourself! It does not require glue and isn’t too tough a material to cut. Wastage is remarkable less as compared to hardwood flooring, wherein you may have to discard pieces that do not fit into your floor plan.
Verdict: Pro
Laminate Flooring India Pros & Cons #2: Functionality
Functionally, laminate flooring works well for the elderly and children because it is not as tough as marble, granite or tiles. So if you fall, the chances of a serious injury are less. Moreover, laminate floors have some about of air gap that other forms of flooring don’t. Hence, they tend to be more springy and easier to stand on for longer periods of time. But in the interest of caution, it best to ensure that your wood effect tiles have an anti-skid layer.
Verdict: Pro
Laminate Flooring India Pros & Cons #3: Aesthetics
It is a well-known fact that laminate flooring mimics the classy look and feel of real hardwood flooring. Thus, like all imitations, this type of flooring too has its limitations. From a distance, wood effect tiles look like a perfect copy of hardwood flooring. But on closer inspection, its facade does not seem nearly as seamless.
Verdict: Con
Laminate Flooring Pros & Cons #4: Cost
There cannot be any comparison in the cost of actual hardwood flooring and laminate flooring. The latter is much cheaper and also more sustainable considering it does not actually involve felling of trees. However, in case you are selling your home, laminate flooring will not fetch you big bucks as its valuation comes to almost nothing.
Verdict: Pro
Laminate Flooring India Pros & Cons #5: Durability
Unlike wooden flooring, laminate does not get damaged easily. It is not prone to denting for example. However, on the flip side, it also cannot be fixed or retouched once it is damaged. Wooden flooring can be sanded and repaired. But laminate flooring, once damaged, must be replaced for good.
Verdict: Con
Laminate Flooring India Pros & Cons #6: Maintenance
Laminate has a huge benefit compared to hardwood when it comes to moisture. It does not absorb moisture as fast or easily as wood. Hence, its maintenance is much easier. Also, laminate does not get stained easily. And if it does, all you have to do is wipe it with a wet cloth.
Verdict: Pro
If you found this piece informative, also read Everything You Need To Know About Red Oxide Flooring.
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