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The Downside to Laminate Wood Flooring |
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When choosing the best flooring for your home or apartment, there are a lot to choose from. But from the all possible choices available, laminate flooring would be the least possible choice or investment. And here’s why.
Laminate flooring is not the most environmentally friendly product available today. The most affordable laminate flooring can last up to 10 to 15 years, compared to hardwood which can last up to at least 40 years with proper maintenance. Since laminate flooring is engineered and manufactured, it uses chemicals. The chemicals may not cause you or your home any harm but in general it may impact on the environment.
Laminate floors have limited applications. They cannot be installed in wet areas such as bathrooms. They cannot be sanded and refinished if they are damaged. Damaged and worn down laminate flooring must be replaced all together. Finally, if the sub-floor is not installed properly under laminate floors, the sound of walking on laminate flooring can become loud and hollow. This can irritate to some people.
Laminate floors are not that durable. They do not hold up well to constant heat, water and exposure to other elements. In a centrally heated kitchen, laminate floors wood could warp to some extent. Also, the joints of end-grain wood can start to open up if not properly sealed. Moisture can lead to distortion of the shape of the laminate flooring. If installed at areas where there is constant exposure to water, laminate flooring tends to get damaged. This type of flooring also has a tendency to warp due to heat and pressure.
Another issue with durability is laminate floors that get damaged easily. Heavy or sharp objects are not advisable on laminate floors. The floor gets easily damaged. Sofas, chairs, tables and appliances that are frequently moved around will damage the surface of the floor.
Sharp objects or high heeled shoes can scratch and leave impressions and dents on the surface of the floor.
This can result into a surface that is hard and full of scratches.
There is also a phenomenon called peaking. Peaking is problem characterized by the tendency of the laminate floor not to stay connected to the corners of the room. People whose homes have laminate floors try to correct peaking by placing heavy objects on the affected areas. Not good!! Peaking is difficult to correct without professional, assistance
Safety is another concern. A thin coat of plastic-like substance covers the surface of laminate flooring making it so smooth. This makes the laminate flooring slippery. This is even more dangerous when the surface is wet.
One particular disadvantage of laminate flooring is value for money. If you are looking for an investment that can increase the value of your home in the short- or long-term future, laminate flooring is not it. First it only last ten to fifteen years. Second, they are not real. Laminate floors are not real wood. And there is just no premium in that., If you are thinking of using laminate flooring for your home, think again. It may not be worth your investment . |
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