When it comes to high-traffic areas, you have a lot of options. Whether your space is in a busy office, a busy grocery store or a busy living room, you want to choose floors that can handle the heavy traffic without showing signs of wear and tear too soon. If you need a quick, inexpensive floor covering solution that can keep up with a lot of foot traffic, laminate may be the right option for you.
Laminate is a composite flooring material with an outer layer that resists scratches and stains and an inner core that provides strength and stability. Many modern laminates also imitate the look of natural materials, such as wood or stone, making them indistinguishable from the real thing—especially when it comes to higher-end styles. With the right care, they can last for decades in your high-traffic area.
One of the most important things to consider when surveying your high-traffic areas is how much foot traffic you get and what types of items are typically being moved on those floors. In general, kitchens and living rooms are high-traffic areas because they often see food and drinks being dropped and furniture being repositioned, so they need to be able to withstand a lot of use. Staircases are another high-traffic area because people use them to move between different floors. They need to be able to handle the weight of lots of people and can be exposed to water damage if they’re not properly sealed.
You should consider the amount of light that your high-traffic areas receive too. Direct sunlight can fade flooring over time, so you should look for a product with built-in UV protection to prevent fading and discoloration.
Before you begin installing your laminate floors, be sure to clean and prep the space thoroughly. If you don’t do this correctly, your new floors may not look as beautiful as you want them to or hold up under the amount of foot traffic you have. Once you’ve cleaned and prepped the space, it’s a good idea to remove any baseboards in the area before proceeding with installation. This will allow you to install the flooring more easily and will give you the opportunity to leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room.
When you’re ready to start laying your laminate, it’s a good idea to make a layout plan before beginning. This will ensure that you have all the pieces you need on hand before you begin and it will also help you avoid any mismeasurements that could result in the need to trim extra boards later on. It’s a good idea to use a tape measure or snap chalk lines periodically throughout the process as you work to ensure that your planks are evenly spaced and level.
Laminate is a durable and sustainable material that adds to the beauty of your home. However, some homeowners may feel that it looks less “fancy” than other flooring options. But with new technology and advancements, this perception is changing. Laminate is a great option for your home, and it can be a good investment that will increase the value of your property. Just be sure to keep in mind the other factors that can influence your decision-making process. Contact a flooring company in Tampa to learn more about the many advantages of laminate. We can show you some of the most popular options of laminated flooring in Tampa to help you find a flooring solution that fits your style.