Does Joanna Gaines use Laminate Flooring?

Joanna Gaines does use laminate flooring because she believes it is affordable and stylish too.

Her basic approach to designs is to walk with the client, providing what the client wants. In this approach, as she says, she creates a middle ground with client by letting the client write down what he wants, they then discuss and find what is applicable, applying the creative mind she possesses.

Joanna Gaines’ Approach

Joanna Gaines and her spouse, Chip, host a popular HGTV reality show, Fixer Upper. On the show, that is about home design and renovations. They have been able to transform many dilapidated homes into exquisite abodes that would have only been a fantasy to the owners.

Their choices and preferences are different but they agree that the client’s choice is paramount. The show came to an end at the end of Fixer Upper, Season 5 but not without lessons for us.

Joanna, or Jo as she is popularly known, has a strong passion for design. Her approach of engaging clients before zeroing in on a particular design has the effect of squeezing out “these passions they both have and figure out how to mend those together.” She is very articulate on her philosophy of “embracing where you are and the season you are in”.  They have had different flooring designs that transformed weather-beaten properties into beautiful ones but we focus on laminate flooring.

So, what is Laminate Flooring?

While it is clear that Joanna Gaines adopts different fixing styles for your house, it is good to understand what laminate flooring is.

Laminate Flooring involves the fusion of a multi-layer synthetic material through a lamination process. Wood, or sometimes, stone is simulated with a photographic type of application that is clear and protective. In the inner layer, there is melanin resin and fiberboard materials.

This process usually gives the floor that look of hardwood or stone flooring but without the accompanying hustles of expenses and maintenance. Durability is achieved when the second layer is added, giving it the look of a hardwood or stone.

Pros and cons of Laminate Flooring

Since its inception, laminate flooring has gained popularity, with users preferring it to other traditional flooring methods such as hardwood flooring. According to Jo, this method simply fits certain clients who insist that it be done.

Laminate flooring has several advantages and disadvantages and as you will see, Chip does not really like it.

The pros

Affordable

Laminate flooring costs less when compared to other methods such as hardwood flooring. The prices quoted can vary between $1.50 per sq. ft. and $3 per sq. ft. These costs are usually inclusive of the underlay and adhesives used. However, there are other wholesalers and online retailers who can offer better deals.

According to Joanna Gaines, it is always not true that the smaller the room, the lesser the costs. It is actually vice versa. Smaller rooms require a lot of trimming and therefore time consuming.

Cost is also determined by the location. For instance, houses that have a landing area or staircases may be a bit more expensive than those without. This is because these areas require more material, more trimming, and maintenance.

The type of color used may also push up the costs. It is generally understood that deeper colors are branded as premium hence the higher costs. Light colors, on the other hand, are cheaper.

Easy to Install

With laminate flooring, the laminate can be put on top of any existing floor. This does not include the carpet. There are manufacturers who offer high-quality glue-free, tongue-and-groove system.

The process does not require specialized skills to install. The planks can interlock, making it easy to install and uninstall if need be. The interlocks help prevent damaging the laminate as well as interfering with the original floor underneath.

Durable

The use of laminate layers on the floor offers that floor a durable stay, especially in high traffic areas and in homes that have pets. This is because it is scratch resistant and therefore resists the normal wear and tear that can be witnessed with hardwood flooring.

High traffic areas in the house, such as the kitchen, can develop marks that indicate people movements in the house. This is very common with wooden floors due to the wearing off, of the original wood color, and the wood itself. The floor maintains its original look, and if well maintained, this look lasts long.

Hygienic

Some brands come with an antimicrobial resin. It is easy to clean the laminate floors because you just need a damp piece of cloth to remove spills as soon as they happen; you can sweep or dust the floor to avoid accumulating dust; and simply vacuum it.

It is simply an easy to maintain floor.

Resale Value

Laminate flooring enhances the resale value of your house. Because it gives the floor that wooden look, it attracts most home owners who are on the lookout for hard wood floors than the carpeted ones. The laminate floor can make your house look more open and modern.

This type of flooring is eco-friendly as it uses less wood in its construction. Joanna Gaines insists that she discusses with her clients beforehand, understand them and offer suggestions based on the needs identified. Some clients are very particular with environmental conservation and with laminate flooring, their desires can be realized.

The cons

Noise

The materials used to make the laminate floor do not have sound-proof ability. They produce the hollow sound when you step on it, thus making noise especially when walking on it with high heels.

Visibly not Hardwood

Some buyers prefer the natural look of stone or hard wood. They are able to differentiate these from laminated ones.

Uncustomizable Design Options

Usually, the designs are pre-determined by the manufacturers leaving little or no room for modifications. Colors and sheen cannot be changed, and if you do not like what is on offer, you have no room for selecting a different one. With hardwood, one can stand and re-stain for a different look.