Laminate floors come in a diverse range of finishes, colours and textures to suit any room and any budget. With a long-lasting and durable finish, laminates will still look good when a solid wood floor needs to be refinished. If you choose the right laminate for the right room, then you’ll enjoy beautiful flooring for years to come.
Why Choose Laminate?
Solid wood and stone flooring offer a timeless beauty, but they’re costly and difficult to install and have ongoing maintenance costs. Modern laminates can accurately mimic solid wood and stone finishes at a fraction of the cost for an affordable and low-maintenance finish. Top property developer Sarah Beeny recommends high-quality laminates for an instant facelift.
Choosing Laminate: A Room-by-Room Guide
Lounge: laminate floors are a top choice here and for good reason – durable, low-maintenance and easy-care, laminate comes in a huge choice of styles and finishes to suit any decor. Try timeless oak, rich chestnut, luxurious walnut or grey-toned hickory to be bang on trend. Wider planks are also very contemporary.
Dining room: this practical flooring is ideal as it can cope with a variety of food and drink spills. Choose a light flooring for a contemporary look or something darker and more traditional.
Kitchen: the super practicality of laminate is a perfect match with a high-traffic area like a kitchen. If you like the industrial country look, go for a wood laminate. Or choose slate or stone effects for a modern feel.
Landings and hallways: you’ll need a hard-wearing floor for these high-traffic areas, and laminate fits the bill very well. Pick a classic finish like oak for a light, bright and elegant finish.
Bedrooms: you can pick any style you like for a bedroom, as these are low-traffic areas. Go dark and dramatic with walnut and opt for a wide plank effect for an effortless feeling of space.
Bathrooms: solid wood is a no-no in a bathroom, but a high-quality laminate that’s rated for bathroom use will give you the effect without warping or moisture damage. Tile is a traditional choice but laminates give a warmer underfoot feel. They’ll also work with underfloor heating for the ultimate in bathroom luxury.