In the first part of 11 Laminate Flooring Pros And Cons, you discovered 7 of the benefits of installing this snap together flooring.
Note: Laminate flooring samples (free at the time of writing) make it a lot easier to make up your mind.
But what about the drawbacks? What should you be on the lookout for on the negative side?
4 Cons Of Laminate Snap Together Flooring
1. Lower Long Term Value
Laminate flooring may look like the real thing, but in the end it isn't hardwood. It does not bring about the same classical ambience and also will not add the same value to your home. Although laminates can be of a high quality these days, property buyers generally still prefer to see a natural wood floor.
2. Higher Noise Level
When walking on laminate floors, there is often a somewhat 'hollow' sound. One way to reduce the impact of this is to choose the best quality underlayments you can afford. Don't skimp on this and see it as not important. This is one of the laminate flooring pros and cons that you can really do something about. Choosing the best underlay can help with the enjoyment you get from your floors after installation.
Also remember that the noise can affect a downstairs area, if the installation is upstairs. Your supplier can offer advice about an underlayment that will help you to dampen sound.
3. Slippery Floors
Today this is less of an issue than in the past. Make sure that you choose a product with a wear layer that is slip-resistant. In the past, folks have often discovered too late that these floors can be very slippery when wet. Many of the new lines on the market address this issue successfully.
4. No Sanding
Remember that laminates are what they are. Although there are tools on the market that can help you with scratches, the floors can't be sanded or refinished. So, keep this in mind with basic maintenance and care.
If your home improvement budget doesn't allow for real hardwood, laminate snap together flooring may be a suitable solution. However, take careful note of all the laminate flooring pros and cons before you make a final decision.
