The term “hand scraped laminate flooring” might make you think that it was all created by hand. Actually, it's called handscraped because this type of laminate is meant to mimic the appearance of restored natural wood.
Sometimes old wood really is scraped by hand as part of the process of restoring it for reuse. The laminate meant to resemble it is manufactured in a way that requires less human labor because much of the process is done by machine.
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What this means for you is that you can get the look of an antique wood floor for a lower price. Handscraped laminate flooring even adds a bit of texture, which creates a slightly more realistic look than the perfectly smooth printed image of some other types of laminate. This makes handscraped laminate a popular option with homeowners who like the idea of adding a rustic look to their home, but don't want to pay a high price for real handscraped wood or take the risk of using reclaimed wood for their flooring.
What Is Handscraped Lamiante?
The thing to remember about a handscraped laminate floor is that it is laminate that is pressed in a way that makes it look realistic, but it is still laminate. What's especially good about it is that laminate is typically easy to install, so it's a favorite flooring material for people who like the idea of installing their own flooring. Properly installed laminate will be as straight as possible with no gaps that dirt and moisture can fall down into to cause damage, so be sure you have all the proper tools on hand if you intend to install your own flooring. If you are at all unsure at any point, it may help to call a professional who can not only help you with the installation, but also point out any areas in the layers underneath the flooring that may need work before the flooring can be successfully installed in a way that helps it last a long time.
What To Look For In Handscraped Laminate Flooring
When you choose laminate, be sure to take a look at the AC rating, which is usually an indicator of the quality and fiber density of the core material underneath the top printed image. If you intend to install this type of laminate in a high traffic area, look for an AC rating of 3, 4 or 5 because laminate floors with higher AC ratings have a higher core density are designed to endure more wear and tear. An AC rating of 1 or 2 is usually better suited for lower traffic areas like a bedroom.
Beyond that, handscraped laminate doesn't have any special maintenance needs above and beyond what's normal for quality laminate. Once it's been installed, be sure to take precautions when placing your furniture to avoid scratching up your new floor. Be sure to keep it as dry as possible, wipe up any spills as soon as you notice them, make note of any places where damp spots keep forming because this can be a sign of drips or leaks in your ceiling or in pipes under or near the floor, and watch for any warping or discoloration that might indicate hidden water damage. It's important to keep it clean as much as possible to avoid damage caused by hidden dirt and grime deposits, but be sure to use a special cleaner designed for laminate to avoid inadvertently damaging the laminate with harsh chemicals. Like with most laminate options, it's easier to prevent damage to handscraped laminate than it is to repair damage once it has already occurred.
The Affect Of Handscraped Laminate
If you take proper care of your handscraped laminate floor, it's easy to forget that it's not actually an antique hardwood floor. Maybe somebody might notice that it doesn't have all the imperfections that come with having an old floor that hasn't been replaced in decades if they look closely. However, if you've always thought that rustic old homes that have been well-maintained are charming, you can bring that to your home with a handscraped laminate floor.
Will hardscraped laminate add to the value of your home? Probably not. Its chief advantage is the ability to simulate the rustic look of an antique floor without being overly expensive. However, hardscraped laminate is one of our favorite types of laminate simply because its added texturing gives it a more realistic appearance. When you can find a high quality hardscraped laminate flooring option, you're getting an option that can last for many years with proper care.