If you are considering a new laminate floor, here are some pros and cons to consider before you purchase.

Individuals with pets or children tend to gravitate to laminate flooring. It is super easy to clean and holds up to the busiest and messiest tenants in your home. The appearance of this floor will outlast scratchy dog nails and toddlers drinking grape juice, playing race-cars and dressing up in high-heel shoes. Simply dust or mop occasionally to keep it looking great. This is an excellent flooring choice for those who deal with pet accidents and potty-training issues. Since every mess wipes up clean, there will be no odours or soaked-in stains trying to slowly drive you insane.

Benefits of Laminate Flooring

• Overall, laminate flooring is less expensive than hardwood.
• Laminate flooring is also very easy to install.
• It can be used almost anywhere in your home including kitchens.
• It often requires less floor prep work than other choices.
• It’s strong and very durable.
• It resists scratches and is hard to chip, even when heavy objects are dropped on it.
• It’s very stain resistant by comparison to carpet and vinyl products.

If you are looking for a lifetime investment, then laminate is not for you. It only lasts approximately 25 years as opposed to real hardwood that can potentially last centuries with the proper care. Many people find it less comfortable to walk on with bare feet, especially in the winter as it is colder underfoot. Be sure to choose slippers or socks with grip in order to prevent any slips or accidental falls. When it comes to resale, it will not add value to your home the way hardwood floors do. It will be better than trying to sell your home with ugly linoleum or dingy and disgusting carpet.

Drawbacks of Laminate Flooring

It cannot be refinished like a quality hardwood product can.
Laminate floors do not retain heat and is not designed for radiant heat flooring installations.
Laminate floors are often very slippery.
Laminate does not provide the same resale value as hardwood.
With this in mind, laminate can be the ideal choice for young families, pet lovers and rental properties;