Is Laminate Or Marble Flooring Better For Kids?

When you have children running wild around the house all day long, it is easy to have your heart jump with every thud. You are constantly worried about them getting hurt. And that’s not all – since they are known for their playful and mischievous nature, chances are, you are already thinking about the costs all those spills, scratches, and scars left on the floor are going to incur. You may choose to wait until they are a little older to re-do your flooring. But if a new floor is the need of the hour, there is plenty to consider before making the ultimate decision. After all, there is no dearth of options for child-resistant floors. The different types each have their pros and cons, and it’s best to make an informed decision than a hasty one.

If you’re looking for an elegant finish, it’s highly probable that you have already looked at Marble as a possibility. However, despite its beauty, it has its own set of disadvantages. Instead, you also have the option for a laminate flooring – which is a popular option today. Between the two flooring styles, there are certain factors you need to consider, all the while keeping your young ones in mind.

Scuffs and Scratches:
If you are on the lookout for polished marble floors, and are hoping to get it installed within your house, remember that it is easily susceptible to scuffs and scratches. This is something to keep in mind especially when you have a toddler running around hoping to wreck havoc. Soon enough, the tiles are likely to bear the reminders of chairs having been dragged across, and plastic high chairs being pushed around. Not to mention all the other toys that the floor will be afflicted with!

Laminate, on the other hand, is not quite as problematic. It is highly durable when it comes to scratches, so if you have kids running loose around the house, this is perhaps the better option of the two. This is especially so if you are hoping to keep the flooring presentable in the long run.

Resistance to Spills:
With children running about, spills are inevitable. Day or night, time and again, you will be surprised as to how much your floor needs to tackle. However, polished marble isn’t the best flooring to avoid spills. Since such a flooring is base material, when anything acidic falls on it, a chemical reaction between the acid and base occurs, leaving behind an evident stain. Moreover, within any house there are plenty of acidic substances constantly in danger of spilling ranging from hot sauces to fruit juices. As a result, it is just a matter of time before a permanent stain is left behind on that perfectly polished marble floor.
Laminate, on the other hand, is far better at handling spills and stains. To top it off, it is not permeable. Therefore, it is able to hold its own in the never ending battle between children and everything else.

Maintenance:
Marble is an easy-victim to spills, scratches, and the other traumas thrown its way. In order to prevent this, it needs to be sealed in with a proper sealer. Not only will this create a visible film over the tiles, but it will also have to be reapplied by a professional every six to twelve months.
Laminate, on the other hand, is low on maintenance demands, and longer lasting. A simple wash with a damp mop or a swipe with a paper towel every once in a while, and you’re good to go.

Budgeting Costs:
If you have been looking into marble flooring options, it will come as no surprise that this is one of the more expensive flooring options in the market today. Known as the choice of emperors in the past, it has always maintained its stately appearance. However, if you are on a budget, this isn’t the ideal way to go. Especially if you are looking forward to saving up for the future. Coupled with the initial costs as well as the recurrent maintenance costs, this is likely to burn a hole through your wallet far quicker than laminate. The latter, instead, is feasible for just about any budget. With its various designs, the price range also varies, allowing you a greater flexibility of budget.

Slipperiness Ratio:
If your children are learning how to walk, and finally going about the house as they please, chances are, you are terrified at the idea of just one bad fall. After all, most children aren’t known for their balancing skills. However, polished marble has low friction, thereby making it a nightmare for any parent. Moreover, its liability to chip and scratch, considering the wear and tear it will be subjected to, increase the possibility of tripping over a pointed end. On the other hand, laminate floorings are less of a danger to growing kids. Due to their high durability and chipping-resistant nature, tripping isn’t much of a hazard. Moreover, it is also higher in friction, which is a great way to keep your little ones safer, and your mind at peace.

Elegance of Appearance:
This is perhaps one of the primary reasons for opting for marble. It comes in a whole range of designs and styles, each more elegant that the last. They have a rich appeal like no other, and the semi-translucent nature of the tiles can brighten up any room in an instant. But while most flooring options cannot even rival the classy finish of the marble tiles, laminate isn’t one to be left far behind. It is available in a variety of designs and textures, guaranteed to replicate some of the most beautiful patterns. However, its unnatural feel, as well as the hollow sound it produces, make it less desirable when what you’re looking for is a more authentic appeal.

Green Materials:
Both, marble and laminate are eco-friendly options. While marble is entirely natural and therefore biodegradable when finally disposed, laminate too has its benefits. The latter is made from a majority of recycled materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of its production. Moreover, it also cuts back on installation costs, making it one of the more ‘green’ flooring options available today.

Therefore, it is evident that in the battle between laminate and marble floorings, the former is a clear winner in a household with young children. To add the cherry on top of the cake, laminate is also prone to fewer adverse effects upon the health of young children. Being naturally resistant to the growth of mold and bacteria, it cause less worry than marble – where you need to be vigilant throughout. However, if you’re still unsure, an added treatment with allergen-resistant, anti-bacterial coating is always possible to make this safe floor even safer.