The best thing about laminate flooring is that it mimics wood flooring extremely well. Today's laminate flooring manufacturers have improved their quality and produced dozens of types of wood species since laminate flooring was developed decades ago as an inexpensive alternative to real wood. We have everything from American icons like oak, hickory, and heartwood pine to exotics like tigerwood and Prado.

For floors that look as if they have been there for centuries, there are rustic and antiqued versions, as well. Plus, many manufacturers offer a wide range of look-alikes of stone, tile, and metal.

The design layer of laminate flooring is created with a highly-detailed image of actual wood, resulting in this wide range of colors and patterns. The image is printed and glued to fiberboard and covered with a protective bottom layer to prevent moisture damage. Wear layer, which is tough and clear, resists scratches and dents.

You have a wide range of options, so here are the pros and cons you need to know:

There's Good News

Planks and tiles of laminate flooring are available. Snapping together the edges and ends means no nails are needed, which makes installation a simple DIY project.

During changes in humidity, the laminate construction prevents seams from opening up.

Over a thin foam cushion underlayment, lightweight laminate flooring is installed. This makes it a good candidate for installations over most existing flooring, except for carpet, eliminating the need to tear out existing flooring.

VOC-releasing glues are not necessary with snap-together laminate flooring.

Old-growth and exotic trees are not used in laminate flooring production.

A laminate floor's wear layer is extremely tough, so cleaning and maintaining it is easy. A periodic sweep keeps the surface clear of abrasive grit.

Not so good news

Laundry rooms and rooms with sump pumps and floor drains are among the worst places to install laminate flooring as even the best laminate can be damaged by moisture. A moisture barrier should be installed on basement slabs and basement floors. As long as you clean up spills and splashes diligently, laminate flooring in the kitchen is fine. If the perimeter is not sealed with silicone caulk, laminate flooring isn't recommended for bathrooms. All edges should be glued during installation.

Laminate flooring cannot be refinished like real wood, so once it becomes worn out, it will have to be replaced. If you're thinking about buying flooring, look at the warranty. Products with a longer warranty are of better quality. Don't buy cheap laminate flooring.

It looks real, but it's still a synthetic that feels hard and sounds harsh when walked on.

The wear layer of laminate floors contains plastic, which does not degrade in landfills. Although tighter EPA guidelines have helped reduce laminate flooring's VOC content, some laminate materials may contain formaldehyde and other chemicals toxic to the environment.

Here's some more good news

Wood laminate flooring may be right for you if you want real wood but enjoy the benefits of laminates. There is no image layer or wear layer in this laminated flooring product. It may require refinishing from time to time, depending on the veneer thickness.

Want to talk to one of our dependable O'fallon Hardwood flooring contractors, give is a call at 636-245-0506.