Should You Install Laminate Flooring in Your Kitchen?
Recently, laminate flooring has become a popular choice for many homes. Unlike some materials that are ideal for kitchens, laminate flooring treads carefully. Detractors argue that laminate is unsuitable for kitchens because moisture, which is a given in kitchens, can damage it. Proponents argue that laminate is one of the best kitchen floor coverings because moisture can be controlled. To make an informed decision, it is necessary to first understand what laminate is, how it reacts to moisture, and what installation methods are available. With this information, one can make an informed decision about installing laminate in their kitchen.
Laminate Flooring Basics
Laminate flooring is a type of synthetic flooring made of several layers of material that are bonded together with heat and pressure. The top layer is a clear protective layer that resists staining and fading from sunlight. The middle layer is composed of high-density fiberboard that gives the flooring its stiffness and strength. The bottom layer is a balancer that stabilizes the middle layer and prevents expansion and contraction.
Laminate floors are attractive because they can resemble natural materials such as stone or wood. They are also easy to clean and maintain. However, one of the main concerns with laminate floors is how they react to moisture. Although the top layer is resistant to moisture, too much moisture can seep through the joints and damage the middle layer. Once the middle layer is damaged, the floor will start to warp and buckle.
Installation Methods
There are two main installation methods for laminate floors: floating and glue-down. Floating floors are not attached to the subfloor beneath them and instead “float” on top of it. Glue-down floors are exactly what they sound like—the planks are glued directly to the subfloor below them.
The main advantage of floating floors is that they can be installed over almost any type of subfloor (concrete, vinyl, tile) without having to remove the existing flooring first. The main advantage of glue-down floors is that they tend to be more durable and stable than floating floors because they are attached directly to the subfloor below them.
So, should you install laminate flooring in your kitchen? It ultimately depends on your situation. If you have an existing floor that you want to cover without having to remove it first, then a floating laminate floor might be a good option for you. However, if you want a more durable and stable floor, then you might want to consider a glue-down laminate floor instead. Whichever route you decide to go, make sure that you do your research so that you can make an informed decision!
