It's amazing to see how many new laminate flooring styles and colors are available today. As laminate technology has improved so have the designs, realism and plank shapes of laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is not just offered in wood plank designs, many manufacturers offer a wide range of colors in realistic stone, slate and tile designs with grout lines.
The advantage to this is a realistic looking ceramic or stone tile appearance without the hassle of cleaning soiled grout joints and is far less costly to install. Also, if you are concerned with upkeep of a wood floor (especially with large pets) than a laminate floor may be your answer. If you are concerned with tearing up your old floor than a floating laminate floor may be a great alternative for you. (Floating refers to the floating installation method, where the individual planks are locked together but never attached to the subfloor underneath. Laminate floors have a special tongue and groove locking system that tightly join the planks & tiles together. No glue, nails or staples needed.)
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors provide warmth and beauty to your home. Though other flooring materials have challenged hardwood floors in the marketplace, it's only been temporary. The benefits of hardwood flooring ... the look, durability, health benefits, ease in maintenance, and environmental superiority cannot be outdone. Some may argue that they are more expensive, yet over the long term, hardwood floors are the longest lasting and the best value.
Natural Hardwood Is a long-term investment that will hold its value, and increase the resale value of your home. Indeed, installing or refurbishing hardwood floors is a common strategy for increasing the return on investment in the real estate industry. It is a natural resource that is both renewable and recyclable. Eco-friendly and environmentally safe.
Hardwood is also safe, it has much lower levels of chemical emissions than any other flooring material and vastly improves indoor air quality over other flooring materials.
Tile
Ceramic tile is the ultimate floor product, combining beauty with durability
It will not stain, mildew, burn or fade. It is not affected by Moisture. It is "allergy-free" - soil, fumes, smoke and germs will not penetrate it. It is the easiest of all finishes to clean - never needs buffing, waxing or finishing.
Ceramic tile has the lowest long-term cost of any alternative product...staying power with a touch of class.
