Know Your Flooring: Timber Laminate
Laminate floors can deliver the look of timber for less cost and with less maintenance. Here we lay the groundwork of what you need to know
Rebecca Gross
13 February 2016
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
The popularity of laminate flooring has soared in recent years, due to its desirable aesthetic and many other benefits. The timber-look-alike is easy to install and maintain, it’s durable and fade resistant, and it’s easier on the wallet than the genuine wooden article. Available in a range of colours, thicknesses, grains and finishes, laminate timber flooring is suitable for a great variety of houses and apartments. This guide gives you the lowdown on laminate flooring.
What to consider when choosing laminate flooring
- When it comes to the overall look of the floor, consider colour, grain and how it suits the style of your home’s interior.
- Laminate flooring is available in thicknesses that range from 7 to 12 millimetres, and the protective top layer can vary in quality. Both of these factors will affect the durability of the flooring, particularly in high-traffic areas.
The pros of laminate flooring
- Laminate floors are a more budget-friendly option than hardwood or engineered wood floors.
- They’re a durable product and good-quality floors should remain the same colour as the day they were installed.
- Laminate floors are easier to install than traditional hardwood floors. Tongue and groove planks can be clicked into one another, and sometimes an adhesive backing is provided for ease of installation.
The cons of laminate flooring
- Laminate flooring is not able to be sanded back or refinished, like hardwood is, so if they get heavily worn or deeply scratched, they may need replacing. Alternatively, it may be time to invest in a good rug.
- Laminate floors can be slippery or hard under foot. However, slip-resistant layers and foam underlay can help reduce these cons.
- They do have a lower resale value than the real deal.
Maintaining laminate flooring
- Cleaning laminate floors is easy and much like cleaning other hardwood floors.
- Dust, dirt and sand particles can scratch the surface over time in high-traffic areas, so it’s important to keep the floors clean.
- Mopping is generally not recommended because the flooring is made of composite layers that are not all water resistant. As sitting water or moisture can cause the planks to swell or warp, laminate floors should be kept relatively dry and spills wiped up quickly.
Variety of laminate floors
Worn-looking laminate flooring creates a dramatic effect in this home office, while complementing the taupe walls separated by contrasting while skirting.
Worn-looking laminate flooring creates a dramatic effect in this home office, while complementing the taupe walls separated by contrasting while skirting.
The interplay of warm and natural tones and textures in this sitting room provides a welcoming aesthetic. Brown laminate flooring blends beautifully with the dove grey walls, and complements the large cream sofa and cream trims in the window frame and shelving.
Laminate flooring is well matched with the recycled wooden top of this bathroom vanity. Plus, it’s an unobtrusive backdrop to a crisp white bathroom, and is also easy to clean and maintain.
Ash-toned laminate floors suit the laid-back style and neutral palette in this bedroom. Laminate panels are used on both the floor and the feature wall here. The floor has wide and textured boards, while the wall has a matt finish. The overall look is warm and textured, creating a relaxed and inviting room.
The laminate floor in this country kitchen unites a range of brown tones to create a rustic yet sophisticated look, which complements the wooden detail in the ceiling as well as the copper range hood.
Which kitchens go with what flooring?
Which kitchens go with what flooring?
YOUR TURN
Do you have contemporary laminate flooring in your home? Share your style by uploading photos in the Comments section below.
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Hi there, are your Vue and Belle laminates really suitable for a kitchen? We have an open living plan so I want the same flooring in the kitchen as the living areas. But I also have an 8 year old son so there might be the odd spill. Also is the Vue Provincial Oak Tawny Grey discontinued? Thanks, Alison
Hi Alison,
Thanks for your enquiry. Yes, Godfrey Hirst Laminate floors are suitable for the kitchen. Most spills or marks can be wiped off with a soft, damp cloth. We also recommend prompt soaking up of any bulk liquid spill. You can view further Laminate floor care tips on our website: https://www.godfreyhirst.com/au/floors/floor-care/care-tips-flooring/laminate-care
Correct, Vue in Provincial Oak Tawny Grey is an outgoing colour.
Warm regards
~Godfrey Hirst