Laminate floors are perfect for active rooms in the home and especially practical in homes with children and animals. Laminate flooring combines realistic designs with strong, durable and water-resistant finishes that are more quiet and comfortable than parquet, stone or ceramic flooring. Laminate floors easily imitate other types of hard surface flooring as the pattern is reproduced by printing a high-definition image that is protected by a melamine resin resulting in a variety of styles and designs.
This type of flooring is available in styles imitating real wood, sophisticated ceramics and natural stone. Dare to be exotic - only with laminate floor coverings can you allow your imagination to run wild! Exotic mahogany, ebony, marble, slate or antique pine, only your sense of adventure, and not your budget, may limit your choices. Not only is there a range of style options, floor covering technology has advanced considerably in recent years and now offers bevelled edges, aligned embossing (the texture corresponds perfectly to the printed pattern), multiple widths and different lengths. There is a style and texture to match every imaginable decor.
All of these choices come with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. Most laminate floors are made of partially recycled materials such as Berry Floor. Good quality laminate flooring is hypoallergenic because it offers no hiding places for bacteria or a dust mites which is beneficial for people with allergies, nor does does high quality laminate flooring emit toxins.
Laminate flooring can be installed above or below grade, over concrete or wood, in fact over almost any flat surface. A floating laminate floor can be installed directly over an existing floor, saving time and installation costs but also making it possible to install such floors in places where other types of flooring are not recommended. The great majority of laminate floors are so easy to install that many people do it themselves and save substantial installation costs. Moreover, floating floors installed without glue can be used immediately after installation. Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain with a vacuum or dust mop, and because high quality, laminate floor coverings are both easy to maintain and durable, they can increase the value of a home
While the market is currently flooded with laminates, it is important to choose carefully. With every level of quality available in stores, make sure to choose a high quality product with features that offer quality, design and durability in an environmentally conscious way.