Muster Some Luster with a Laminate Wood Floor

While in previous incarnations it was easy to spot a difference, today's laminate wood floors are becoming very good at emulating the look of real hardwood. Gone are the plastic appearance and fake feel. Modern versions stack up to wood in almost every way, and, in some instances, laminate wood flooring is actually superior to the product it was designed to mimic.

Types of Laminate Wood Flooring
There are many different grains and finishes available for laminate; from Ash to Walnut and from pristine to aged, you can find laminate flooring that looks like any kind of wood, in nearly any kind of condition. There are basically only two processes by which they are made, however.

A "direct laminate" is made by pressing all the layers (the protective top coating, the photographic layer, and the solid backing) together at the same time. A "high pressure laminate" fuses the protective and photographic layers first. Then, the backing layer is added. High pressure laminates are considered the more durable of the two, though both types are quite tough.

Laminate Wood Floor Pricing
The hands down biggest benefit of choosing a laminate wood floor over true hardwood is the price. Hardwood is quite expensive, both in the initial purchase and in its upkeep. A significantly less expensive laminate wood floor is sure to be available in whatever finish you like.

The difference in cost increases with the increase of the price for a particular variety of hardwood; exotic, rare, or difficult to harvest solid wood will drive costs up, while the price for a laminate stays the same regardless of its color.

Finish Facts
Laminate wood flooring requires very little maintenance. It is much more resistant to scrapes, dents, and stains than its hardwood counterparts. Hardwood needs to be periodically sanded and refinished to keep up appearances, where as laminate's hard protective layer will remain shiny without the extra attention.

Hardwood is very susceptible to moisture problems and has the tendency to expand, contract, swell, and crack if not properly maintained. Though not completely impervious to water, the degree of care necessary to eliminate moisture concerns with laminate is negligible in comparison. A laminate wood floor is okay around a small amount of water, but if installed in a bathroom or kitchen, problems can arise from letting water pool for long periods of time. For most of us, though, these concerns are nipped in the bud with everyday cleaning and tidiness.

Installation and Replacement
Another benefit of a laminate floor is the ease with which they are installed. The process requires much less knowledge of carpentry than installing hardwood and is usually much faster. It is a good option for those wishing to remodel without the cost of hiring a professional. Replacing a damaged piece of laminate is much like replacing a piece of hardwood. If you aren't very experienced, it might be best to call in a pro.