Common Myths About Laminate Flooring - Flooring HQ | Longwood, FL Flooring Store

Common Myths About Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a viable option for your home
Read Time: 3 minutes
Jun 10, 2021

Common myths about laminate flooring

While people have been using laminate flooring for a long time, there are many strange assumptions about this flooring material. Considering laminate flooring for your home? Here are some common myths about laminate flooring and why they are not true.

Myth #1: Laminate isn’t durable

Reality: Laminate can withstand years of common household wear and tear.

One of the most common myths about laminate flooring is that it is flimsy and can easily be damaged. However, each panel of laminate flooring is made up of four layers:

  • Base
  • Substrate
  • Pattern
  • Wear layer
Each layer is primarily hard on its own, and all of them are bonded with high pressure and resins, which add more strength to the planks. These layers contribute to making the material much stronger and more durable. If maintained properly, laminate flooring can last for years.

Pet dog on laminate flooring

Myth #2: Laminate flooring looks cheap

Reality: New laminate flooring offers an elegant variety of textures, designs, and styles.

If you are planning to install laminate flooring in your home, then definitely look for the latest designs and textures available. New, laminate flooring options have a great variety of textures, designs, and styles that mirror almost any kind of hardwood or stone finish. They consist of images and patterns of the natural material in exceptional quality as the uppermost layer, which is secured by a protective coating.

Myth #3: Cleaning laminate flooring is tiresome

Reality: Dirt and debris rarely build up in between planks. Laminate flooring can be easily cleaned with a mop or vacuum.

Many believe cleaning and maintaining laminate flooring is difficult as the fibreboard core might get damaged due to moisture. However, this idea is false. Laminate flooring is tightly installed and there are hardly any gaps between the planks. This makes it hard for dirt and debris to set in. A dust mop and frequent vacuuming is enough to keep the flooring clean. Using a damp mop and particular cleaners (specifically made for this material) ensures a clean and spotless floor.

Young child with paintbox sitting on laminate flooring

Tips for cleaning laminate flooring:

  • Avoid using a wet mop on a cracked surface as the water can infiltrate into the core layers and can damage its base
  • Try cleaning little spills as soon as you possibly can to prevent lasting stains
  • Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar since it can damage the surface
  • Put area rugs and mats at the entrance to reduce the amount of dirt entering your home
  • Avoid using ammonia, bleach, or any harsh chemicals for cleaning the floor

Myth #4: Laminate can’t be repaired

Reality: Repairing laminate flooring is a smooth procedure.

Laminate is installed in the form of planks. This makes it easier to repair or replace only the problem area while leaving the rest of the flooring intact. Small scratches can be fixed with wax pencils or a repair kit like hardwood. If the flooring was installed using the click-lock method in the first place, then you can effortlessly replace a plank or two as per your requirements. Replacing is only necessary when the damage is beyond repair.

Myth #5: Laminate flooring is expensive

Reality: Laminate flooring is less expensive when compared to hardwood, tiles, and carpets.

The latest laminate flooring is the perfect depiction of natural materials, which gives them an expensive look. However, laminate flooring is much more cost-effective as compared to hardwood, tiles, and carpets. The charm and durability of laminate flooring together give your home a luxurious look. When you compare its easy maintenance and longevity with the price, you can confidently say that laminate is a fruitful investment for your home.

Newly installed laminate flooring

Myth #6: Laminate gets scratched easily

Reality: Laminate flooring withstands dents and scratches.

This belief is entirely untrue. Laminate flooring is a material that holds up well against dents and scratches. The uppermost layer of laminate flooring is tremendously hard and gives great protection to the floor. It can endure small scratches well but isn’t completely indestructible. If we compare laminate with hardwood or vinyl, it is actually better at withstanding dents and scratches.

Over time, laminate can get dents and cracks. This is why we recommend replacing the tiles to prevent them from getting damaged by water through the fissures.

Myth #7: Laminate is similar to vinyl

Reality: Laminate and vinyl are constructed with different materials and layering.

Laminate and vinyl both are indeed artificial flooring materials, but you can easily differentiate between the two. The main difference between both the flooring materials is the way they are constructed with materials and layering. Laminate consists of a hard fibreboard with its core topped with a design and wear layer. Whereas vinyl flooring has a resilient, flexible core that is composed of water-resistant materials.

Install high-quality laminate flooring in your home

Laminate flooring is elegant, easy to clean, durable, and inexpensive. Now that you have cleared any confusion regarding laminate flooring, you may be confident that it is perfect for your home. Contact us today to get a head start on installation and obtain a free quote.