How to make a retirement plan today

When you are planning your retirement there are several important factors to consider. You need to look at how you will sustain yourself financially, where you will live, and more. Check out the following for information on how you can make a feasible plan for retirement.

Financial planning

Assessing your finances is the first thing to do when you are deciding when you will retire. Consider how much money you would need to cover your financial essentials, leaving some funds for inessential items and fun after retirement. Account for inflation, major purchases, trips, and emergencies.

If your employer offers a pension plan, then you are lucky to have such a secure nest egg awaiting your retirement. Early in the planning for retirement phase it is a good idea to talk to your financial planner about what type of retirement account and funds are right for you over and above your work pension. When you get closer to retirement, they will typically advise you to move funds to less risky investments.

Tips for saving money

Saving money for special events is important. Especially if you are looking to save money for a vacation. You do need to have some meaningful leisure time, but by investing more in your retirement account now you could retire earlier. Cutting back on everyday expenses by spending less on dining out and entertainment is a positive move. Shop around for deals, especially for big purchases and try cutting back on big purchases in general.

Avoiding debt and paying off high-interest debts can also save money in the long run.

Planning ahead

While it is difficult to think about, start to consider the end of your life. Funeral planning can remove some of the financial burden that loved ones have to worry about after you have passed away.

Funeral planning ahead of time ensures that things will be carried out as you wish and gives loved ones a clear vision of how to proceed during their time of grief.

Housing

Before you retire, you should determine where you plan to live for the rest of your life. If you own a home that is paid for, then you could live there long-term without incurring further housing debt. Otherwise you might like to consider moving into a retirement home or perhaps somewhere with assisted living facilities.

Downsizing

Whether you are planning to stay in your current home or move to a new residence, downsizing your possessions can help you to de-clutter and reduce the number of items to be sorted later by loved ones.

Unexpected change of housing

Keep in mind that sometimes unexpected health issues can arise that require us to relocate. As we age, the possibility of becoming unable to care for ourselves or becoming permanently disabled increases.

Issues like osteoporosis, falls, and arthritis can affect our mobility and ability to care for ourselves. Health conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s might require moving to where professionals can help with everyday tasks.

When it comes to planning for retirement, there are many factors to consider. You have to plan your finances, housing, and there are other issues to contend with. Hopefully this guide will help you have a happy and financially sound retirement.

Facts About Sports

Most sports fans know all the details about their favourite athletes, memorable game scores, and plays. Many are loyal of sitting at their favourite local bar or simply on their couches at home to watch the next big game. However, many sports fans are unaware of the history of sports or fun sports facts that have lead up to where sports are today.

No matter where you live or what age you are sports fans share the same common purpose; their passion and love for the game.

Here are 13 facts about sports that you may have not known:

1. In 1900-1920, Tug of War was a part of the summer games as an Olympic Event
2. The World’s Largest Bowling Alley opened in 1972 and is located in Japan with a total of 116 lanes.
3. In 2010, the longest tennis match took place at Wimbledon and it lasted for 11 hours and 5 minutes.
4. In Thailand, kite flying is considered a professional sport.
5. In 1949, the grass length at Wimbledon changed from two inches long to 8mm because a snake bit a tennis player…ouch!
6. Olympic gold medals are actually made of silver!
7. A golf ball has anywhere between 330 and 500 dimples depending on it’s make.
8. The Chicago Cubs baseball team never played any night games at home until after 1988 when Wrigley Field finally installed lights at the field.
9. The NCAA required college football players to study during halftime. This was not changed until after 1925.
10. In 1901, boxing finally became a legal sport.
11. Pig bladders were used as rugby balls before they were made from synthetic material.
12. Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in Toronto. He was only 19.
13. At the 1993 Breeders’ Cup Classic a winning ticket paid $269.20 for a $2 bet. That’s $13,460 for every $100 bet!

Sports and entertainment have come a long way. Whether it is the materials they use, the advancement in the technology of equipment, the rules and regulations, or the change in new and upcoming players, there is always evolvement. Many sports fans also bet on sports event like horse racing for example so that they can not only be immersed in their favorite sport, but they can win money off their favorite teams too.

Clearly, without sport fans and their support there would not be as huge of a sports industry as there is today. If you have ever purchased a ticket to see a sport game live then you are aware or have some idea of how much the industry makes… billions.

It is with your support in purchasing tickets that teams are able to travel and entertain, that venues and arenas are able to accommodate so many fans while paying their staff, and so that buildings can be maintained.

Keeping Safe Whilst Travelling in Winter

Traveling in the winter can be dangerous especially if you are from a warmer climate that the area you are staying at. If you’re saving money for a trip, you don’t want it to be wasted with any accidents or spending your time freezing on your vacation. As such here are tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the winter.

1. Check the Forecast

An obvious precaution but one that deserves to be restated. Keep an eye on the predicted temperatures, especially the wind chill factor, so you can dress appropriately or stay inside during poor weather.

This is especially important if you are planning any outside, physical and/or long distance activities. A warm, at least comparatively, sunny day can quickly shift to wet, cold and/or icy weather with surprising swiftness and being caught out in such a situation can, in extreme cases, be life threatening.

2. Have Appropriate Clothing and Supplies.

Spend the time to workout what sort of winter clothing is right for the weather you will be experiencing. For cold climates this will typically include several layers from thermal underwear to parkas and ski jackets. Make sure to find out what is best for the area you are traveling in so you can pack appropriately.

When doing outdoor activities in cold weather make sure you have some form of method of outside contact and have either a map or other directions, because though winter scenery can be beautiful becoming lost can cause severe injury or be life threatening.

3. Travel Safely.

Driving in cold or icy conditions is dangerous. If you, or the person driving, don’t experience in driving in such conditions it is best if you find different transport. Never drive into a storm. Also make sure to learn if hail or sleet is common and be careful if either of these conditions are forecast. Hail can cause injury as well as damaging cars and equipment. Sleet is also dangerous, its liquid water content soaking warm clothes reducing their effectiveness.

This also applies to flying, keep an eye on the weather for your flight and make sure you know how to re-book or get a refund for flights grounded by storms, snow or other bad weather. If your flight is canceled a train ride can often get you to your destination.

4. Keep Electrical Devices Charged

In case the weather takes an unexpected, or expected, turn for the worse make sure your phones and/or other devices are charged. In confusing and crowded situations your phone may be the only place to get reliable information and will certainly be the only easy way to reassure friends and relatives or to organize around an unavoidable delay.

Following the twitter of your airline can make it easier to get up to date information about flights and potential delays. Twitter and Facebook can also be useful in informing friends and family of your situation when calls or regular internet access is an issue.

5. Check Opening Hours

Many tourist attractions will have shorter opening hours during winter, make sure to check what the best time to visit is. Weather can also influence this, especially for outside activities such as skiing or hiking, so be sure to check if an outing has been delayed or canceled.

In the end the best winter travel tip is to be careful and aware of your surroundings and to then prepare for the potential outcomes. If you plan to travel places like Thailand or Mexico, you won’t need to worry about these winter safety tips. But we have to travel for business sometimes as well and many places through Europe and North America can experience very cold winters. That being said, many winter locations make excellent holiday locations for the prepared and cautious.

Below is an infographic from Slater and Gordon Lawyers, who have been kind enough to provide us with some crucial tips for staying safe during winter travel.

The Link Between Productivity and Your Office Decor

The vast majority of people now work in an office environment. The average person spends a huge portion of their lives at work, and for decades the idea of well thought out interior design in the workplace was sadly overlooked. Offices were dreary, somber affairs in dull muted grey tones about as welcoming as a dental waiting room.

Since the invention of the ‘open plan’ office in the early 20th century, companies and designers have wavered back and forth between truly open spaces and cubicles designed to allow for a blend of privacy and co-operative space. Yet still the oppressive, utilitarian atmosphere persisted. It wasn’t until the 21st century that people cottoned on to the correlation between environment and productivity.

That’s why furniture-work.co.uk has created an office decorating competition with a £500 prize!

Here it is, our brand new #DeckYourDesk #competition! If you fancy the chance to #Win £500 by getting into the #Christmas spirit then here’s what you need to do 👇 (full terms & conditions here: https://t.co/iNVGPTWLLQ) 🎅😬💷🎄 pic.twitter.com/VPFwlIaY7B

— Furniture At Work™ (@Furniture_Work) November 20, 2017

 

Individualization of office space has become increasingly seen as key to happiness and motivation. Making your workspace more vibrant can increase productivity and happiness levels. Allowing employees to modify their workspace has been scientifically proven to increase productivity and output by up to 32%. This may mean choosing potted plants for their area, family photos or art on the walls, a personalized blind for the window or ornaments for their deskspace. All these things help not only with productivity, but also colleague relations, personal well-being and mental health. Similarly, the holiday season can be a stressful time for office workers under pressure.

Long hours, heavy workloads and shortened daylight hours when people would rather be spending time with loved ones are all negative factors which affect output. Allowing staff to decorate their space with a little Christmas cheer helps enormously to combat this. Displaying personalized greetings cards from friends and family, tinsel or mistletoe might sound a bit of a faux pas, but in fact has a huge impact upon peoples’ state of mind and motivation.

Furniture and interior design also play a big part. In surveys conducted, the majority of people felt that curvilinear (curved) furniture instead of rectilinear (rectangular) furniture was far more pleasing to the eye. Color too plays a huge part in levels of happiness. Generally speaking, bright reds, greens and blues have been linked with increased productivity, while lower levels of lighting encourage a feeling of creative freedom and brighter lit areas ones of analysis and decision making.

The latest trends for offices space, which began in Japan and swiftly moved West, is a movement towards standing workstations. Although to the uninitiated this may sound cruel and unusual, in fact studies have found that standing while working helps to combat RSI (repetitive strain injury), bad posture and fatigue in the workforce. Sitting all day in the same position is terribly bad for the body physically, so standing desks (often with options to also sit down if and when a person desires) allow for a greater degree of movement. This leads to less stiffness, less tiredness, less laziness, and more focus.

Finally, circular office furniture such as the boardroom table is now recognized as important for subconsciously reinforcing the idea that everyone around it is equal and valued. Although this might not strictly be true in the hierarchical structure of a large company, psychologically it creates feelings of co-dependence, appreciation, and respect, leading once again back to a happier space and higher levels of productivity. It’s all quite obvious really. Happy people work harder, so invest in workplace furniture and spaces that makes people happy and you’ll see a positive impact on both motivation and workload improvement.

Facts About the Exclusive Edibles from GDW

Edibles from Green Door West can meet the needs of any taste and budget. Regardless of whether you are looking for medical cannabis or something for recreational use, you will be to find what you want at Green Door West. In addition to their amazing customer service, Green Door West has an outstanding selection of products, and you will be able to enjoy them immediately thanks to their impressive delivery service.

Edibles are Perfect for Any Type of Foodie

If you are a fan of sweets, you will have plenty of options from Green Door West. Green Door West has an array of candy, cookies, and other snacks that will help you when you are at your hungriest. However, one of the best ways to squash your hunger is to enjoy a CBD Dark Chocolate 420 Bar.

This chocolate will not relieve your hunger, but it can help you get over anxiety. This product is perfect for the health conscience as it is vegan, gluten-free, and all-natural. The best known high potency chocolate brand on the West Coast has an impressive CBD Dark Chocolate ratio of 2:1.

Green Door West Offers Fast and Friendly Service

When you need a reliable weed delivery service, Green Door West offers products grown by seasoned Vegan Horticulturists. They have an outstanding selection of products including vegan cannabis, pre-rolls, and edibles. The products from Green Door West are grown, cured, and trimmed in an Organic California Hydroponic Farm.

You will no longer have to Google Cannabis delivery business thanks to Green Door West. Once you have secured your Marijuana Delivery Medical Card, you will be able to get help from Green Door West’s friendly staff within a matter of minutes. You can enjoy delivery between 10 am and 10 pm, and always be able to track your driver’s location.

A cannabis delivery service is a great way to get your products quicker. With Green Door West, you will have an outstanding experience, regardless of what and when it needs to be ordered.

My Facts About Customer Service

The customer is the king, so that adage goes. But in all aspects, customers are the ultimate reasons why businesses – large and small – are formed. Patronage is also a crucial determinant of whether enterprises prosper or go under.

As a consumer, I am always fascinated by shopping. My idle time is spent mostly browsing new e-commerce sites and searching for new brick-and-mortar outlets, art and clothes. But what happens when you aren’t getting the customer service you need?

Turning to sites like www.contactcustomerservicesnumber.co.uk when you need great customer service is a effective move to help you in the process. They are #AtYourService and that’s how customer service should be. We have all had bad customer service and complained, but today I would like to focus on a good customer service experience for once. 

Recently, I went shopping for a new outfit to wear at some Christmas parties this year. I had more than a few great experiences around my local mall. The presentation, service delivery, staff technical aptitude, communication as well as their range of products were all 5 star.

Presentation

The first impression is always a lasting one. When I log into a website or step into a provision store, the ambience around would propel me to either step back immediately or get inside and explore further. So when I decided to visit this store and was greeted by friendly workers, I felt welcomed and appreciated. Looking around, I found that customers were getting avid assistance. The neatly arranged rows, shelves packed with many varieties, correctly labelling and adequately lit. I found myself eager to discover more.

Service

Service is the key to excellent customer care. And this played out when I got a little confused by two favorite brands. I decided to seek the intervention of a sales staff to differentiate the two items regarding their specifications and functionalities. I got concise answers and immediately decided which one suited my needs best after price comparisons. The check-off lane was swift while packing was accurate. I didn’t have to queue unreasonably long to make payment. Besides, the payment procedure was reliable, discreet and secure, which gave me greater confidence.

Staff

Perhaps the most encouraging factor during my shopping was the enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge with which the sales staff assisted me. I was sure they underwent customer relations training and were putting the expertise into practice. They were all smiles, decent, informal and polite in their communication. We shared a joke or two which thawed away my stressful day.

Feedback

After purchasing, I had some stuff that could not fit my car. Therefore, they offered delivery using their van. I was impressed that by the time I reached home, their customer care division had already sent an email that my consignment would arrive the following day morning and if I could confirm my availability at the time. I called them back just to make sure that that particular high-value product came with a warranty. They not only confirmed the same but also informed me that they had a free full price refund if I experienced a manufacturer’s defects during the lengthy warranty period. And true to their communication, the courier was in my driveway precisely as was promised.

Products

Checking on the delivered item, I noted that it was well packaged and had arrived without a scratch. In fact, they offered if they could provide an assembly service, which was done quickly and accurately at a small fee. I didn’t mind tipping extra being that they saved me much time. During this time, I realized that the staff had a great teamwork, valued their employer and knew about the products the outlet dealt in. In fact, they promised to update on upcoming promotions and sales periodically.

If you’re shopping online or in person, your experience should be a good one. Whether you’ve been saving money for a vacation or are merely looking for a new tshirt, you should be treated with respect and get all the information before your purchase. Below is a helpful and informative infographic about customer service from Contract Customer Services Number. 

 

Florence Travel Tips and Facts

Florence, once the home of the famous, and infamous, Medici family is a popular tourist destination. You’ll want to spend at least a week exploring the city. After your airport pickup, stay in a hotel which is close to the main sights so that you’re able to walk to all the historic landmarks.  Although what to do and see in Florence can be overwhelming, so here is the top 5 things to do in Florence.

1. Piazzale Michelangiolo

Undoubtedly the best place to have a full view of the city, Piazzale Michelangiolo was built in 1869 as part of the Risanamento or the Renovation which changed many parts of the city. The panoramic view encompasses the majority of the city, from Forte Belvedere to Santa Croce and is a wonderful place to see the dome of the Florence Cathedral. There is also bronze copies of several famous sculptures, including Michelangelo’s David.

2. Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Start saving money for your trip to Florence now, because you won’t want to miss out on this beautiful sight. Widely known for its massive brick dome, the largest in the world, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore or Florence Cathedral visually dominates the centre of Florence. Replacing the 5th century church there before, the Cathedral took some 140 years to build starting in 1296 and finishing in 1436. Part of a larger complex the Florence Cathedral was designed in the Italian Gothic style, with its façade done in the Gothic Revival style in 1887. The completion façade, a polychrome marble panels in shades of pink and green, signalled the true finish of the building of the structure, the outer decoration never finished during original construction.

3. Boboli Gardens

One of the first formal 16th century Italian gardens, Boboli Gardens covers 111 acres and includes the famous Fountain of Neptune and Isolotto. Originally solely for the use of Medici family now the massive Boboli Gardens is an open air museum for many pieces of sculpture. Luckily unlike their original state, where not even parties had been held there, in the modern day the gardens are open to the public.

4. Uffizi Gallery

Another travel tip for Florence is to visit more art galleries, and certainly the most visited Uffizi Gallery is home to many pieces of art, particularly Renaissance pieces but the massive gallery also includes sculptures, jewellery and many other types of art as well. Renovations, started in 1989 and continuing today, have more than doubled the floor space of this 16th century complex. Though the construction continues the gallery is still open, only having necessary rooms closed, with what artworks can be moved located elsewhere in the complex. Attempting to list even a fraction of the artworks in this gallery would be a futile task, but there is no doubt that everyone will find something that interests them in the Uffizi Gallery.

5. Galleria dell’Accademia

Home of many of Michelangelo’s artworks, including the famous statue of David (a copy now stands in its original place in the Piazza della Signoria), the Galleria dell’Accademia or Gallery of the Academy of Florence is smaller than the Uffizi Gallery and houses a more specialized collection. That collection, which includes several unfinished Michelangelo sculptures and paintings by Bottecelli, mostly consists of work by Florentine artists from the 13th to 16th centuries. Though far smaller than Uffizi, the Galleria dell’Accademia was the second most visited museum in Italy.

With its famous museums and expansive and scenic views Florence is a wonderful destination for art lovers around the world, but anyone could have a great time in the capital of Tuscany.

5 Spots to Take a Selfie in Dubai

The place of the richest, the most luxurious, the most splendid, where money can buy you happiness, the dream destination of a vast majority of the people of the world – Dubai is almost a magical city. Because in Dubai people do not wait for things to happen, they just make it happen. So what are you waiting for? Book Mumbai to Dubai flight tickets online and head over to the place of your dreams this vacation. And if you love to click selfies, you are at the perfect place! Read on to find the top five places in Dubai, you must not definitely miss clicking a selfie, or two, at to keep records of probably the most glamorous vacation of your life.

The Burj Khalifa: Probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about the tallest building in the world is in Dubai. The Burj Khalifa boasts of not only the maximum height of a building, but is also the most elegant and one of the most elite in the world. Remember that tickets for a view from atop the Burj Khalifa are best bought two weeks before the date of visit, as on spot tickets are quite pricey. It had extremely strict security measures, and you would do well to remember the same. The views from atop the building are marvellous, needless to say, and a selfie from the top of the highest building in the world is surely on everyone’s bucket list.

The Dubai Marina: One of the most popular locations in Dubai is perhaps the Dubai Marina. It is crowded all day long, but it thins out the most late at night or quite early in the morning, and the views are simply spectacular. The skyline is amazing and would provide the most elegant backdrop for your perfect selfie. There are a few no photography zones, but the most of it is unrestricted.

The Business Bay: This is, by popular opinion, the most famous spot for photography in Dubai. If you are a selfie addict hoping for the perfect photo for your Insta account or to show off on other social media accounts, and you are armed with a fabulous low light camera that takes amazing low light pictures, the backdrop for this photo shoot is the ideal one. Flaunting the amazingly lit Burj Khalifa in the background, with the spectacular arc of the bridge, this always accessible place is a must visit.

The Palm Jumeirah: If you’re looking for a backdrop that involves a beautiful city scale for your selfie, then the Palm Jumeirah is one great place you must not miss out on. To one side of the Palm life’s the view of the Dubai Marina, and on the other side you will be greeted by one of the most luxurious hotels on the planet – the Burj Al Arab. Keep in mind however that a wide angle or zoom lens would be preferred in addition to your phone’s front camera.

The Jumeirah Public Beach: Of the creative professor in you lights up at the sight of something reflections of skyscrapers in the placid water, red from the setting sun, this is the fifth most important place to click your selfie at, while in Dubai. This beach will mesmerise you with its spectacular views.

So, head over to Dubai with your phone juiced up, book Mumbai to Dubai flight tickets online, and off you go on a holiday you will never forget! This is because, once the sands of Dubai have settled on your shoulders, you cannot just shake it off, ever. And, if getting clicked is your new-found hobby, don’t forget to carry your selfie stick!

How to have a Health Retreat in France

Every now and again, we all need to take a break from the stresses of day-to-day life and escape to rejuvenate for a few days. One of the favourite places for this in Europe is France. The country has some of the most beautiful scenery, and lots of charming villas in France are readily available making the perfect place to stay.

Why France?

There are many reasons that make France the perfect destination for a health retreat including its natural beauty, diversity, world-class food and fine wine. It is fully worth saving money to travel to this beautiful destination. If you want to escape the noise and pollution, head to one of the many charismatic villages dotted around the countryside. Most villages have ATM’s, restaurants and a strong Wi-Fi connection while still retaining their traditional character. If you want to explore the history, you have castles, palaces and former battlefields to check out. Or perhaps, you just want a few days relaxing in the French Alps or along the Riviera. And then add in the mild year-round climate, and you have the perfect spot to relax.

Where to Go in France for a Health Retreat:

So now that you know why France makes an excellent destination for a health retreat, let’s take a look at a few of the best places to spend your time. You won’t need to worry about nutrition facts or counting calories, all the food and exercise is readily available. After all, who wants to spend their time walking around the busy and noisy streets of Paris when they want to relax?

Provence in France’s southeast shares a border to the east with Italy and has a large section of the Mediterranean coast to the south. The environment is somewhat special with lavender growing in the fields and the endless stretches of olive trees. Popular activities in Provence include enjoying the outdoors with several trails for hiking. Kayaking is also a favourite pastime. You can explore ancient Roman ruins and spend your time soaking up the charm and atmosphere in one of the many villages. Spending a few days in Provence is certain to make a perfect place for a retreat.

If you’re flying into Paris and want to spend a few days recuperating in a medieval town, head to Chartres, which is about 100 kilometres from the capital. You’ll find a 13th-century cathedral along with lots of gothic buildings. The old town is very romantic with its ageing facades and cobblestone streets. A number of hotels and vacation rentals are sure to provide you with the luxury you need.

Brittany has lots of places that make an ideal spot for a health retreat. But few beat the small town of Locronan, in the north-western part of the province. Locronan is consistently rated as one of France’s most beautiful villages making it a suitable place to enjoy a few days. Inside the town, you’ll see various 18th-century buildings and a Gothic church and you’re within a few minutes of nature. Can there be anything better than relaxing with a glass of wine while soaking up the wonderful atmosphere inside this town?

What to Do on Your Health Retreat:

There are lots of health spas around France offering services from facials to the full day treatment. Most are in serene environments and make for a great place to relax. You should consider looking into what spas are around the area you’re planning to stay and try to arrange a day of treatment. Yoga is also popular in France and finding a class in your area is never very difficult.

Apart from the above, many of France’s towns and cities have large public gardens full of flowers and colour in the warmer months. Why not head down and spend the afternoon with a picnic and a good book? Few can find anything more relaxing than spending an hour or two in a beautiful garden surrounded by fantastic scenery. And after that, you could head to the nearby cafes and restaurants for a coffee or some of the world-famous French cuisine.

If you ask people around the world what France is famous for, wine is sure to be one of their top answers. So, for those of you who like the odd glass of wine, joining a wine tour is a must. There are many tours to choose from, and it all depends on the region you’re staying in. But it’s worth the excursion, and you may be able to bring back a bottle for yourself.

Tips for the Having Perfect Health Retreat:

A health retreat means different things to different people. Make sure you define exactly what it means to you before planning where to go in France. If you want to spend your time at the spas, don’t book accommodation in one of the smaller villages. And, likewise, you’re not going to get much peace when you stay near Paris. Be clear about what you want, and you can start planning the ideal retreat.

A range of hotels and resorts are around France with some offering the full package including an adjoining spa and other amenities. These are ideal places to start your search. You may also be able to find recommendations online from other travellers to help you make the right decision.

France is a Great Place for a Retreat:

France has beautiful scenery, fine wine and lots of high-end resorts, vacation rentals and hotels. You can find what you’re looking for to have a perfect health retreat whether you want to spend the week in a spa or on the beach. Just make sure you plan the activities beforehand, and the ultimate relaxation will come next.

Facts About Laminate Flooring

When remodelling your home, one of the main parts to consider is the floor. This decision is not always easy, especially as we always search for a balance between price and practicality.  We want something of good quality but with a budget in mind. In our mind, the solution to this is  laminate flooring. A perfect alternative to traditional floors, laminate flooring is a great compromise as it is considerably cheaper than solid or engineered wood, but is just as visually appealing, durable and if not easier to install.

Construction:

One of the main reasons that laminate is so durable is due to the way that it is constructed. It is basically made up of four layers: backing, core, image and wear layer. The backing is the barrier between the sub floor and the rest of the layers, the core enables the floor to support the weight of the people walking on it, the image is as the word itself says, the layer that gives the wood look to the floor. The fourth one is the wear layer, it is a protective layer that avoids the flooring to fade.

Qualities:

Another appealing feature of laminate flooring is that is waterproof, meaning not only that it is resistant to any liquid spill but also that it is very easy to clean. This makes laminate one of the  few family friendly floors. And it is affordable, which makes it great for renovations on a budget. 

If you’ve already spent a lot of money on the floor itself, the last thing you want is to be worrying about it getting damaged during every day life. Fear not! Laminate is one of the easiest floors to maintain and keep clean, all it requires is regular sweeping and occasional mopping to help the floor look as good as the day it was installed.

Versatility:

Laminate flooring is often praised for it’s versatility, it is able to replicate not only different species of wood such as oak or walnut, but can also emulate the look of stone or slate tiles. This again fits perfectly with the budget aspect of things. If you would love the look of real wood or real stone in your home but struggle with the price tag, laminate makes the perfect substitute!

Installation:  

The installation of laminate flooring is among the easiest on the market, perfect for DIY amateurs and professionals alike! Unlike real wood floors you don’t have to worry about acclimatising the wood, instead you can get straight on with laying the floor and transforming your home without delay. It’s also one of the least messy installations too, no need for any glue or nails, instead laminate often comes in a ‘tongue and groove click system’. What this means is that the laminate can simply be measured and slotted into place, easy!

Allergies:

Finally, laminate is a great option for those who suffer from allergies mainly because unlike carpets, it doesn’t collect dust and is easy to just wipe clean. It is also a very sanitary product due to its locking system and plastic wear layer, creating a shield against moisture that wants to get in. It does not contract or expand like real wood does if it comes into contact with changing temperatures or excess moisture. However, if moisture does get in, or any permanent damage occurs to the surface or core-board, laminate flooring is easily replaced.

So there you have it, just a few reasons why we think laminate flooring is a fantastic flooring option for any home!