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Laminate flooring was developed in the late 1970s and gained popularity in the ’80s and ’90s. Initially, they were marketed to homeowners as a less expensive flooring choice to mimic hardwood. The earliest varieties of laminate were not especially convincing due to their plastic-looking finish. Over the years, laminate flooring has improved significantly. The finished look of laminate can effectively mimic hardwood flooring at a reduced cost. If you are considering laminate flooring, our showrooms at Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring have a variety of laminate samples so you can see their quality for yourself. 

What to Love about Laminate

  • The Price–Including installation, laminate flooring costs half or two-thirds of the price of hardwood. The price difference can be quite significant if you install flooring throughout your home. Even if you attempted your own installation, laminate costs between $1-5 per square foot compared with the average hardwood square foot cost of $3-7 dollars. 
  • The Durability–Laminate is resistant to scratches, stains, sunlight, and impact. Ideal for busy homes with kids and pets, this floor can withstand toys driving on it and pet toenails scratching it. Laminate flooring endures the wear and tear of daily life well. 
  • The Ease of Installation–Because laminate is a floating floor, no nails, staples, or glue are needed. The planks are designed to click together and lay on top of your existing floor or subfloor.
  • The Appearance–The plastic coating that used to give laminate away is long gone. Today, high-resolution images are used to create laminate, so the result is compelling. Beyond the appearance of the planks, they also have a convincing grain and texture. 

Laminate deserves the popularity and hype it has enjoyed in more recent years. The benefits are powerful, and the drawbacks are limited. If you place laminate throughout your home, be aware that laminate is not intended for wet spaces. One disadvantage of laminate is that when laminate has standing water on it, the high-density fiberboard begins to break down and expand. Laminate flooring cannot be repaired, so water-damaged laminate must be replaced. Therefore we discourage using laminate flooring in places such as your bathroom. 

Come visit our showroom today if you are ready to fall in love with laminate! Our Kemp’s Dalton West Flooring team is standing by to help you find the right variety for your space. Â