Choosing the right flooring for your home can be confusing, especially when there are so many different options. If you love the natural look of timber, but would prefer a more affordable option, then laminate is a perfect choice. It’s stylish, durable and ideal for busy families explains Home Beautiful stylist and interior designer, Tahn Scoon.

Stylish looks

One of the features I love about laminate is it’s virtually indistinguishable from real timber. The top panel is made from extremely high resolution photos of natural wood, mirroring all the minor detail, such as the characteristic knots and cracks naturally occur in timber.

There’s an extensive range of tones to choose from. You can lift the mood of your home with an airy whitewashed tone; add a cosy feel with warm browns, or a rustic edge with shades of grey.

A glossy laminate finish will give a gorgeous sheen that can brighten a room and add a luxurious look, while matte finishes offer an understated, neutral look, perfect for a softer ‘beachy’ vibe or evoking a natural ‘Scandi’ feel. Matte laminate is great for busy areas in your home, such as kitchens, as small scratches will be less noticeable.

                                 

It’s affordable and durable

Laminate is substantially cheaper than hardwood. If you choose to DIY, the planks snap together like a jigsaw puzzle, no glue or nailing required. The laminate planks can be ‘floated’ over a range of original sub-floors, such as concrete, tile or hardwood.

Another good quality of laminate is its longevity. The inner layer is usually made from High Density Fibre board making it extremely stable and durable, so it won’t warp over time. The outer lay is moisture resistant, and if any moisture does get in, the affected sections are easily replaced. There’s also the option of a fully waterproof coating for some types of laminate.

A popular feature of laminate is its resistance to fading and scratching, making it ideal for high traffic areas in your home. It also copes well with falling objects and scorch marks.

Great for families and pets

Laminate is great for busy families, as it takes little effort to maintain and keep clean. There’s no need for harsh chemicals or polishes, which is important if young children are playing on the floor. The planks slide seamlessly together, are non-porous and anti-static, so dust and grime are easily wiped away, perfect for families with indoor pets or dust or mould allergies. A simple, non-toxic way to clean laminate is with a solution of mild vinegar and water. Last but not least...it’s a little quieter and softer than most other hard flooring options, which is brilliant if you have little ones running around!