Laminate flooring looks so realistic that it is often used in the home to imitate hardwood floors. It can be installed over existing carpet or tile without causing damage.
But is laminate flooring good for an entryway as this area of the home gets a lot of foot traffic and direct sunlight? To help you decide whether laminate flooring is for your home’s entrance, we researched its pros and cons..
When it comes to flooring for an entryway, laminate is a great option. A laminate floor can look like hardwood, marble, or ceramic tile for a low price. Water-resistant, easy to clean, and long-lasting are perfect for all weather conditions, hard-wearing, and ideal for an entryway.
Find out why laminate flooring is a great choice for entryways. Your laminate flooring will last decades in your home because it resists stains and wear and tear. Read on to learn how to add an attractive area rug atop laminate and how to pair laminate with other types of flooring.
Laminate Floors Pros and Cons
Contents
Advantages of Laminate Flooring
- Maintaining laminate floors is very easy and inexpensive. You can replace a worn-out plank with another inexpensive laminate plank.
- Laminated floors are beautiful and environmentally friendly because they are made from natural materials.
- They have good water resistance as long as it doesn’t stay too long.
- Laminate flooring is extremely durable.
- It is economical
Disadvantages of Laminate Flooring
- Can produce unwanted sound in cases of poor installation
- Laminate floors are hard
- They may contain some harmful chemical compounds such as formaldehyde
- Laminate floors can be slippery, thus and can cause accidents
- You cannot refinish a laminate floor
Is Laminate Flooring Noisy to Walk On?
A laminated floor is very rigid. It is installed directly onto the subfloor and can be noisy when you walk on it. For example, when your laminate floor is installed in the second story, it can cause a problem because the sound gets transmitted to the room below; thus, laminates are good underfoot.
To reduce this noise, you can institute insulation materials beneath the laminates. Walking on laminates usually produces a pop or snap sound when your weight stresses the interlocking tongues.
You really can’t stop this noise; hence the main remedy is to prevent the noise by installing insulation during the initial installation.
Maintaining Laminate Floors
Maintaining laminate floors is very straightforward and inexpensive. You can enhance the appearance of your laminates by sweeping dirt and draining any standing water. Moreover, you can mop the floor to remove excess dirt.
Guidelines for Deep Cleaning a Laminated Entryway
- Start by sweeping the laminate planks to remove excess dirt.
- Do not use excess water when mopping a laminate floor. Furthermore, do not allow any amount of water to pool on the plank, as you may risk bubbling or warping.
- Do not use oil or wax-based soaps since they can leave damaging residues behind.
The first step of maintaining a laminate floor is to prevent dirt; thus, you have to do everything to keep off the dirt. Suppose your laminate looks dirty most of the time; consider using a doormat in any area where dirt is likely to trail. You should go a step further and ask your visitors to remove their shoes.
You will also need to clean out any spills as soon as possible. Liquids usually soak into the joints between individual planks if left for long, leading to warping over time. Never use a steam mop as it causes moisture to soak between the boards, leading to warping and floor lifting.
During mopping, we recommend the use of a flat-headed spray mop over a regular mop. This is because old wring mops leave some water behind, which can be absorbed into the joint. If this occurs frequently, it can damage the laminating planks.
Does a Laminate Floor Scratch Quickly?
As of today, completely scratch-resistant laminate floors are not available. Any laminate flooring material can get damaged, but a few factors determine the resistance of your laminate to scratch damage.
The AC rating is very important in determining the scratch resistance of your floor. AC1 is the most inferior rating, while AC5 is the most superior; as you move from AC1 to AC5, scratch resistance increases.
The other important factor that determines scratch resistance is the inner core of your laminate. A product made of high-density fiber is more scratch-resistant and more durable than a material made from medium-density fiber.
The finish on the top layer is also important. Laminates with matte, satin, or gloss finish scratch more easily than embossed finishes.
To protect your floor, you must choose a material that will fit your lifestyle and the activities in your house. For example, if your house is full of dogs and kids, choose a more resistant product such as a 12mm HDF laminate with an AC5 rating.
To protect your laminate floor, be sure to adopt a habit that protects it. For instance, you can reduce the risk of scratches by creating a shoe station at the entrance of your home. They will keep away small stones or mud that may be carrying potential scratchers.
What Is The Best Cleaner for a Laminated Floor?
To avoid a dull finish on the floor, you must avoid cleaning laminate floors like tiles or other wooden floors. There are specialized approaches and materials for them. The recommended laminate floor cleaners include;
Bona Hard Surface Floor Cleaner
Bona Hars Surface Floor Clearner here on Amazon
The Bona Hard Surface Floor cleaner is designed specifically for laminate floors. It is packaged in spray bottles for easy application. It is a water-based solution with an excellent safety profile because:
- It doesn’t release excess VOC emissions
- It does not compromise air quality since it doesn’t have offensive odors
- It is a neural solution. Thus, it will maintain the quality of your floor over a lengthy period.
The other excellent laminated floor cleaners include;
- Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner is effective, affordable, and works well on vinyl and stone tile laminate floors.
- Better Life Naturally Dirt destroying Floor Cleaner is a general-purpose cleaner that works well on various floorings such as bamboo, marble, tile, and hardwood floors.
- Rejuvenate All Floors Restorer- it is a polymer product designed to fill scratches and seal your floor. It is ideal for various laminate floorings such as terra-cotta, hardwoods, tile, and vinyl.
- Auntie Fannie’s Floor Cleaner Vinegar Wash is particularly important if you have a pet that you must safeguard. It is an effective and safe plant-based laminate floor cleaner. In addition, it gives a streak-free appearance on laminate floors without emitting strong chemical smells.
Before you buy any laminate cleaner, consider the following factors;
Concentration
It can be either concentrated or diluted. For concentrated cleaners, you are supposed to add water; thus, it may be inconvenient and time-consuming. On the other hand, you can use dilute washing solutions without adding water.
Chemical Vs. Natural Cleaners
Although chemical cleaners get the work done easily with excellent results, they can trigger allergies like asthma, coughing, sneezing, or cause birth defects in pregnant women. On the other hand, natural cleaners are made from plant products, but that doesn’t mean they are extremely safe.
Mode of Application
Floor cleaners come in three distinct packages; spray bottles, refill containers, and squirt bottles.
Is it Multi-purpose or Single Use?
Some laminate floor cleaners can clean both laminated and wooden floors, while some are specifically meant for laminate flooring. Single-use laminate floor cleaners should not be used elsewhere. If your whole house flooring is laminate, you can use a single laminate cleaner. To avoid changing cleaners per room, you should choose a multipurpose cleaning solution.
Cost of the Cleaner
Buy an affordable cleaner. However, you should not look at the cost only. Other factors such as the flooring of other rooms are also critical.
How Many Years Does Laminate Flooring Last?
The durability of your laminate floor will depend on the type of laminate and how often it is maintained. Depending on quality, laminated floors have an average lifespan of 15-25years. However, with adequate cleaning and maintenance, they can last longer.
The lifespan of laminate floors also depends on foot traffic; thus, it is reduced in areas with high foot traffic. For this reason, high traffic areas need thicker laminates, such as commercial areas.
At the very minimum, these floors should not last less than eight years, even if your house is filled with pets and children. The lifespan of laminated floors is reduced in busy areas such as the kitchen. Conversely, the lifespan of laminate floors is improved greatly in bedrooms.
How to Keep Laminate Floor from Lifting?
- Leave adequate installation gaps during installation
- Do leave the floor wet. Ensure that you clean any spills immediately
- Ensure the installations are done correctly
- Ensure the subfloors are even or uniform
- Clean your laminate floors adequately and frequently as required
Conclusion
Laminate flooring looks like expensive wood and can make an entryway or mudroom look amazing. In addition to looking like stone, hardwood, or tile, laminate planks can last for decades. You can try and put a natural area rug on top of the laminate to make it look more appealing. An entryway’s laminate flooring makes a strong visual statement, stands up to heavy foot traffic, and resists dirt and moisture.
