Pros
Compared to most other flooring options, laminate flooring is more budget-friendly and durable, making it suitable for both residential and commercial use, with usage classes ranging from 31 to 33. Quality manufacturers like Quick-Parquet now produce waterproof laminate flooring, making it suitable for wet areas such as hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. Laminate flooring, constructed from dense HDF (High-Density Fiberboard), has low thermal resistance and effectively conducts heat, which is beneficial for underfloor heating systems. Thanks to Scratch and Stain Guard technologies, Quick-Step laminate, for example, is up to 10 times more scratch-resistant than traditional laminate flooring and is also resistant to stains.
Laminate flooring doesn’t require finishing or the periodic maintenance typical of oiled wood or natural stone. In most cases, individuals can install laminate flooring themselves by connecting the laminate boards using click-lock systems with ease.
Disadvantages
Laminate flooring can feel cold underfoot compared to wood. For thin 6-7mm laminate flooring, it’s especially important to have a sufficiently level subfloor, as otherwise, click-lock connections may break. With 6-7mm laminate flooring, impact noise can be noticeable. Damaged finishes cannot be repaired, but scratches can be concealed using a marker or wax stick.
Additional Useful Information
It’s important to be aware that laminate flooring is available in various qualities. Like most product categories, there are quality manufacturers and low-cost budget brands in the laminate flooring market.
Quality manufacturers use moisture-resistant HDF for the construction of laminate flooring and superior click-lock systems, making the installation process easier and ensuring the laminate boards are held together more securely, reducing the likelihood of breakage.
Quality manufacturers also enhance moisture resistance and add scratch protection to the surface. In addition to improved technical properties, they use decors and surface finishes that closely resemble natural wood and stone, making it challenging at times to distinguish them from the real materials. In our product range, you can find Quick Step (Belgium) laminate flooring, a reputable manufacturer.
Learn more here: laminate floors from Viimistluskaubamaja