Instead of traditional wood flooring, many homeowners love the look and easy maintenance of laminate flooring. However, you may question whether laminate flooring is ideal for an entryway because of high foot traffic and exposure to sunlight. We did some digging into laminate flooring, so you'll know all the pros and cons before you install this in your home's entrance.
If you are looking for flooring for an entryway, laminate flooring is an excellent choice. You can find cost-effective laminate flooring that mimics the look of hardwood, marble, or ceramic tile floors. Laminate floors are treated to resist moisture, are durable, and make cleaning up after mud or snow an easy task. It is advisable to place a quality area rug or mat in an entryway to ensure the longevity of the laminate floor.
Explore with us the many reasons why laminate flooring is a solid choice for entryways. You'll soon learn that laminate flooring is designed to resist stains and endure wear-and-tear to last decades in your home. Keep reading as we also discuss pairing laminate with other pre-existing types of flooring and how to add an attractive area rug atop laminate.
Make An Entrance With Laminate Flooring
The Swedish company, Perstorp, invented laminate in 1977. Following the flooring's popularity in Europe, Perstorp marketed laminate to the United States in 1994. Today, laminate flooring continues to maintain its appeal with homeowners and consumers. Not only does laminate flooring look as beautiful as traditional hardwood floors, but some plank styles mimic marble and ceramic tiles.
Laminate flooring is a composite of multiple materials, including wood pulp. After treatment with heat or pressure, the laminate is almost impervious to scratches, impact, moisture, fading, and staining. Homeowners value laminate because it doesn't need waxing or varnish yet maintains a natural sheen. Most brands of laminate flooring last an average of 25 years or longer and are inexpensive to install.
Pros
- Inexpensive and long-lasting floor option
- Natural sheen and finish; no need to wax
- Resists stains, moisture, scratches, and fading
- Versatile styles akin to hardwood floors, stone, or traditional tile
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- You can't sand or refinish laminate
- Severely scratched, dented, or water damaged planks need replacement
Maintaining Laminate Floors
Entryways can get dirty pretty quickly, but laminate floors are tough, so caring for laminate flooring is low-maintenance. Upkeep laminate's appearance in your entrance daily by sweeping dirt and removing any standing water (particularly puddles on a rainy day or melted snow during winter). Occasionally mop the flooring for a deeper clean.
To deep clean laminate:
- Sweep or dust laminate planks first to remove loose debris.
- Avoid using too much water when mopping laminate. Don't allow any water to pool or sit too long on planks, which can lead to warping, bubbling, or damage beneath. If there is a leak or spill, clean it as soon as possible.
- Avoid using wax or oil-based soaps that can leave behind residue.
- Allow planks to dry thoroughly.
Taking good care of your laminate will provide you with years of elegant, durable flooring that feels and looks good underfoot. Homes with kids or pets are a good match for laminate floors because cleaning up hair, spilled juice, or excess dirt is swift and painless.
Does Laminate Flooring Scratch Easily?
Because of how laminate is manufactured, this hardy material resists chipping and dents and doesn't scratch easily. However, anyone with a laminate floor installed in the entryway should take some precautions, especially with kids or pets. In high traffic areas, it is good to lay area rugs to protect the planks. Remove high heel shoes and shoes with cleats before walking on the floor. Keeping your pet's nails trim is best to prevent scratching the floor. Pad any furniture legs that rest on entryway flooring.
If laminate flooring does get a noticeable scratch or dent, you can use products to fill-in or hide the imperfection. Usually, adding a bit of compound, wax, or a marker in the same color as the floor can hide marks. For damage beyond repair, replace the planks.
Check out this filler to touch up floors on Amazon.
Do Laminate Floors Look Cheap?
Since this composite material is built to last decades and resist damage, its appearance can easily fool people that it is a higher-priced type of flooring. Many quality laminate brands successfully mimic stone, wood, or tile to create an expensive look.
Can Area Rugs Ruin Laminate Floors?
Placing an area rug or two is an excellent way to ensure the longevity and like-new look of laminate flooring. However, avoid rubber-backed and latex-backed rugs. Certain backings on rugs can create an undesirable chemical reaction with laminate, leading to discoloration. Other rugs might stick to the laminate and leave behind debris when removed. An area rug can help cut down on slips and falls on the ultra-smooth surface but make sure an area rug won't damage your floor.
If you have an area rug you want to place on your laminate floor, choose a natural material like jute, wool, or bamboo. You can place felt padding underneath a rug without causing a problem.
Check out this tasteful area rug on Amazon.
Check out this contemporary circular rug on Amazon.
Check out this neutral seagrass rug on Amazon.
What is the Best Flooring for an Entryway?
If you are in the market for the best flooring for an entryway, it is better to install porcelain or ceramic tile. Ideally, it would be best if you chose a tile with a busy eye-catching pattern, or use a darker grout to hide dirt from foot traffic. Ceramic and porcelain tiles last for ages, are easy to clean, and don't incur adverse reactions with area rugs, rug backings, or mats.
Check out this beautiful paisley design ceramic tile on Amazon.
The next best option for flooring in an entryway is luxury vinyl tile or luxury vinyl planks (LVT/LVP). No matter what type of flooring you have in your entryway or mudroom, keep appearances up with frequent cleaning and a durable, absorbent area rug or mat.
Check out this luxury vinyl tile on Amazon.
Conclusion
Give an entryway or mudroom the royal treatment with luxurious looking laminate flooring. You can easily find inexpensive laminate planks that look similar to stone, hardwood, or tile and last for decades. Throwing an area rug atop laminate is not a problem, provided it is made from natural materials. In an area like the entryway, laminate flooring makes a strong visual statement, withstands heavy foot traffic, and resists dirt, moisture, and fading.
Check out these articles related to flooring and wow house guests with your interior decor.
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