Floored by laminates

When it comes to homes, your choice of flooring is one of the most important decisions you can make, as it not only improves the look, but adds a sense of comfort. Today, laminates are the choice of many living in flats, as not only are they value for money and look good, they also last, and are affordable. These different textured and finished floors are becoming one of the most popular choices for the home.  This man-made material is characterised by easy to install specs and can be used across varied environments. Balancing the requirements of the space against the abilities of the material will allow you to make an appropriate decision on where laminates should be used. They are easy to clean, too, and scratch-resistant, which is one reason why they are perfect for those who have pets.

The flooring of a home might not be a big priority for some, but it deserves valuable attention as it’s the foundation of interior design. Also, today’s home needs a stylish oomph to it that a laminate flooring can provide.

Use as per taste, and need
When deciding to use it at a particular location, consider the price, life cycle, maintenance requirements, and durability of the floor. It is not uncommon to find at least one room of a house fitted with laminate flooring, as more people are becoming conscious about home décor and want their home space to look good.

Choose well
Laminate flooring, engineered wood flooring and vinyl are the new kinds of flooring options and designs available. Rustic colours and dark shades are very popular in wooden floorings. They transform a beautiful floor, improves ambience and adds an overall appeal of your home. Many wooded floors add warmth to your home fires.

When in India...
Laminate floors are a great option for Indian weather conditions as they are 100 per cent maintenance-free. Always consider the amount of traffic in a room before deciding as all floors are not meant for all uses. There are grades (abrasion class) to laminate flooring which one has to choose as per requirement/usage.  Opting for laminate flooring saves money in the long run too. Such flooring never needs polishing, lacquering or waxing as it retains its original finish and beautiful lustre, year after year!

Many use such flooring in homes, public areas, lobbies, offices, showrooms, hotels, etc. They are wear and stain resistant, and easy to clean.

— The writer is the CEO of a laminate design firm.