Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons
Laminate flooring is a relatively new but very popular flooring option. It has only been around for about 20 years but is by far the fastest growing segment of the flooring industry. There are very strong reasons for this incredible popularity but there are also negatives that you should be aware of if you are looking to purchase a laminate floor.
Although most laminate floor styles look like hardwood floors they are not and they are not a type of engineered wood floor either. Because the pattern in most advertisements for laminate flooring is wood grain many people get the mistaken impression that it is a real hardwood veneer laminated to a fiberboard core but that is simply not the case. They are actually paper imprinted with a high quality photographic image, usually of wood, although it can also be printed to simulate ceramic, terrazzo, marble or terra cotta. This paper is then laminated to a high density fiber board (HDF) base. The laminate surface is then sealed with a protective long lasting coating, usually a highly scratch resistant aluminum oxide finish. The idea is to get a tough and durable flooring material that is also very inexpensive and easy to care for. Like any attempt to simulate the look of wood sometimes it is very effective and at other times it is not particularly convincing. The thicker laminate floors (12 mm.) actually sound like a hardwood floor when you walk on them. Generally, laminate floors capture the look of a hardwood floor but do not always have the warmth, character and beauty. The best way to decide if the look is acceptable for you is to request a sample from the manufacturer. Most companies offer free samples of their laminate floor patterns.
The advantages of laminate floors make it a very convincing option. Quality laminate floors are generally much more water, stain and scratch resistant and will not fade or dent when compared to hardwood floors. Hardwood floors also require more maintenance and are not as durable. Hardwood floors are porous and as such are subject to stains, water absorption and dents. The better laminate floors have water resistant cores and the edges are wax impregnated so they are suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms that have occasional water spills. Most of the high-end laminate floors come with a lifetime warranty and can handle heavy traffic areas. However, the buyer has to be aware of some of the cheaper laminate floors. Many cannot be used in bathrooms or kitchens because the core is not protected from moisture absorption. Many warranties specifically state that the product is not intended for bathrooms or other areas subject to water spills. Also, the seal on the top of some of the cheaper laminates will start to show wear after only a few years in heavy traffic locations. Many of the less expensive laminates have only a 10 year warranty. So make sure you match the quality of the floor with the traffic requirements and water exposure of the area.
It is difficult to compete with the time tested beauty, elegance and warmth of hardwood floors. Some people are not comfortable with simulations or artificial anything and will only settle for the real thing. However, if the sticker shock of hardwood floors has you reeling laminate floors may give you what you are looking for at an acceptable price and with better durability and reduced maintenance.
How To Choose Flooring Wisely
Do you realize how much abuse your kitchen and bath floors take everyday? Your kitchen and bath floors are probably the hardest-working surfaces in your home. They take all the imaginable harsh conditions like heavy foot traffic, water overflow in the sinks and bathtubs, heavy pots and pans that are dropped occasionally, children’s clanging toys and colored crayons. Since the kitchen and bath are the most visited areas of the house, it is undeniable that these floors accumulate the most dirt and grit. Despite all the insults these hardworking floors take, we still expect them to be beautiful and last forever. Moreover, we want these floors to be safe and inexpensive.
In order to choose the best possible flooring materials, you need to know what you are looking for. Today, a myriad of flooring choices abound depending on appearance, cost and technology. These choices include hardwoods, softwoods, stone, carpet, resilients, tiles and laminates. Each of these flooring choices has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Experts suggest that you use these three criteria in order to properly choose your new floor. First, consider how the material will fit in your design. Second – consider how much wear and tear this material can take and how much traffic the area will take. Third, decide whether or not it will fit the allotted budget.
When choosing flooring you need to consider if this fits with the overall design of your kitchen and bath. The flooring can pretty much establish the mood or character you want to create for that certain area in your house. The flooring can either become the focal point of the area or it can serve as a background that will lead the eyes to other design elements of the room. Either way, you will need to have it in proper coordination with the rest of the design elements of the room. If you want to create a bold, contemporary look, you can mix and match colors, pattern, size and texture of ceramic tiles. There are also widely available laminates that can mimic the look and feel of natural materials. These can be inexpensive and support almost all possible design options ranging from a formal to a casual look.
You need to know the advantages and disadvantages of some flooring materials so that you will be able to come up with the best possible choice. A good kitchen and bath flooring need to withstand harsh conditions and daily abuse.
Hardwood flooring lasts indefinitely and is wear resistant. It provides a warm, natural look that is comfortable to the feet. This can be easily cleaned and refinished. However, this type of flooring is vulnerable to moisture and can easily dent. Some wood can darken as it ages.
Besides being durable, laminate flooring can be installed over old and existing floor. There are many colors to choose from. There are designs that imitate natural wood, stone and ceramic tile. Although this type of flooring is extremely durable, once damaged, refinishing it is next to impossible. This also needs foam underpadding, otherwise it can be very noisy without it.
Ceramic tile is durable and can resist both stain and water. There is a wide range of choices available. However, it can be noisy and cold. Glazed tiles can be hazardous and slippery especially when wet. Dirt can accumulate in grout joints. This type of flooring is difficult to repair.
Resilients are vinyl tiles and sheet flooring that are water and stain resistant. These are generally comfortable to the feet and easy to install. There are a lot of available designs to choose from. However, resilient flooring is prone to dent and tear. Moisture can seep into the seam between tiles.
Finally, stone is a type of flooring that is almost indestructible, elegant, can withstand high temperature and is easy to maintain. Stone flooring however is expensive, cold and slippery. A strong subfloor is needed if you decide on installing stone flooring. Some stones like limestone and granite absorb stain and dirt quickly. Stone flooring is usually difficult to repair. Gloss surfaces need regular polishing, which can be expensive and messy.
French Bedroom Design – Give Your Room A Makeover
Nothing can be more romantic than French bedroom designs. From the furniture to the accessories, French style never fails to add romance and sophistication to an old bedroom. If you are tired of your old bedroom design and would want to give it a new look, redo your room French-style. Here are some ways to your bedroom’s dramatic transformation through French design.
French bedrooms usually have one color theme for the room, the more common ones being light blue, green and gold. Pink, light peach and lilacs are also used. Nevertheless, you can choose any color that you want, provided that it matches well with distressed or whitewashed furniture. The plan is to have a monochromatic scheme for most parts of the room, and throw in another color or two with the accessories. Once you decided on the color themes, you might want to decide on how to treat the walls. Use a light-colored paint, or if you can secure lovely French wallpaper designs, you may also use the same.
The next thing that will give your room a distinct French look is the bed. A rococo style bed with a thick mattress, a nice bed cover and oversized pillows is what we are looking for. The bed frame is usually made of distressed wood, with nice carvings on the headboard or legs of the bed. You can also add a bolster cushion and more pillows. Bedding designs are usually floral or toile, while others use paisley. Do not be stingy on the sheets. French design also spells luxury, and what better way to show that but by the linen. Use them together with plain white sheets with lace or other pretty intricate details.
Another characteristic of French design is oversized furniture. Lines are usually dramatic and intricate. Wardrobe usually consists of a big armoire. For more storage, add chest drawers. There is also an antique dresser and side table. You can also add a cozy armchair and a sofa. Other antique pieces made of wrought iron may also be included.
The window is another part of the room which must be emphasized. Use sheered drapes and tiebacks for a dramatic effect. This also allows more natural light into the room, which is also distinctive of French design. Soft curtains that extend from the ceiling to the floor are pulled back to frame the window.
Add some hand-painted accessories to your bedroom. Find a beautiful screen with details similar to the furniture, and place it in a corner for accent. Display some porcelain art pieces or picture frames on top of the drawers.
As to the lighting, use French lamps such as Tiffany-styled lamps and some accent lights. A chandelier will also look good in a French bedroom. You can also add antique candle holders, for decorative purposes.
Add romance to your bedroom. Find a French bedroom design that will suit your taste. The good thing about this style is that you do not have to spend a lot to achieve the look. The best items can usually be found at flea markets. Look for some antique items that will give the shabby chic feel. You can also surf the internet for more designs. So what are you waiting for? Start the makeover now. Have fun!