Kitchens have been associated with tiles for many years, but as the technology in laminate flooring continues to advance, it has become a reliable and stylish option for the modern kitchen. Laminate flooring is extremely affordable, comes in a wide variety of styles, and can stand up strong to the normal wear and tear associated with a kitchen. Invision Hardwood & Décor carries a large selection of laminate flooring options that will impress your friends and family.
Using hardwood flooring in a kitchen is risky. Kitchens are considered high volume rooms and are susceptible to frequent spills and scratches. This is what makes laminate flooring a great option. It is stain and scratch resistant and holds up well in large volume rooms. In recent years, laminate flooring styles have become more attractive and even the sharpest set of eyes will have a difficult time distinguishing it from the patterns in hardwood floor.
Laminate Flooring Basics
If you are interested in working with laminate flooring, there are a couple of things that you should consider before getting started. In terms of design, laminate is made up of four layers, a wear layer, the pattern layer, a dense core board, and a melamine backing found at the bottom. Laminate flooring will not last forever, but it is extremely durable and capable of withstanding spills from cooking, pets, heavy traffic, and more.
Like hardwood, you should immediately clean up any spills. Do not let debris like sand or dirty accumulate on your floor as it can scratch and permanently damage your floor. For dust and debris, simply sweep, dust, or vacuum it. If you are looking to remove minor stains, a simple damp cloth or mop will suffice.
Laminate flooring does include a subfloor that acts as a moisture barrier, and in some cases, it helps mimic a specific sound if you are using a faux-hardwood style.
Style Choices
While the technical side of laminate flooring is important, the stylistic side is the one you really care about. You want to find a flooring option that looks like hardwood at half the price. Laminate is stylish and affordable, making it the total package.
When considering what color you want your laminate flooring to be, think about what colors your kitchen has and how a specific color will compliment them. Modern kitchens tend to make use of dark and warm colors, while rustic kitchens will use lighter wood styles and the classic black and white tile variation. Advances in laminate technology have also made it possible for it to replicate the distressed look in wood, making the rustic look even more realistic when working with laminate. Laminate flooring comes in strips, planks, and tiles. Typical laminate finishes include matte or gloss. The finish doesn’t affect durability and is purely a style choice.
Once you have decided on the specifics of your laminate flooring, the next step is to consider installation. Will you install it yourself or hire a professional flooring company? Laminate is very easy to install when compared to carpet or hardwood. It is generally ranked at a beginner level and is far more approachable.
Invision Hardwood & Décor specializes in laminate flooring and hardwood flooring services. If you are looking to outfit your kitchen, we have a large selection of laminate styles and we offer installation services to interested homeowners. We offer our products and services to customers in Toronto, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Woodbridge, Vaughan, and the GTA. If you have any questions about our products or our company, please feel free to contact us today. We would be more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.