If you’re looking for laminated floors for your home, one option that you might have heard of is hand scraped laminate flooring. However, you might not know much about it. What is it? Is it suitable for your home? This post will tell you everything there is to know about it.
What is Handscraped Laminate Flooring?
The term “handscraped” is a bit of a misnomer. You might believe that the design is all handmade, but instead, it’s manufactured to look like restored natural wood. This illusion is further illustrated through its texture, which tends to be bumpy.
Restored wood involves taking wood from previously-used resources and repurposing it for something else. Many people love this look because of the rustic vibe it gives off. Rather than looking like smoothed, processed wood, restored wood gives off a natural, rough around the edges look.
Another appeal of handscraped laminate wood is that it can have some texture to it. If you want a floor with some bumps and rough edges, this might be your flooring. Don’t get us wrong; smooth floors have a use. However, many people like a home that emulates how we used to live, minus the inconveniences that came with the past.
With handscraped laminate, it is not done by hand but instead manufactured by machine. While some might enjoy the idea of laminate made entirely by hand, that can be pricey. With most handscraped laminates, you can get that textured look without spending too much on it.
What Are the Advantages of Handscraped Laminate?
Handscraped laminate has many advantages. If you’re looking for a laminate to suit your home, these advantages can include:
It Looks Gorgeous
Again, the rustic design keeps people coming back to it every time. No two handscraped laminate floorings are alike, each manufactured to be unique. You can choose laminate in several colors and styles, meaning that you can find the right laminate type for your style.
It is More Durable than Smooth Flooring
Handscraped laminate flooring can be more durable than its smooth competition. Because of its texture takes a lot more to bend or warp the floor, meaning that you will have flooring that lasts a long time. Most laminates have a long-term warranty, but handscraped laminates have an even more extended warranty for the most part. Of course, durability and warranties can depend on which brands you choose, but for the most part, it is more durable.
It is Scratch Resistant
Another pro of handscraped laminate is that, just like a normal laminate, it protects the floor against scratches, scuffs, and other types of damage. With handscraped laminate, you don’t want anything damaging your floor, so a good laminate will work its best to protect it from everyday accidents and scratches.
What Are the Disadvantages?
With that said, handscraped laminate isn’t perfect. Here are some disadvantages to it.
It Can Cost More
While handscraped laminate is manufactured in a plant to reduce costs, it can still cost more than a smoother laminate. It’s not overly expensive, but if you’re on a budget, you might want to spend your money on a higher quality smooth laminate than a lower quality handscraped.
It Can Be More Difficult for You to Install
Installing handscraped laminate is not the most challenging thing in the world, but it can be slightly more challenging than smoother laminate. The reason for this is because of its bumpy texture. However, an expert can install it with ease. Always be sure to have laminate that’s straight without any gaps. If any moisture falls into those gaps, it can damage the flooring. Once installed properly, however, you can have flooring that will last you a very long time.
It’s Not Truly Handmade
Some people might be disappointed to learn that handscraped laminate is not genuinely handmade. However, if you’re trying to improve your home’s value by adding handmade furniture and flooring, handscraped laminate will not increase much. With that said, it’s still a gorgeous laminate for many reasons.
To us, the pros are much stronger than the cons, but you can decide for yourself.
How to Find the Best Handscraped Laminate Flooring
Before we go, we should discuss where you should look when searching for handscraped laminate flooring. While it can be an excellent addition to your home, you also need to ensure that the brand you’re buying is of higher quality. Here are some things to consider.
The AC Rating
An AC rating indicates how resistant the flooring is to stains, scratches, and other damage. If the laminate has higher quality materials, it will usually have a higher AC rating. While handscraped laminate is inherently stronger than smoother flooring, you still have to be mindful of the rating, as there are cheaply made handscraped laminates being sold by retailers.
Avoid Big Retail Brands
Another thing to keep in mind when you purchase handscraped laminate is to avoid more prominent retail brands. Many retailers do not know how to install laminate properly, and they might give you lower-quality brands.
This is not to say that you should avoid these shops altogether, but remember that they are jacks of all trades. When it comes to purchasing and installing laminate floors, you might want to look for a company that specializes in only that.
Read the Reviews
Finally, when choosing handscraped laminate flooring, you must read the reviews. Laminate flooring is a significant investment, and you need to make sure you’re buying a product that most people love. Look at several brands, and read the reviews. Look at both the positive and the negative.
The Takeaway
Handscraped laminate flooring can be fantastic for those looking for flooring that will last a long time while providing a rustic feel. It works well for any home, be it a more modern house or a cabin. Be sure to do your research and decide if it’s truly right for you. You deserve the best flooring for your home.