Laminate flooring is among the most often used flooring options. Simple to set up, has a convincing woody look, and is less expensive than real hardwood flooring, is it an ideal flooring choice?
Laminated wood flooring is a multi-layered synthetic substance melded together to mimic natural wood through the lamination process.
This flooring is formed by integrating a photographic picture of genuine wood onto the top of an HDF (high-density fibreboard) core with a water-resistant bottom layer.
In addition, the laminated flooring has a transparent wear layer on top that acts as a protective barrier.
Every form of flooring, despite the price, has a range of benefits and drawbacks. And there is no exception when it comes to laminate plank.
The advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring are discussed below. You can use this guide to see if a laminate floor is a good fit for your residence.
Table of Contents
Pros of laminate flooring
There are numerous advantages of laminate flooring, some of which have been listed below to help you make an informed choice!
1. Affordability
The average installation cost about 50% less than hardwood floors. However, product quality varies, much like wood.
Some have a more accurate appearance than others, and some have a thinner density, making them more prone to wear out much quicker than a higher-quality material.
The cost of laminate alternatives typically starts at less than $1 per square foot and goes up to roughly $5 per square foot.
Laminate is an excellent synthetic material if you want the look of reliable and solid hardwood but at an affordable price.
Giving you all the richness and rich textures of natural wood flooring is budget friendly with the added benefit of longevity.
2. Easy Installation
Laminate wood flooring is a lightweight porcelain tile that you may install without disassembling or replacing an existing floor on any base except carpeting.
Because they are joined with an interlocking mechanism known as a tongue-and-groove connection, laminated floorboards are easy to replace.
It takes less time to settle when contrasted to solid wood floors or stone floors. Laminate flooring options come in panels.
The corners are engineered to snap together effortlessly without the need to screw or glue the boards together.
The setup process is straightforward and quick, which is an immense comfort for professional installation.
3. Durability
Another biggest laminate flooring pros is its longevity. Whether you prefer laminate version for a commercial area or a busy household, it is designed to last long from scar and dent.
The AC rating on laminate flooring indicates how sturdy and long-lasting the laminate is. The higher the rating, the more durable the material will be.
A higher AC rating does not always imply that it is the finest, as each one serves a particular purpose and meets different requirements.
In general, laminate flooring has a 15 to 20-year range. The longevity of your floor will differ considerably on the quality of the product, how well you preserve and maintain it, and how much wear and strain it endures.
Laminate floors can endure up to 25 years in some circumstances. They come in various durability grades and can handle high-traffic areas.
It also has a scratch-resistant wear surface. Nicks and aesthetic damage don’t have to concern individuals with busy families and clumsy kids.
4. Maintenance And Repair
Cleaning the laminate floor with a vacuum or sweeper is simple. Use a moderately moist sponge or, preferably, laminate floor solvent to clean your floors.
The durable wear layer of laminate floors do not require any floor waxing. When mopping, resist using too much water because it might soak into the cracks between the planks and cause blistering.
Extra moisture can cause laminate flooring to distort or discolor. Therefore it should be maintained carefully, with plain water, aside from brushing and vacuuming as required.
Static pools of water, which are common in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, will damage laminate flooring. An impervious veneer, such as vinyl or clay tile, is required in regions with a lot of moisture.
Several manufacturers even provide 10-year or more extended warranties on the protective coating. If staining occurs, it is usually simple to remove.
5. Elegant Look And Versatility
It is almost impossible to tell the difference between natural wood and laminate these days, thanks to advances in laminate flooring innovation.
Many laminate flooring feature patterning that closely simulates the appearance and feel of natural wood.
Laminate comes in various designs and natural textures to make it look as genuine as conceivable.
It has various patterns, including thin and wide board wood flooring, stone and ceramic tile-inspired designs, and traditional wood floor arrangements like herringbone parquet.
Whether you want to give your home a classic or modern feel, laminate flooring has you covered!
Cons of laminate flooring
Here are the six significant disadvantage of laminate flooring for your residence.
1. Prone To Moisture Damage
Laminate flooring is created from composite material known as high-density fiberboard (HDF) core, which is more sensitive to heavy moisture than raw wood. When HDF is constantly exposed to excessive water, it degrades and swells.
A typical laminate floor covering would be degraded and would need to be repaired if this happened.
This has restricted the areas where laminate can be used, excluding places like restrooms where water is present regularly.
But today, manufacturers have crafted water-resistant and fully waterproof laminate solutions to this problem.
Water-resistant laminate is an excellent choice for areas where moisture is prevalent and spillage is likely, such as the kitchen.
Conversely, waterproof laminate patterns fare well in high-moisture environments such as the bathroom.
2. Cannot Be Refinished
The most significant defects in laminate flooring are that, unlike natural wood, it cannot be polished, scrubbed, or mended if it gets ruined.
The outermost wear layer may gently whittle away with frequent use and cleaning. Also, there is only one layer to this flooring.
From time to time, this protective wear layer will deteriorate. Please remember that if a piece is damaged, it will either need to be changed or, in the case of extensive spoilage, the entire floor may need to be rebuilt.
3. Noisy And Slippery
The acoustic element is another downside of laminate flooring. Laminate flooring can be loud and hollow if laid without the proper foundation.
Fortunately, there are noise-reducing interlayer alternatives available to aid with this problem.
Some individuals are dissatisfied with this product since it is prone to slipping. Because of the smooth surface of this product, it may create some mishaps among homeowners. If you are more uncoordinated and clumsy, use different flooring materials.
Avoid utilizing this material since it might be hazardous to you and your family, especially if water is on the floor. Also, you need to take care of clumsy toddlers.
4. Not Real Wood
The reality that laminate flooring isn’t made of natural wood is its major flaw. It may have the appearance and feel of genuine hardwood, but it is not and will not. For instance, it will hardly raise the selling value of your property.
Regrettably, no matter the high quality, laminate flooring will not pass muster compared to the real thing.
Everything about a laminate floor, from design repetition to how it looks and feels underneath, is evidence that it is only a laminated composite.
5. Not Eco-friendly
You should avoid laminate flooring if you care about the environment. Yes, laminate tiles save trees, but what about the greenhouse effect?
Most laminate floors include hazardous chemical compounds that are harmful to the environment.
Artificial floors, such as laminate, nearly always contain certain volatile compounds produced over time.
This concern has been a problem for several laminate flooring manufacturers in the past.
Formaldehyde is one of the most harmful chemical pollutants in this flooring type. This commodity contains several more volatile organic chemical compounds that have the potential to harm the ecosystem and human health.
Step Instructions to setup Laminate flooring
If you favor laminate options, here are some tips for setup the high foot traffic resistive flooring system.
Pre Arrangement before installation
- Choose a floor base with a flat and smooth layout,
- Remove all baseboards,
- Use foam sheeting as an underlay for laminate flooring,
- Make sure the flooring perimeter is trimmed,
- Remove all return duct covers and heat resisters,
- Vacuum the area before installation.
Instruction during Installation
- Ensure you have all required tools and materials,
- Examine the flooring layout,
- Use moisture barrier to prevent water damage,
- Start with an individual plank for the first row,
- Finish the row and plan for the next one,
- Continue the same procedure for laying more rows,
- Install the last row, and you are done.
Note: It is strictly advised not to install over the previous floor covering.
Summary of laminate flooring pros and cons
| Pros |
|---|
| Affordability |
| Easy Installation |
| Durability |
| Maintenance And Repair |
| Elegant Look And Versatility |
| Cons |
|---|
| Prone To Moisture Damage |
| Cannot Be Refinished |
| Noisy And Slippery |
| Not Real Wood |
| Not Eco-friendly |
Laminate flooring may be the better decision if you are on a budget and want to save a little money by laying the flooring on your own. Affordable Laminate flooring is an easy-to-install flooring alternative available.
While laminate flooring is practical and appealing, it lacks the distinction and added real estate value that authentic hardwood or marble flooring provides.
We hope you now have a better acquaintance of the advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring.
Not every type of flooring is suited for every scenario. Understanding what you cherish will aid you in picking the accurate flooring material for you and your family.
(Last Updated on August 31, 2022)
