Are you considering a floor remodel? In the US, 78% of homeowners completed their last remodeling project to improve their homes' appearance and feel.
When it comes to transforming the ambiance and value of your home, the flooring choice plays a pivotal role. Laminated wood flooring, in particular, is cost-effective and versatile.
It's a great way to elevate the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces while increasing your property's overall value. However, choosing the right color is crucial.
Are you ready to make this critical decision? Keep reading to learn how to choose the perfect laminated wood flooring coloring for your home and more.
Types of Laminated Wood Flooring
Laminate flooring comes in packages of planks. These planks are typically ¼ inches thick and conveniently snap together when installed. There are two styles of laminated wood flooring: engineered wood and plastic laminate.
Laminated wood flooring is made from several layers. These layers are, from top to bottom:
- Melamine backing (plastic laminate) or Hardwood veneer backing (engineered wood)
- Fiberboard core (plastic laminate) or Hardwood core (engineered wood)
- Wood-grain print film (plastic laminate) or layers of UV-resistant acrylic finish (engineered wood)
Engineered wood laminate flooring is made from natural wood, so it typically has a higher price tag. This is your best option if you're undertaking a luxury home upgrade.
Laminate Flooring Patterns and Textures
When choosing laminate flooring, you can choose between two patterns: narrow planks or wide planks. The one you choose should match your interior design style. However, there are particular reasons you may want one over the other.
Larger planks can give the laminate a more luxurious and sturdier look, making them great for larger rooms. However, if the substrate is not perfect, it's best not to opt for wide planks. The uneven floor will make it challenging to lock together and stay flush.
Aside from the width of the planks, there are several other types of patterns and textures. Some of them include:
- Smooth: This type has no texture and typically resembles a polished wood floor
- Embossed: This type has a pattern pressed into it to resemble wood grain
- Handscraped: This type is patterned to look like antique flooring and comes in several colors
- Gloss: You can opt for high gloss for shine or low gloss for a more matte aesthetic
Laminated Wood Flooring vs. Water
Another thing to consider before choosing the right color laminated wood flooring is how waterproof you need it to be. There are typically two options: waterproof and water-resistant.
Laminate flooring advertised as waterproof is typically only so if installed correctly. When installed correctly, the planks snap tightly together, preventing water from penetrating the lower layers.
However, water-resistant laminate wood flooring can withstand water enough to be mopped and dried. It's worthwhile noting that if you opt for water-resistant flooring, it has a limited lifespan before it becomes worn.
Once this happens, water will likely seep between the plants or through the surface. When this happens, it may be time to consider replacing them.
How to Choose the Right Laminated Wood Floor Shade
When installing laminated wood flooring, your chosen shade will depend on several things, primarily the interior design colors you've already used in the room. It will also depend on the following:
The Room Size
If the room is large, you can choose a darker laminated wood shade, such as dark walnut. However, if you select a dark shade for a small room, you risk making the room appear smaller. Smaller rooms often do better with lighter colors, such as light oak or ash.
The Available Lighting
Anyone with a dark-colored car will tell you theirs gets hotter than lighter-colored vehicles when left in the sun. This is because dark shades absorb light.
The same is true for laminated wood flooring. Light laminate floor shading will be best if your room lacks natural light. In contrast, if your room is very well-lit, you can make quite a statement by opting for a darker shade like black oak or red mahogany.
The Type of Room
When choosing laminated wood floor colors, consider the room's use. If it is a high-traffic area, lighter shades better hide scuff marks and imperfections than darker shades.
If you're remodeling your kid's room, you can alternate colors to give the floor a striped pattern. If you have a young child, you may want to choose a lighter shade that will be less likely to show dirt and scuff marks. A darker shade may be better for an older child who is less likely to be rough on the floor.
The Chosen Wall Colors
The color of your walls will also affect the shade of the laminate floor you can choose. If you have light walls, you can select any shade laminate floor. However, if you have dark walls, you should choose a lighter shade to avoid making the room feel smaller.
Furniture and Decor
When choosing furniture for a room with dark-colored laminate wood flooring, it is essential to choose light-colored furniture. This helps to create a contrast and prevent the room from feeling too dark.
Light-colored furniture will also help to reflect light and brighten the room. Some good options include white, beige, light gray, and light blue.
Choose light-colored furniture with bright accents to add a pop of color. However, avoid using too much dark furniture in a room with dark-colored laminate wood flooring. You don't want the room to feel cramped and dark.
What Shade Will You Choose?
Choosing the right shade for your laminated wood flooring is one of the most critical decisions when remodeling your home. If you have a small room, choose a lighter shade to make it appear larger. If you have a large room, you can choose a darker color.
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With over 75 years of experience, a curated product catalog, and unbeatable prices, we provide showroom quality and brand-name recognition-directly to you! Contact us today.
