When you are looking at different flooring choices for your home, it can be tricky to find the right one for you. Of course, some people have personal preferences based on design and cost but which is the best in 2019? Many people have been known to opt for laminate flooring due to its many advantages but there are still people out there installing solid wood flooring in their home. Each of the different flooring types have their own advantages and this can cause issues for people who want to get the project completed on time.
Here, we are going to look at whether laminate flooring is still one of the most popular types of flooring in 2019 and discuss the other forms that people might be trying out. We’ll talk you through carpets, solid wood flooring and vinyl flooring to help you make the right decision for your home. Make sure to keep reading to hear more about this kind of flooring.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
If you are not familiar with laminate flooring then you might be wondering what we are referring to here. Laminate flooring is a type of flooring that has a wood or stone effect but it is not entirely made of these materials. This flooring is often used in bathrooms or in other living rooms and bedrooms around the home. Laminate flooring has been around since 1977 and it was first invented in Sweden.
Over the years, laminate flooring has become much more popular with many companies across the UK stocking this kind of flooring. Many homeowners in the UK enjoy having this kind of flooring in their home for many reasons, making it one of the most popular choices.
What Is It Made Of?
Laminate flooring is made in a very interesting way that allows it to be cheaper than solid wood flooring but still have a great effect in your home. It comes with various layers that are laminated together, hence the name.
Some of the layers that you’ll typically find in laminate flooring include the top resin layer, the HDF core, the printed décor layer and the click together joint. These layers all make up the flooring and they are a very affordable option. The reason for the decorative layer is that you can turn your laminate flooring into any kind of flooring. For example, your laminate flooring could look like tiles or possibly even a solid wood floor, depending on the kind of design that you are going for.
Some companies offer higher quality layers than others and so it is important that you are opting for a good laminate flooring solution that is going to last a long time. You can usually find details of the materials that are using in a kind of flooring on their website or if you ask in store. If they cannot guarantee high-quality flooring then you might want to look elsewhere.
Why Is It Popular?
Laminate flooring has been popular for many years and it doesn’t look like it is going to be going away any time soon. There are many advantages to choosing laminate flooring for your home including the fact that it tends to be a very cost-effective option. This is because of the materials that are used in the manufacturing of this kind of flooring.
Another benefit of having laminate flooring installed in your home is that it can be very easy to clean. When you spend a lot of money on a new floor, you will want to make sure that it stays clean and is maintained properly. Laminate flooring can be easily cleaned with cleaning products and a mop and so this is one that many people in the UK opt for. If you are going to clean your laminate floor then you should make sure that you are doing so with the right kind of cleaning products. You should be able to find a guide on how to achieve this online.
With laminate flooring, you will also find that it is popular because of the many uses that it has. You can have laminate flooring in nearly every room in your home, making things much simpler. Whether you are looking for flooring for your bedroom, your hallway or even your bathroom, you should be able to install some laminate flooring and be happy with the results. This, in comparison, to other flooring solutions makes laminate flooring the better option for many homeowners.
Solid Wood Flooring
When considering the popularity of laminate flooring in the UK, you must also look at the other flooring options. One of the common types of flooring that you’ll find in homes across the country is solid wood flooring. This kind of flooring dates back many years and it tends to have a more grand design. Many homeowners aim to have solid wood flooring in their home but they simply cannot afford to pay for it and to continue paying for the upkeep. This is why other kinds of flooring were invented in the first place in order to give people a cheaper and easier to maintain option.
Solid wood flooring is one of the most expensive options as it does not have layers of cheaper wood within it. Many people would choose to have a solid wood floor in their hallway or in their living room. It is often best to avoid a solid wood floor in rooms that are going to have a lot of moisture as this can damage the floor. This tends to be why many people opt for laminate flooring to avoid this issue occurring.
Vinyl Flooring
When out looking at flooring options for your home, you might have come across vinyl flooring. This is slightly different from both laminate flooring and solid wood flooring as it comes with different layers. In vinyl flooring, you will usually find a durable layer and a decorative layer. Many flooring companies also add a foam layer which can act as an insulator and a glass fibre layer. This helps to add stability to the floor which is something which many homeowners hope for.
There are many advantages to using vinyl flooring in your home including the fact that it can add a sound barrier and help to insulate your home. Insulation is very important when it comes to both saving money on your energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint. Many people are looking for more energy efficient homes and vinyl flooring can help to play a part in turning a home into one that is better for the environment. While this option is cheaper than solid wood flooring, it doesn’t tend to have as many advantages as laminate flooring does. This is definitely something to consider in the future.
Carpet
In the UK, you will also find that many people are choosing a carpet for their homes. Carpet tends to be a more affordable option but it doesn’t always last a long time. Carpet can be very difficult to clean and when you redecorate your home, you might need to change it out for a new design.
Of course, with carpet, you can add a bit more comfort and warmth to your home and not have to break the bank to do so. Carpet has been popular in the UK for many years and it is likely to stick around for a long time. There are many carpet stores that specialise in high-quality carpets and some that offer lower-quality carpets. If you are going to choose a carpet for your home then you need to make sure that you are figuring out the quality before purchasing.
Which Is The Most Cost-Effective?
One of the main concerns for homeowners who are decorating their home is the cost. You will find that decorating a home in the UK can be very expensive and it can set you back a lot of money which is difficult to manage, especially when you have just purchased a property. This is why many people are looking for the cheapest or the most cost-effective option.
When it comes to choosing a flooring option, it is not always a good idea to go for the cheapest option. You should always try to establish the value for money and make sure that you are considering how cost-effective it is and how long it will last. A better quality flooring solution will last a lot longer and this can help you to save money in the long term.
In terms of the flooring options discussed in this article, you will find that laminate flooring tends to be the most cost effective option. Solid wood flooring is typically very expensive and this can set you back a lot of money. With vinyl tiles, you can spend more money and not get a very good quality product. Carpet is a cheap option but it can actually cost you more in the long-term as you will need to spend more time cleaning it and replacing it when it gets a little old looking. This is why many people decide to avoid having carpet installed in their home.
Laminate flooring tends to be both affordable and durable, making it the most cost-effective option for your home. Always make sure that you are checking out the company that you are buying from and making sure that you are choosing materials that are going to last a long time.
Which is Best For You?
The kind of flooring that is best for your home depends on the people living there and the kind of home that you live in. For example, for those who don’t have a lot of money, laminate flooring might be the best option. For those who have young children or pets, carpet is best avoided as it can be easily damaged by spillages. Of course, carpet can be more gentle for young children to play on and so you need to weigh up your options carefully when you are designing the interior of your home.
It is important that you establish your situation and think towards the future before you make any kind of flooring purchase. Many people make the mistake of installing carpet in their home and then bringing home a puppy. This can ruin the carpet and, in this case, laminate flooring would be the better option for this kind of property.
Is It The Most Popular?
While laminate flooring might not be as stunning visually as solid wood flooring, it tends to be the most popular option for UK homeowners. This is due to the many benefits that this kind of flooring brings to the home and the fact that it is much cheaper than some of the other options.
Why would you choose a flooring option that is more expensive and that will need to be replaced sooner? With laminate flooring, you can easily maintain your floor and keep it cleaner for longer. This flooring type is very popular and it is likely to be for much longer.
Interior designers are choosing laminate flooring for families and homes with pets because they realise just how stunning and practical these flooring kinds can be at the same time.
Final Verdict
As you can see from this article, laminate flooring tends to be the most popular flooring choice in the UK in 2019 and is likely to be for a long time. This kind of flooring has many advantages and looks great in homes of all size.
If you are looking for a new flooring type then you might want to make sure that you do your research carefully. Manufacturers are constantly making improvements to their designs to ensure you are getting high-quality products that will last a long time. Make sure that you choose the right company for the job and you should find that your home looks amazing once you have it installed.
