Laminate flooring is an inexpensive flooring alternative. Its high quality designs can be available for $3.50 per square foot. It is durable, available in a wide variety of designs, and easy to clean. It only needs a basic mop job to clean and maintain it. The material used in laminate flooring is similar to the material in a laminate countertop but is usually much thicker and stronger. Laminate flooring is made up of three layers of materials. The external shell, or the surface that is stepped on, is made of strong plastic or fiberglass applied to the core using heat and pressure. The core is usually made of composite board, while the backing is made of paper or another layer of shell surface. This combination of materials produces a composite flooring surface that is durable and very easy to clean. The plastic shell prevents moisture and dirt from depositing into the core.

However, laminate flooring does have its drawbacks. It is almost impossible to repair once it is scratched or dented. Because it is usually installed as a single contiguous piece, the damaged sections of the flooring are highly visible. Laminate flooring also cannot be refinished or recoated. Replacing the damaged sections is expensive and troublesome because the entire flooring would have to be replaced.

The first thing to do when buying laminate flooring is to assess your home's general look. Consider whether or not laminate flooring would look better than a wooden or marble flooring. Laminate flooring does not add any significant amount to the resale value of a home, so if you have no intention of selling your house in the future, then getting laminate flooring is ideal.

If you have a busy schedule and you do not spend a lot of time at home, then do get a laminate flooring because it is low maintenance and easy to clean. You only need to use a damp cloth for wiping up spills. For tough stains like oil and ink, you can use ordinary nail polish remover to take them out. Laminate flooring can be maintained by regular dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming.

Another major consideration for getting laminate flooring is your budget. If you do not have a lot of money to spend on high-end flooring, then getting laminate flooring is best option to take. Laminate flooring costs around $3.50 per square foot, and it is relatively cheaper than the other types of flooring. You can get quality flooring with a 10 to 15-year warranty for an affordable price.

When getting laminate flooring, you should also consider the amount of traffic your home gets. If you have children or if people regularly come and go to your house, then do get laminate flooring. It would not be practical to get more expensive flooring like wood when it would just be easily scuffed and scratched.