Durable and inexpensive, laminate kitchen flooring is a popular choice with home-owners on a budget. It stands up well to scratching, denting and water damage and mimics the look of expensive flooring like oak hardwood and natural granite. Still, not all laminate flooring is created equal. Here’s a quick and easy guide to selecting the Best Laminate Flooring for your kitchen.
Pick the Right Thickness
Laminate flooring comes in thickness’s from 7-12 millimetres, so be sure to choose the right one for you kitchen. Although laminate flooring will be scratch and dent-resistant no matter what the thickness, thicker laminates will prevent warping and bending if your floors aren’t completely level. In addition, thicker laminates can help muffle sound–a great perk for busy households with children or pets.
Look for an AC Rating of At Least 3
All laminate flooring is given an AC rating of between 1 and 5. For high-impact areas like the kitchen, the Best Laminate Flooring is rated 3 or higher. An AC rating of at least 3 will ensure that your laminate won’t become damaged by heavy foot traffic or accidents in the kitchen. Avoid laminate with an AC rating of 1 or 2 because these products are designed for lightly-traveled areas of the home like foyers.
Choose the Right Texture
If you’d like your laminate flooring to faithfully replicate the look of hardwood, look for a textured product. Textured designs look and feel more authentic because they recreate the wood grains in real hardwood flooring. For the best quality, look for a laminate that’s Embossed in Register (EIR) or hand-scraped. These products look more like the real thing because they mimic the texture and depth of hardwood better than flat laminate.
Ask About Warranties
Before you purchase your laminate flooring, ask about the warranty. Warranty lengths on laminate can range from 5 years to a lifetime, so make sure you’re comfortable with the guarantee on your product. You may also be able to get a better warranty if you opt to have your laminate flooring professionally installed.
Laminate flooring is a great choice for the kitchen because it’s attractive, inexpensive and durable. If you’re shopping for laminate, keep the tips above in mind to be sure you’re getting the best product for you and your family. Click Here for more details.
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