If you have big dogs, lots of kids, or heavy traffic in general — or if you’re planning to use it in a commercial situation — you should consider laminate.

These days, the better laminate floors look a lot like real wood, but they’re a lot more durable.  It comes in almost every color and finish, and if you like the look of a wide plank, you can get that too.  You can even find laminates designed to look like slate, tile, or stone.

The top layer is made from a melamine resin that’s extremely durable and resists scratches, stains, and fading.  The best flooring has a top layer that’s between 6mm and 12mm thick and has been treated with a water repellent.  The seams should also be treated with water repellent.

The thicker the core of the flooring, they more it will sound like natural wood.

The two main kinds of laminate flooring are Direct Pressure Laminate (DPL) and High Pressure Laminate (HPL).  HPL usually costs more because it’s fused together in a two-step process.  As a result, it wears better and lasts longer, so depending on your circumstances, it may be worth the extra cost.  In many cases, cheap laminated flooring will cost you more in the long run.  Better to go with something of a higher quality from the start and save you the hassle of having to remove and reinstall a better floor the next time around.

Laminate wood flooring isn’t glued or nailed down.  It’s just floated over the existing floor, so it’s really easy to install.  In fact, it makes a good do-it-yourself project.  You can install it over just about any smooth, level surface.

First, lay a thin padding over the existing flooring, then press the laminate pieces together using the tongues and grooves in the sides.   You can buy matching molding to finish the edges.  Installed laminated wood floors don’t require much in the way of maintenance.  All you need to do is clean them with a dust mop every once in a while.  They don’t need to be waxed or polished.  Learn about alternatives to laminated wood flooring here.

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In addition, laminate flooring can emulate just about any type of wood flooring you would like to have, from pine and oak to more exotic woods like bamboo and cork. Cheap flooring is an advantage here, as you can take a weekend and install it yourself and have it look as though you had a professional install it. If you are not comfortable with installing the flooring yourself, you can hire a professional to get it done in the same amount of time.

Another great advantage of cheap laminate flooring is that it is very easy to clean. A vacuum cleaner can take care of the job in a few quick minutes, but carpets should be used in high traffic areas to avoid scuffing and other problems, which result in heavy use areas. In addition, if you’re are fond of wearing stiletto heels, you should avoid doing so on your cheap flooring, as it could puncture the vinyl and cause unsightly damage.

The main enemy to cheap laminate flooring is dust and grit, so using slightly damp cloths to clean it up as soon as it is noticed is recommended. However, if you want to make your own solution, you can mix a small amount of ammonia with vinegar in water, which will trap the dust and make the floors easier to clean. Warm water should always be used, as you do not want your floors expanding and contracting under huge amounts of water.

This is the best way to clean laminate flooring since they are not a ‘real’ hardwood.  A traditional wood floor, while more expensive, may also last longer due to its ability to be sanded and buffed.  If you just have some minor scuffs, you can even rent a floor buffer machine and do the job yourself.  You’ll want to practice in some inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging the center of your room on those great hardwood floors.

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