Laminate Flooring: Can it Withstand Kitchen Moisture?
Choosing a material for a new kitchen floor can be tough. Factors, like the amount of foot traffic, wear and tear, and sunlight that your flooring must endure should come into play before you decide. Additionally, a tight budget could further be limiting your options.
Laminate flooring is a good quality, cost-friendly choice for flooring material, but the idea of using it in the kitchen has designers and homeowners divided. Some think that this material might not be able to withstand the moisture in the room over time, while others think that it’s possible with proper precautions.
Why Are Kitchens Prone to Moisture Issues?
Kitchens generate higher foot traffic compared to other parts of a house. And with the level of activity comes higher chances of accidents: People coming into your kitchen can spill food or water onto the floor. If this happens regularly, it follows that your kitchen floor would need to be cleaned just as much. It would eventually take a toll on your kitchen flooring, especially if it is not moisture resistant.
Water can affect the performance of laminate flooring, especially if the water reaches the core of the material. This is the crux of the matter. Although it can be damaged by moisture, some argue that water won’t penetrate to the core of laminate flooring if it is cleaned up quickly enough, making it an attractive flooring option.
Is Laminate Flooring the Solution to Kitchen Moisture?
Despite quibbles over whether laminate is a good flooring material in the kitchen, this material has many features to recommend it. Laminate floorings usually consist of four layers of materials, namely:
- Melamine wear layer
- High-resolution photo
- Dense core board
- Melamine backing layer
These materials are fused together, making laminate a formidable flooring option. Additionally, it has an aluminum oxide crystal surface, which makes the material resistant to heavy traffic, cooking spills, and pets’ paws. Lastly, the surface is hygienic; it’s safe for people with allergies.
Laminate maintenance is easy and quick. You can use a damp cloth or vacuum and a cleaning substance to clean the surface; most household cleaning chemicals won’t damage the floor. Laminate flooring does not require oiling, waxing, or staining either. You have to keep the surface clean, though, because dust could scratch the surface over time.
It’s up to the homeowner to decide if their lifestyle allows them to maintain a state where the laminate flooring will hold up well against spills and moisture.
If you’re one such homeowner, when choosing laminate flooring for your Orange County home, consider these factors:
- Color – laminate floors come in a variety of colors, depending on the type of material that you want to mimic. For example, wood-look laminates can be blond or black.
- Texture – you can now find laminate in more realistic textures because of advances in manufacturing technologies. Some wood-looking laminate comes in a distressed appearance, which is popular for hardwood variants.
- Shape – you can purchase laminate in strips, tiles, or planks, allowing you to install the material in various orientations.
- Finish – some laminate floors have matte or glossy surfaces. Although the finish may not have an impact on durability, it can affect the overall look of your kitchen.
Make the Most of Your Investment
Consumer Reports explains that a new floor installation is a costly home improvement project to undertake. That’s why it makes sense to be sure of the material you’re using for the project. Make the most of your money by having laminate flooring professionally installed in your home. With proper tools and skills, they’ll handle the job properly.
Main Street Kitchen & Flooring helps you find the right flooring material for your kitchen. Our team will evaluate your kitchen to see if laminate flooring is suitable. If the answer is “yes,” you can choose from our selection of realistic and beautiful options to enhance the aesthetic of your kitchen.