What is Laminate Flooring? imageLaminate flooring is one of the most popular flooring products on the market today. It is made of multi-layers of synthetic materials that fuse together through a lamination process. Read More about What is Laminate Flooring? The subject of formaldehyde emissions from laminate flooring has gotten a lot of attention lately. It began in early March, when the CBS news program, "60 Minutes," reported that retailer Lumber Liquidators was selling laminate flooring with formaldehyde emissions several times higher than California’s standards for flooring sold in that state. Lumber Liquidators has denied the accusations but nevertheless is pulling all Chinese-made laminate flooring from its inventory, pending its review. And the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is currently investigating the issue. Why does this matter? Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound considered a carcinogen. The federal Environmental Protection Agency has spent years pushing for a national standard based on California’s, which sets the strictest limits of any state.
While Consumer Reports tests flooring, it hasn't tested the specific products mentioned in the "60 Minutes" report, and our flooring Ratings do not include laminates from Lumber Liquidators. But if you’re concerned, here’s what you need to know: Where formaldehyde is used. The flooring in question is laminate, which is composed of a plastic image glued over layers of wood or plastic. The adhesives that bind the layers often emit formaldehyde. In addition to laminates, products that emit formaldehyde include engineered-wood flooring, furniture that uses medium-density fiberboard or permanent-press upholstery, urea-based varnishes, spray-foam insulation, and combustion sources such as gas stoves, wood-burning fireplaces, and cigarettes.Formaldehyde emissions are highest when products are new and diminish over time. Noticeable health effects from formaldehyde exposure include nose and throat irritation, a burning sensation in the eyes, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. (Sufferers of asthma, bronchitis, and other conditions can be especially sensitive.)
And long-term exposure is associated with cancer in humans. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) says that most laminate and engineered-wood flooring labeled as compliant with the state’s formaldehyde limits meets those standards. Cautions on DIY testing. If a physician has advised that you might be sensitive to formaldehyde—or you’re concerned about the long-term threat—call in a professional to evaluate your home. CARB hosts a list of approved companies, nearly a dozen of which are U.S.-based; however, not all test private homes. And although you can buy home test kits and send results to a laboratory, the CPSC has not endorsed the accuracy of such products.There are alternatives to flooring products known to contain formaldehyde including solid-hardwood, vinyl, linoleum, and tile floors. If you are shopping for laminate or engineered-wood flooring, ask about products made with resins certified as Ultra-Low Emission Formaldehyde, ULEF, or No Added Formaldehyde, NAF.
(In California, such flooring or its packaging are required to be labeled as such.) Other ways to minimize exposure. If you’ve purchased laminate or engineered-wood flooring and haven’t installed it yet, CARB suggests you leave it in the garage or beneath a covered carport to let it off-gas for a week to 10 days, presuming the flooring is CARB-compliant. If it isn’t compliant, it might need more time before residual odors dissipate or respiratory irritation is minimized. Consumer Reports is concerned about the testing results of the Lumber Liquidators products discussed in the "60 Minutes" report, and will be conducting its own tests on formaldehyde emissions for some of the laminate, engineered-wood, and bamboo flooring in our flooring tests, which we plan to publish later this year. We also look forward to seeing the results of the CPSC’s investigation. —Ed Perratore (@EdPerratore on Twitter) View and compare all Flooring ratings. Match the level of finish to the value of the home.
I have it in my home. However, in more expensive homes, wood looks nicer and does add some value over laminate. Wood can also be refinished over the years and be made to look new again.People say they love wood floors, but they forget the care and effort it requires to keep wood floors in good condition. Vinyl doesn't take as much work, and these days it can be made to look like nearly anything. If you get the right vinyl, it will sell your home just as well. If laminate is something that you want and you're going to be in the house for a while, you should get something that you truly want. If you are just planning on selling it, you should install hardwood flooring. The majority of people are going to prefer hardwood. It will be considerably easier to sell, and it could raise the value of the property a bit. With all of that being said, you shouldn't forget that it's your house. If you're going to live there for a while, you should have whatever you like. It really depends on what you're wanting in style and in the quality.
There are some quality laminate floors out there, but it's hard for it to match up to the quality of hardwood flooring. If you are looking to add value to your home, a hardwood floor will do so easier than laminate. I personally prefer hardwood floors. They might take a little more maintenance but they look much better. If you do choose to install hardwood floors make sure you put pads on the feet of all your furniture. Scratches can be a big pain! It all depends on the buyer. Some people think that it's really important to have wood flooring in the kitchen and other areas of their home. In their opinion, it ups the value of the home. My mom hates wood flooring so she would never buy a house that had it. It all depends on who is looking at the house. Laminate floors can be very durable if taken care of properly. Not only that, but they are so much easier to instal and are cheaper. If you look around enough you can find some options that will look just as nice as wood floors.
I love the laminate in my kitchen. It depends on who and how it is installed. I have seen some really good laminate and really bad hard wood. In general, I would add hardwood over laminate if you are planning to live there a while. If you are remodeling for sale, then price around the laminate and the under pads. Hard wood is more expensive Hard wood last longer sometimes Laminate is easier to install. Hard wood you can refinish it up to three times Laminate needs to be replaced, not refinish. I have installed both... My personal property - hardwood that added a lot more value when I sold it. Laminate for rentals - looks great I would also look at bamboo or tile for remodeling. Realtor - Cal BRE #01893550 Keller Williams- Carmel Valley/ Del Mar 12780 High Bluff Dr #130 San Diego, CA 92130 If its for an owner occupied property, install laminate. It looks better, feels better and you will get your value added when you sell it.
That depends on how well you are willing to take care of it. Traditional wood floor tend to be more work. Though they also look better longer if you are taking care of them. Nowadays both Laminate and Hardwood have so many options in terms of color, texture, style and really there are limitless possibilities if you are choosing between the two. I would follow up this question with a series of questions. Are you going to be living in the house? If so do you have any children or pets. Will you be renting this home out. Will you be installing the floors yourself or will you be hiring someone. All of these questions will help me answer your question. Laminate is more durable and less costly than traditional wood floors and many investors (that choose to rent their properties out) choose this because it is harder to damage than most other flooring, ie tile or carpet. They even make a tile that looks like hard wood floors, that is a little more costly but really is another great option if you like the look of hardwood floors.
I would think that if you want to try an stay most cost effective I would call or go to a home depot, lowes type of store and talk to a floor specialist there. I wish you the Best of Luck with your choice! Spring Valley, CA 91977 Laminate floors are more cost effective if the seller needs to stretch his fix up cost resources. Re/Max Hall Of Fame, CDPE | Luxury Real Estate AdvisorBank Owned Assets | Large Cash Investor Fast Close Network | B.R.E License # 01232827 Cell: 858-414-LIST (5478) Texting OK A large part of the difference is from the labor required for installation - true hardwood flooring requires about twice the amount of work to install. Hardwood is better when installed correctly, and also has the benefit of being refinishable, since wood is much thicker and can be sanded and refinished. Laminates are typically thinner and make it much easier for many installation issues, like installed height and transitions to other rooms. If you are replacing a vinyl or tile floor, hardwood will be thicker than what you are replacing and you will have transition issues to other rooms requiring subflooring modifications to do it right.