An Expert Guide to the Visual Versatility of Laminates…
Style
The most important thing to know about laminates is that they are designed to mimic nature, so they can pretend to be any kind of exotic hardwood, natural stone, brick or ceramic tile desired. They can replicate the graining, knotting, color and texture of real wood, including some that would actually be impractical as flooring. Think of laminates as hybrids that blend the beauty of natural materials with the practicality of man-made ingenuity. Often, it’s hard to tell the laminate from the real thing.
An optional embossing process, in which patterns are pressed into the outer wear layer, further enhances the realistic look through a range of textures that resemble their natural counterparts. And, an enhanced embossing process, called embossing in register, takes the idea one step further, with the pattern following the grain of the design for the ultimate natural look.
Laminates designed to look like hardwood come in single planks with beveled edges or in three-strip planks with square edges. Laminates designed to look like natural stone and ceramic tiles come in planks with images of a series of tiles.
Laminate flooring is appropriate for any room, including both above and below grade. However, using it in a bathroom requires some precautions.
More to consider . . . Grainy or shaded patterns won’t show soil as fast as darker or very light patterns. But keep in mind that a light texture looks more like the surface it’s designed to reproduce and will also be less slippery when it’s damp. And don’t use wood and stone laminates to butt up against the real thing, because the laminate will look artificial and less satisfactory. Because laminates last such a long time, it’s best to choose a pattern that you can live with for years. Avoid overwhelming patterns or trendy looks that may not work when you decide to redecorate.
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