Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a type of synthetic flooring that is inexpensive and yet is also very versatile. It can look like a wide variety of other types of flooring material, including a hardwood floor. Before you decide on the type of flooring material you want to use for your next project, it’s a good idea to learn the pros and cons of laminate so you can make an informed decision.

What Are the Pros of Laminate Flooring?

There are many advantages to laminate, including its affordability and durability.

Laminate Flooring Is Affordable

One of the primary reasons that laminate flooring is popular is its price. It’s often less expensive than other flooring options, which means that it’s more within reach for homeowners on a budget or who want to save money.

Laminate Pricing vs. Hardwood Pricing

The pricing of laminate typically ranges from $0.79 to $3.00 per square foot, depending on the brand, quality, and where you purchase it. By contrast, hardwood flooding costs on average between $6 and $18 per square foot.

Laminate Flooring Is Versatile

Laminate flooring has a wide variety of appearances. If you want your floor to look like it’s a hardwood floor without actually being wood, then laminate is a good option. You can get the appearance of different flooring types while maintaining the advantages of laminate flooring.

Laminate Flooring Is Durable

Another reason for laminate flooring’s popularity is its durability. It can last up to 30 years if properly installed and if the materials are of higher quality. On top of that, it’s able to withstand the stress of frequent foot traffic and is therefore ideal for any high-traffic areas of your home.

Laminate Flooring Is Scratch-Resistant

Although wood floors look nice, they’re more prone to scratching than laminate is. If you like the look of wood flooring but want them to be more durably, laminate is a good option.

Laminate Flooring Can Be Waterproof

Laminate flooring can also be waterproofed, which will help it stand up to wear and tear even better than it does on its own. It’s also more resistant to staining than other types of flooring, like wood.

Laminate Flooring Is Easy to Install

Another advantage of laminate flooring that can save homeowners money is that it’s easier to install. This means that it may be possible to DIY a flooring project with laminate so you can save on the costs of installation. You may still want to have a professional do it for you to ensure that it’s installed correctly so you can take advantage of the maximum possible lifespan of your floor, however.

Interested in installing your own laminate flooring? Watch this video by DIY Creators.

Laminate Flooring Can Be Eco-Friendly

Some laminate floors are made out of recycled materials. If you’re interested in eco-friendly flooring, check to make sure that your new floors are made out of environmentally-friendly materials before purchasing.

What Are the Cons of Laminate Flooring?

Despite its many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to laminate flooring.

Laminate Flooring Can Be Liquid-Damaged

If your laminate flooring isn’t water-proofed, then it may be more prone to water damage or damage from other liquids. Even if your floor is already water-proofed, it’s still a good idea to be careful because if water gets underneath the floor, it could cause damage like buckling and warping, which would necessitate a replacement.

Laminate Flooring Cannot Be Refinished

With hardwood floors, you can sand them down and then refinish them to recapture their original shine. With laminate flooring, you can’t do that. Instead, you would just need to replace the boards entirely.

Laminate Flooring May Look Artificial

The versatility of laminate flooring and its ability to mimic other types of flooring is an advantage. However, that resemblance may not last under close inspection. Laminate may look like hardwood flooring, but it may not feel like it.