21 Aug 8 Facts about New Laminate Flooring for South Florida Living

Shopping for new flooring can be very difficult due to the sheer volume of options available. However, one of the first decisions you should make is which flooring material will suit your needs best. One of the most popular varieties of flooring on the market in South Florida today is laminate. While older versions of this flooring option have given it a bad reputation, recent technological advances have opened a whole new world regarding laminate wood flooring. Keep reading for eight facts about laminate flooring that may surprise you.

Fact #1: Affordability is one of the leading qualities that has always made laminate attractive.

When comparing prices with other flooring options, laminate floors do come out with a much lower cost per square foot; however, there is a wide price range when looking among only laminate options. Pricing can increase or decrease depending on the quality level, texture, finish, or style.  

Fact #2: Not all laminate flooring looks the same.

Laminate flooring typically comes in square tiles or planks. These tiles and planks are usually designed to appear like wood, natural stone, or tile through the use of a high-quality printed image. Though the flooring may appear to be stone, wood, or tile, laminate is softer and warmer underfoot. This helps reduce noise, stress on bones and joints, and costs for heating in the winter.

Fact #3: You can install most laminate flooring over existing flooring.

Many varieties of laminate flooring are designed to be installed over already existing floors or any type of subflooring. This means that you will not need to pay to have your current flooring removed if it is any of the following types:

• Hardwood
• Tile
• Cement

Most varieties of new laminate flooring in South Florida click together without any need for added glue, which saves you time and costs during installation. Additionally, as soon as the flooring is installed, you will be able to walk on it and use that room. Another thing to remember is that unlike other floorings that utilize adhesives and leave an off-putting smell, when there is no glue, there is no bad odor either.

Fact #4: Laminate flooring installation has gotten easier with new tongue and groove instant click technology.

As discussed above, many of the new varieties of laminate flooring offer a quick click option. This allows for a “floating” floor that does not use adhesives. No adhesive requirement not only saves you time and money on installation; it also saves money on necessary tools. The best part about new tongue and groove planks and tiles is that they help reduce an issue some lower quality laminates have called gapping, which is caused by humidity and results in swelling and buckling of planks or tiles.

Fact #5: There is very little required to maintain new laminate flooring.

Laminate is simple to clean and maintain. All you need to do is sweep, dust mop, or vacuum the surface. In case of spills, simply clean up any liquid as soon as possible and mop the area with a damp cloth as needed. There will never be a reason to refinish, re-stain, polish or sand your laminate flooring.

Fact #6: You can use laminate flooring in most rooms of the house.

Though it is true that some laminate does not do well with water, there is higher quality waterproof laminate flooring for sale in South Florida that can accommodate use in the kitchen and even the bathroom. Laminate flooring is also great when used in dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, playrooms, and any other area in your home that needs a durable and beautiful flooring option.

Fact #7: When searching for a hypoallergenic flooring option, laminate is a great choice.

Because laminate flooring is a hard and smooth surface, that does not collect dust like other fibrous floorings; it is considered hypoallergenic. This alleviates some health risks that many people with allergies or breathing ailments might be concerned with.

Fact #8: Kids and pets can be hard on any flooring type; however, high-quality laminate floors are made to withstand a lot.

Due to the wear coating that is put on most laminate flooring today, it can withstand quite a bit of abuse. Many homeowners who have families with multiple children and pets choose this flooring for its affordability and durability.

Kuhn Flooring and Your Floors

Kuhn Flooring is a leading company for new laminate flooring installation in South Florida. We offer a specialized design team who works with you to choose a flooring option that meets your wear and tear needs and visual expectations all while still being competitively priced. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can walk you through the entire process, and after discussing your home and the rooms you want to change, we can get you a time frame and price estimate. Contact us for help with your flooring project today!