Laminate flooring is great, but it’s certainly not perfect. It would be hard to find a flooring material that was. If you’re looking to make an informed decision on your next flooring, you need to consider all aspects of the laminate, information that can be difficult to obtain during an intense sales pitch.
Doesn’t look like real wood
Laminate is not real wood, but is designed to replicate the grain and texture of hardwood. Because it is a synthetic product, laminate will not have the individuality of a natural hardwood, and the boards may be a different size and shape thanks to the hardwood boards that make the pattern distinctive.
Laminate flooring is installed using interlocking pieces that are wider than individual hardwood planks. This means that the seam is different in most cases. The grain of the laminate flooring is created artificially, so it also lacks individuality. The grains tend to repeat themselves over and over again as there are only a limited number of patterns printed on various laminate flooring boards.
If the artificial nature of laminate flooring bothers you, you should investigate the higher-end market for the material. At the top of the laminate spectrum, much more care is taken to create a look that matches not only the colors and grain of the hardwood, but the feel and visual appeal as well. You may be surprised at what manufacturers can do.
it splinters
Laminate is made up of many layers that are sealed together with the top layers that create the wood pattern and protective layer. Hardwood is a solid plank with essentially the same material throughout, but the laminate only has color on part of the plank. When something hits the laminate floor at the wrong angle or with some force, the battered part of the floor can splinter.
When laminate chips, the top layers flake off leaving a small, often white hole behind. The lighter portion, often white, is the exposed layers below the color potion. If you have a darker laminate, this light portion is very visible. With hardwood, you’ll at least be able to finish the area, but you can’t restore the laminate.
Of course, in order to chip the laminate, it needs to be pretty hard on the floor, as it is a nearly indestructible material. But when it does happen, there aren’t many options available. You may be able to color the chip with a dark marker and let it go through. However, if the chip is in the right area, a rug could hide it completely. Your last option would be to pull out the affected board and replace it. If done carefully, this will completely remove the chip and leave no one else informed.
My back hurts
When you’re used to rug cushion, any hard material such as laminate, stone, tile, or hardwood will give your back and legs a bit more of a workout. By installing one of these materials, you have effectively removed the half inch of cushioned padding that used to be under your feet and placed the product directly on the hard surface below.
Your floor will be beautiful, but it can be hard on your back, especially if your posture is poor. To help with back pain caused by hard floors, try adding cushion in a different way.
Wear house shoes: Instead of going barefoot, put on a pair of house shoes with rubber or thicker soles.
Stand up straight: Hunching over any surface is sure to hurt your back, but hard surfaces make the pain more apparent faster. Stand up straight to help your back take the pressure.
Sit down: Instead of standing or walking around your house, set up comfortable chairs and stools so you can sit while you sort the mail, jot down a grocery list, and complete the myriad of small tasks you normally do standing up.
