If you are exploring types of flooring that may be ideal for your kitchen, you understandably have a major task in front of you. The flooring material that you select will impact your kitchen’s décor and your home’s value. More than that, the material selected directly affects ongoing cleaning and maintenance needs. Its lifespan and durability affect how soon you will need to complete the flooring installation process again. While there are numerous types of flooring available for your kitchen renovation project, the many benefits of laminate flooring may be difficult to overlook.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Some people are initially turned off by the thought of laminate flooring as it is associated with fake wood. However, laminate is actually comprised of dried wood pulp, or lignocellulosic fibers, at the core. These fibers are compressed using a synthetic resin. This unique composition provides laminate floor materials with exceptional durability and even moderate resistance against water-related damage. Depending on the type of flooring selected, your laminate may resist water damage for up to two hours of exposure.
The core of the laminate flooring is topped by an image layer and a durable wear layer. Technology has advanced substantially in the design possibilities for the image layer. Kitchen laminate flooring is available in both tiles and planks, and you can find it in styles that mimic marble, slate, hardwood and more. Even the texture of these tiles or planks has the authentic feel of the materials that they mimic.
Exploring the Benefits of Laminate Floors
If laminate floors mimic the look and feel of other types of floors, you may wonder why you should not simply install the other materials. Laminate provides an exceptional combination of benefits that is not available with other flooring materials. For example, the cost of laminate floors is much more affordable than hardwood and other flooring options. The material also has a water resistant element and may be more resistant scratch damage than other flooring materials. In addition, it is easy to install and affordable. With numerous styles to choose from, its versatility makes it well-suited for many kitchen renovation projects.
What to Look for in Kitchen Laminate Flooring
You understandably need to find the right flooring material for your kitchen based on style and price, but these are only some of the factors to focus on when you are selecting kitchen laminate flooring. Kitchens are often high-traffic areas, so finding flooring that has a thick wear layer with durability that lives up to your high expectations is essential. The wearability of laminate is indicating through the AC rating. A general AC rating for residential laminate flooring is 3. This rating means that the material has been tested in a laboratory and can withstand 2,000 revolutions against a piece of sandpaper without showing wear. Be aware, however, that commercial-grade laminate is increasingly available to residential customers. This material has a higher AC rating and is well-suited for use in homes with significant foot traffic in the kitchen.
Installing and Maintaining Kitchen Laminate Flooring
Proper flooring installation is essential to the durability of kitchen laminate flooring. The water resistant nature of laminate hinges directly on how close the planks or tiles are installed next to each other. Laminate flooring is easy to install as a do-it-yourself project, but professional installation may be beneficial to ensure that you enjoy maximum longevity from it. Applying a sealant to laminate material is not necessary, but a sealant can create a moisture barrier that reduces the likelihood of water-related damage. When your new flooring is professionally installed, the installation team can apply the sealant over the laminate before completing the project.
Once new flooring is installed in your kitchen, regular cleaning and maintenance is required. While some flooring materials require substantial efforts, laminate flooring is easy to care for. Regular cleaning involves removing particles by dusting, sweeping or vacuuming the floor. Periodically, the floor should be wiped down with a damp cloth or mop. Spills and grit, such as sand, should be removed as soon as possible. If any of the boards or tiles are damaged, you can replace those specific pieces rather than have to replace the entire floor.
From beautiful laminate floors to luxury vinyl plank flooring, there are many gorgeous styles to choose from for your kitchen. We offer a wonderful selection of flooring materials for your kitchen renovation project. Regardless of the vision that you have for your completed kitchen flooring project, now is a great time to begin exploring our website and viewing the many stunning styles available.