Every great design story starts with a carefully selected base to build upon. And in your home, the the flooring is the foundation which will carry the complete interior. If you are already thinking about laminate, I wouldn’t blame you. After all, this is a type of floor easy to install as well as vinyl flooring, holds well up to wear and tear and can suit anyone’s budget.

If you love to have the traditional look of wood in your home cannot afford it, laminate a more affordable alternative that retains the same charm. And with more and more options showing up, laminate can now be made to look like ceramic tiles or slate. Without a doubt there are many things in favour of laminate, but it’s up to you to make the right pick for your home and our step by step guide is here to help.

The Brand Issue

Because of their popularity, the market is flooded with cheap laminate floors that result in customers regretting and vowing to never buy laminate again. This is perhaps the reason why laminate is often deemed a low-grade flooring. Beware of suspicious retailers and low prices and do your research before you decide to open your wallet.

If you want to be sure you’re getting the best deal for your money, a good tip is to go with a reputable manufacturer name, such as Pergo. In fact, Pergo is the first form of laminate invented in 1977 and the company has been working on perfecting it ever since. Today, Pergo laminate flooring is sold worldwide and by many Australian retailers. By purchasing a renowned brand of laminate, you will know that you’re getting a high-density floor that provides impact resistance, stability and durability.

Light or Dark Shades?

If you decided to go with Pergo laminate flooring, the manufacturer usually offers products that have a neutral shade. This is not a bad thing, since bold colour options are usually a bad choice for residential homes. You might think that this makes picking a colour relative easy, but in fact pale and dark shades can affect your living space differently.

For instance, pale laminate reflects light which in turn makes the room airier and helps enlarge it visually. A brighter shade of flooring can also help open up a dark interior creating a stunning effect of contrast. On the other hand, when combined with white walls and light-coloured furniture the end result is a timeless atmosphere of purity and tranquillity.

Dark floors with dark interiors are a big no-no. However a dark shade of laminate, whether it’s brown or grey can make a spacious room with light-coloured walls seem cosier. If the room’s walls have a crisp white colour, a dark floor is not recommended. However, if the walls have a muted, off-white shade, dark laminate will help achieve a classic and sophisticated atmosphere.

Types of Planks and Pattern of Installation

Wide laminate planks with V-grooves on the long sides can give the room a sense of depth and expand it visually. To further emphasize the spacious effect, install the planks with the V-grooves in the direction of the main light source. On the other hand, V-grooves on the short sides create a more cosy and country-house effect. And if you would like to have a more contemporary and geometrical look, you should choose planks without V-grooves.

If you want to break away from the rigidity of traditional floor installations, you can opt for something more playful like alternating wide planks with narrow ones. The two widths can give a unique look to your interior. And if planks are simply not your cup of tee, you can always go with a different design like laminate tiles. With laminate, the options are truly endless!

Photos source: http://www.airstepflooring.com.au/product-category/pergo/