Kathy van Mullekom
The Ledger.com

High-traffic and play areas in your home are best maintained when the flooring is a slick-style surface that’s quick to mop. If vinyl is not your style, you may want to consider laminates that give you the look of wood without the wear over time.

What is laminate? It’s a photograph of wood embedded in composite panels, according to the North American Laminate Flooring Association. Laminate comes in no-nail, snap-together and floating-floor options. The surfaces are generally stain- and dent-resistant. No waxing or refinishing is needed, which is a bonus in kitchen and bath areas.

When you consider laminate flooring, take into account where it will be used. Moisture can damage laminate flooring but there are quality brands with built-in moisture protectors. Even a small leak from an icemaker or dishwasher hose can cause serious problems. In the bathroom, kids splashing or dripping on the floor can cause delamination or buckling in the floor.