Your Guide To Choosing Laminate Flooring

There are many different types and finishes to choose from when selecting laminate flooring for your home. When making your decision, you should take not only the style of the laminate into consideration but also its suitability based on the room it will be installed in.

Laminate flooring has a core layer in the middle, a backing layer on the underside and a decorative top layer. The core is made by compressing wood pulp, and the degree of compression determines how durable the laminate will be. High-pressure laminate (HPL) is designed for high-traffic areas, such as your hallway or living room, while low-pressure laminate (LPL) has a compression rate that's around half of that used for HPL and is most suited to low-traffic areas, such as bedrooms.

Laminate Flooring Thickness

The thickness of laminate flooring boards is measured in millimetres, but how do you know how thick your flooring should be? As a general rule, you should opt for thicker boards when your floor is a little uneven or you have concerns about footfall sound travelling to a downstairs neighbour. If you have a stable subfloor you can opt for thinner boards, which will save you a little money.  

Laminate Flooring Textures

There are a variety of textures to choose from, and some textures even look convincingly like natural hardwood flooring. If that's not your style, consider a shiny satin finish or high gloss finish for a modern look, or opt for a soft scraped finish for a more rustic look. An oxide finish will give your flooring a metallic appearance, while a slate finish is designed to replicate the look and feel of a real slate tiled floor.

Laminate Flooring Edges

The edge type refers to how each individual board is cut and determines the finished appearance of your floor when the boards are fitted together. A square edge will create a seamless transition between boards, while a deep bevel edge creates a groove between each board that resembles the natural gap between hardwood floorboards. A micro-bevel edge creates rounded corners on each board and is suited to modern, elegant rooms, while a painted bevel edge creates pronounced lines along the grooves where each board connects and can be a good option for those wishing to make their flooring a focal point.

When selecting laminate flooring for your home, take some time to view a variety of different types. This will ensure you're happy with the finished floor and it's appropriate for the condition of your subfloor and the type and volume of footfall you'd expect. 

For more information about laminate flooring, contact a local flooring company. 


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