Laminate flooring has good looks and plenty of charm. It also offers huge savings compared to other types of flooring, and installation is a breeze. Laminate has won the hearts of millions of people all over the world - and it is out to win yours too!

Consider the advice provided here and you'll be ready to leap straight into your love affair with laminate and be able to select a laminated floor that will add style, beauty and class to your living space. Get ready to surrender your heart now!

Laminate vs. Hardwood - Why Choose Laminate?

The home improvement market has honed in on all of the benefits of laminate flooring. But, if you're searching for new flooring for your home or space, the sheer magnitude of available choices can be overwhelming.

If cost is the main consideration when replacing flooring at your home or other space, you'll find that laminate is a wise selection. At $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, you can be assured of getting the best value for your bucks.

Hardwood flooring can be costly - as much as 40 to 50% more than laminated flooring - depending on how exotic the wood, finish (coating) and installation method. However, wooden flooring adds more resale value to your home over time.

You can definitely get the wood look with laminated floors, but the pattern of the wood's markings is usually repeated at the same intervals throughout the planks. If you desire the natural look and feel of real wood and cost isn't a consideration, hardwood may be your best bet.

Laminated flooring is extremely durable and can often outlast the wood, tile or stone that it resembles. Hardwood flooring requires periodic sanding and refinishing, but some favor the worn look that real wood provides.

Installing laminate is a do-it-yourselfer's dream-come-true, whereas hardwood flooring usually requires a professional to plan and install. If cost, durability and installation ease and readiness are important to your floor replacement project, a laminate floor should definitely be considered.

Decorating with Laminate Flooring

The finished look of laminate is an exceptional choice as a background for furniture and general decorating requirements. If you have darker furniture, lighter flooring might be the best choice. Light furniture will look stunning on a dark color such as simulated mahogany.

Varying textures, imperfections and colors of wood, tile or even marble can all be found in the new look of laminated flooring. Or choose the look of exotic, antique or distressed woods.

So many choices make it a daunting task to choose just the right look, but take your time and enjoy the process. When you see how your beautiful new floor enhances your decorated home or space, you'll know you made the right decision.

You're Ready to Buy - Now What?

You've chosen the look you want and the installation method you require and are now ready to make the purchase. As with any major home improvement project, first research manufacturers.

Companies such as Pergo, Alloc, Armstrong and Bruce produce various grades and looks of laminated flooring. You'll want to research methods of coatings and whether the end results will provide you with the quality you desire.

You'll also need to consider what will lie beneath the laminate. Almost any surface can be used when installing laminate including concrete slab, vinyl or hardwood. Some laminate products actually have the underlay built in. This will increase the price somewhat, but is very convenient if you plan to install the floor yourself.

Laminate floors are pre-finished, but the quality of coatings will vary and also affect the final cost. It is best to go with a high quality finish to be sure that there are little or no toxic chemicals involved in the process.

If you plan on being the one to install the floor, choose the click together or snap locking system. These quick assembly methods simplify the installation process and lessen the down time of your floor.

There are many online sites available for you to buy laminated flooring products and some offer greatly discounted prices. If you're considering purchasing your flooring from the Internet, first obtain samples from a home-improvement store to see first hand how your final choice will appear in your space.

Following this information will help you make a more educated choice when choosing a laminated floor for your home or space. Keep in mind that flooring is a big investment no matter which type you choose, and you'll be living with the results for a long time to come.

Choose wisely and you'll be sure to become the next laminate lover!

Wills Thomas operates an online consumer guide to Laminate Flooring that provides practical articles and free advice covering all aspects of the purchase, installation and care of laminate floors. http://www.LaminateFlooringCo.com