Natural Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has long been a popular choice for homeowners due to its affordability, durability, and realistic designs that mimic natural materials like wood and stone. Natural laminate flooring, in particular, has become a key trend in interior design, offering a clean, contemporary aesthetic that is both timeless and on-trend. A natural floor can make a room feel more open and airy, creating a sense of calm and space. It provides a neutral canvas that allows you to be more creative with your wall colours, furniture, and decor, as almost any colour will pop against a natural backdrop.

The durability of a laminate floor is primarily determined by its usage class and AC rating, which measures the wear layer’s resistance to abrasion, impact, and stains. A high-quality natural laminate can be extremely robust and suitable for residential areas with heavy foot traffic. The surface is highly resistant to scratches and fading, ensuring that the bright, crisp colour of your natural floor remains vibrant over time. This combination of a beautiful aesthetic with a hard-wearing and low-maintenance surface makes natural laminate flooring a practical and stylish choice for modern living.

Buying guide for natural laminate flooring

When considering natural laminate flooring, it’s important to evaluate how its characteristics align with your home’s needs.

• Room usage / Location: Natural laminate is an excellent choice for most residential spaces, including high-traffic areas like living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways. The light colour can make a room feel larger, making it a great option for smaller spaces or rooms that lack natural light. For moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, you should always choose a product from a specific waterproof or water-resistant range.
• Lifestyle: This type of flooring is a great choice for families with children and pets due to its superior durability and scratch resistance. The surface is easy to clean and doesn’t trap dust or allergens, which is beneficial for households with allergy sufferers. While natural floors can show dirt more easily than darker colours, they are very easy to clean with a simple wipe.
• Budget: Natural laminate flooring is a cost-effective alternative to real wood, offering a beautiful aesthetic at a more affordable price. Prices vary depending on the thickness and AC rating of the product, but it remains a budget-friendly option for homeowners.
• Durability & Maintenance: The durability of natural laminate is determined by its AC rating, which measures its resistance to wear and tear. To maintain its appearance, you should vacuum or sweep the floor before cleaning with a just-damp cloth. The wear layer also protects against fading, so the natural colour will remain vibrant over time.
• Material Type Pros & Cons:
  • Pros: Natural laminate is affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. Its light colour can make a room feel more spacious and open. It is a versatile backdrop for a variety of decor styles and is resistant to scratches, stains, and fading.
  • Cons: While very easy to clean, natural floors can show dirt and dust more easily than darker colours. They are also not fully waterproof unless you choose a specific waterproof range. They may also be perceived as cold or stark if not balanced with other decor elements.
• Aesthetics & Style: Natural laminate flooring creates a modern, clean, and airy aesthetic. It is a great choice for Scandinavian, minimalist, or contemporary decor. It provides a versatile backdrop that makes colours and textures in your furniture and decor stand out.
• Comfort & Sound: The feel underfoot depends on the thickness of the plank and the quality of the underlay. To improve comfort and reduce the “hollow” or “clicky” sound, it is advisable to use a good quality underlayment specifically designed to reduce sound.
• Underfloor Heating: Many natural laminate floors are compatible with both electric and water-based underfloor heating systems. The flooring’s composition allows for efficient heat transfer, making it a suitable choice for keeping your space warm.
• Installation: Natural laminate flooring typically features a click-and-lock installation system, which makes it easy to fit as a floating floor without the need for adhesives. A level subfloor is crucial for a successful installation to prevent the planks from flexing or separating.

Frequently asked questions about natural laminate flooring

Is natural laminate flooring a good choice for a busy family home?

Yes, it is an excellent choice. A high-quality natural laminate floor is highly durable and resistant to scratches and stains, making it suitable for busy family homes. While it may show dirt more easily than darker floors, it is also very easy to clean, ensuring it maintains its bright and fresh appearance with minimal effort.

Will natural laminate flooring make my room look bigger?

Yes, a natural floor is known to make a room feel larger and more open. Its light colour reflects natural light, creating a sense of space and airiness that can be particularly effective in smaller rooms or areas with limited natural light.

Is natural laminate flooring difficult to keep clean?

No, natural laminate is very easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment will remove daily dirt and dust, and spills can be wiped up with a damp cloth. While it may show dirt more readily, the non-porous surface makes it simple to clean, so you can easily keep it looking pristine.