Brought to you by TORLYS.
When we think about laminate flooring, many of us are transported back to our childhood when grandma’s house was decked out in square-tile flooring that both felt and looked like plastic. The truth is, laminate flooring has evolved quite a bit since then, with a comeback that closely resembles the look of hardwood. Thanks to advanced engineering and manufacturing improvements, laminate flooring has become a go-to option among homeowners. Read on to learn how laminate flooring has transitioned from second choice to sought after when it comes to today’s flooring options.
Pictured: Marquee Highland in Alderson Oak
1. The Look
There are a plethora of options when it comes to laminate flooring, and the offerings from TORLYS are no exception. Their collection of laminates includes a wide range of grains that are hard to distinguish from hardwood. Laminate flooring will give you the look you want without breaking your budget, and includes features that top those of hardwood. But its capabilities don’t just stop there — in addition to mimicking hardwood, it can also take on the look of stone tiles. Opt for brushed or hand-scraped textures, finishes like glossy or matte, and choose various plank sizes too. “If you choose a more exotic looking floor with lots of detail, wider planks will highlight its unique features,” says Cam Bowen, VP Sales, Builder & Hospitality, North America at TORLYS. And for wood grains that are subtle? “Choose narrower boards,” he says.
Pictured: Marquee Highland in Amberglen Oak
2. The Durability
Durability is a big concern when it comes to flooring and for good reason. If you have pets or kids, you want to know that the flooring you paid for is going to withstand everything that gets thrown its way — literally. Having undergone strict regulatory testing to meet their durability standards, TORLYS’ Laminates do all of that and more. A fraction of the price of vinyl or hardwood, their products stand up to foot traffic and wick away dirt and grime too. “Our laminates are designed to stand up to real life and look good doing it,” says Bowen.
Pictured: Marquee Shore in Hopewell
3. The Installation
When it comes to laminate flooring, installation is a lot simpler than you might think. Designed for fast and easy installation right from the get-go, the only tools you’ll need to install TORLYS’ laminate flooring are a hammer, tape measure, pencil, saw, and a TORLYS Installation Kit. Even with long hallways and doorways, the process is seamless and free of any speed bumps that’ll slow you down. With their laminate flooring, you can install up to a 50 ft. x 50 ft. area with no transitions and can run room to room without T-molds or transitions.
Pictured: Tilleto in Helen Oak
4. The Features
Spilled some water or a splash of coffee on the floor? Don’t worry — laminates come in a bunch of waterproof and water-resistant options, and can be used in wet areas like washrooms. TORLYS’ products are designed with a Uniclic® Locking System to keep water on the surface and out of the joint. Plus, they offer antimicrobial protection, keeping floors free of mold and odor-causing bacteria and 99% cleaner.
Pictured: Marquee Ocean in Andaman
5. The Repairability
If some of your laminate flooring ever gets damaged, you want fast, cost-efficient solutions. The good news is that if you decide to purchase from TORLYS, they make it super easy for you to repair a damaged plank, as long as you have one of their Smart Floors. “You can replace pieces plank by plank with our Bulldog™ Easy Plank Replacer, without any mess or fuss,” says Bowen. “That’s true of any TORLYS Smart Floor.”
Pictured: Tilleto in Dutch Oak
6. The Low Maintenance
Easier to clean and maintain than hardwood or vinyl, TORLYS’ Laminates make homeownership a breeze. Cleaning up after a spill is relatively easy, as long as you soak up liquids immediately with a cloth. Sweeping and vacuuming will keep your laminates looking brand new and will prevent any static from forming, but otherwise, it doesn’t take much to keep them in great condition.
Are you sold on laminate yet? Learn more about how to swap out your flooring to laminate and what options are available at TORLYS.com. Just bought a home with Empire? We have laminate options available at our Design Centre too — just ask us about our collection of laminates during your design appointment.