Once you get your flooring toes wet, you will soon notice that the pricing
structure of a laminate flooring service isn't always an accurate indicator of value and quality. A wealth of other factors need to be considered before you take the plunge. A pricey range isn't necessarily a superior product.
At the other end of the spectrum, a cheap or
discount laminate flooring service may turn out to
be extremely costly, due to sub-standard quality
and inferior core strength. Get a good overview of
the prices of well-known manufacturers, before you
decide on a budget. Even within a particular brand's
lines you will find vast price differences. Luckily
many manufacturers include more affordable lines in
their laminate flooring collections. Check that
budget lines will be suitable for your specific needs,
for instance some of the less expensive ranges can't
be used in a bathroom.
Pricing has to do with the thickness of the laminate
flooring, the pressure system used during
manufacturing, and the quality of the wear layer. If the underlayment is preattached, the flooring range is likely to come with a higher price tag. The AC Rating (see Chapter 10) also plays an important role in pricing. The warranty period is another factor that influences price. The more expensive the flooring range, the higher its moisture resistance level should be.
Don't opt for the cheapest range. Choose with long-term durability in mind. The best underlayment may cost a tad more, but will add to the walking pleasure your flooring choice gives you in the long run.