These days, every cent counts – especially when we’re talking cents per square foot on a hardwood flooring purchase. Even though the unit price may be low, there’s the underlayment, the bullnoses, the accents, the t-molding… soon, the total cost can ring up much higher than anticipated. Luckily, laminate flooring can be an affordable alternative to more expensive natural hardwoods. Thanks to new advancements in digital printing technology, laminate flooring can capture that timeless sense of character and warmth that makes hardwoods so desirable. If cost is a factor in your next flooring purchase, then a laminate floor may be the ideal option.
Armstrong Cumberland II Laminate
Laminate Flooring has been on the market in various forms for decades. Typically, laminates are lower cost, but that hasn’t always meant high-quality. Older wood-look laminates were printed on large rollers which churned out identical pieces every few feet. Now, modern luxury laminates are made using high definition digital printing technologies that incorporate hundreds of distinct inkjets which spray highly-varied, nearly non-repeating patterns across the laminate surface. This new printing technology creates an impeccable sense of realism, so that it is often difficult to tell the difference between the reproduction and the real thing. Combine this remarkable color clarity with new resilient materials that are highly resistant to abrasion, scuffs, and liquid damage, and laminate flooring is clearly one of the most durable flooring materials available.
Shaw Natural Values II Laminate
Even with these clear benefits, laminate flooring is still remarkably affordable. Armstrong Cumberland II collection is an excellent example of an economical laminate. Natural oak, maple, pine and cherry woods are all expertly reproduced in the Cumberland planks. Each hue resembles the unstained natural wood. However, the low price is the real eye-catcher. QuickStep 700 Home is another elegant and economical option. The 700 Home line incorporates exotic woods such as Panga Panga, Terra Merbau, and Brazilian cherry to offer even more design options – while still costing less than a medium coffee. Shaw Natural Values II collection features stunning oak, cherry and maple reproductions all with bold and beautiful colors which so accurately resemble actual wood that guests will certainly be impressed. Again, this luxurious laminate costs far less than people assume.
QuickStep 700 Home Laminate
The real value of laminate flooring isn’t just the dollar value. The value lies in what you get for the price. Laminate flooring is tough enough for use in the home and in commercial areas. It is ideal for use in high-traffic areas because the synthetic surface is highly scratch-resistant. Laminates do not expand and contract with temperature changes like hardwoods, so there is less likelihood of bubbling or gaps. Plus, many laminates feature interlocking edges that click into place without glue or nails for fast and easy installation. All this at a far lower cost than natural wood? That’s tough to beat.
If you have a chance, stop by a local retailer to see a few laminate flooring samples first hand. Then, give us a call at 866-705-1340 to discuss laminate options for your particular project. We’d love to help you save. Thanks for reading!
December 8, 2011
Flooring Products