Laminate flooring is beloved for its durability and relatively low costs, as well as its multipurpose use. However, is it really suitable for use in every room in the house? While we wouldn’t bat an eye at seeing laminate floorboards in the living room or bedroom, how advisable is it to use laminate flooring in the bathroom?
In short, yes, laminate flooring is an appropriate choice for the bathroom. However, like any other floor type, there are various advantages and disadvantages to consider.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Before we dive in, let’s take a little bit of time to talk about what exactly laminate flooring is. First gaining popularity in Europe in the 1970s and then North America in the 1980s and 1990s, laminate is a type of human-made flooring that is created through what is known as a “lamination” process (hence its name). Although laminate flooring can convincingly resemble hardwood, it is not a type of hardwood at all.
Advantages of Laminate Flooring
- Easy to clean: laminate floors are beloved the world over because they are so easy to clean. Unlike hardwood flooring, which will sometimes require wax, a laminate floor will shine after treatment with cleaning products.
- Easy installation process: laminate flooring is very easy to install, and this quick installation can save you a lot of money if you are relying on a contractor. Unlike the laminate flooring of the past, today most laminate floors will simply “lock and fit” into place.
- Comfort: due to its synthetic properties, many types of laminate flooring come with springboards that are built-in, which means that they are comfortable to walk upon.
- Durable: laminate flooring can take a lot of abuse, which makes it a favorite among people with young families. In fact, its ability to withstand spills and scratches leads some to describe laminate flooring as “pet-proof”.
- Appearance: although laminate flooring is not hardwood or ceramic flooring, it can sure do a good job of mimicking either!
Disadvantages of Laminate Flooring
- Sensitive to moisture: unlike other flooring types that are pretty water-resistant, laminate flooring can warp or take on an unsightly appearance if it is in prolonged contact with water. The only way to avoid this is to invest in a specialized waterproof version of laminate flooring, but this can be quite a bit more expensive. However, if you are using laminate flooring in a kitchen or bathroom, you may want to spend the extra dollar to invest in moisture-proof flooring.
- Possible slip hazard: some, though not all, laminate flooring can get quite slippery when wet. This can be a concern for anyone with small children or elderly family members who may be prone to falls. However, this risk can be lessened with the addition of rugs in areas that see a lot of foot traffic.
- Can’t be changed: unlike authentic wood flooring, which can be stained or refinished, laminate flooring cannot be altered in any way after it has been laid. This means that the only way to change up laminate flooring if you so desire to do so is by changing your flooring completely.
Is Laminate Flooring Appropriate in the Bathroom?
As we stated above: yes! Laminate flooring is an appropriate choice for bathrooms. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it is also easy to clean. However, before you decide to make use of laminate flooring in your bathroom, it is a good idea to read over the pros and cons of laminate flooring above to ensure that they align with your family’s lifestyle.
One Showroom For All Your Laminate Flooring Needs
If you’re looking for the perfect laminate flooring for your bathroom renovation or construction, pay the King of Floors Surrey laminate flooring showroom a visit. We offer the most comprehensive selection out of all flooring stores in Surrey, and our customer service team will be more than happy to help you determine which kind of flooring best suits your needs. Pay us a visit today!