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Resource Center
What are the pros and cons of laminate flooring? This is a very popular question that we get here at Bestlaminate. Laminate flooring is a common flooring solution across the nation, and just like with any product, there are advantages and disadvantages.
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Pros |
Cons |
| Budget friendly | Not authentic hardwood |
| DIY friendly & easy to install | Prone to water damage |
Durable:
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Warping Can Occur
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| Commercial Use Friendly | Noisy if installed improperly |
| Pet Friendly | Cannot be sanded or refinished |
| Hypoallergenic | |
| 100% Recyclable | |
| Low maintenance |
The biggest, and most valuable, pro is the budget friendliness of laminate flooring. Starting as low as $0.65 per square foot, there is no doubt that you can make your project come to life on a serious budget.
Laminate flooring is DIY friendly and super easy to install, saving you more money on installation costs. The installation requires only a few tools, most of which are normal household items. We recommend purchasing a laminate flooring installation kit to help with a DIY project!
Laminate flooring is one of the most durable flooring solutions. With scratch, stain, moisture, fade, and burn resistance, this flooring is perfect for busy households with children and pets, as well as commercial spaces. Laminate flooring mimics natural wood and is beautiful and sophisticated. The hypoallergenic factor is the buying point for many, as the flooring does not accumulate any dirt and dust like carpet would. Laminate flooring is 100% recyclable and very low maintenance.
Cleaning is as simple as a light sweeping or mopping, and the surface is overall resistant to any major staining or dirt accumulation. And unlike hardwood flooring, you can mix up a natural solution of water and vinegar to clean your floors.
The biggest drawback of laminate flooring is the fact that it is not authentic wood. It may look and feel like real hardwood, but in the end it is not and will not, for example, increase the resale value of your home. On the plus side, the low-maintenance appeal of laminates can be a big plus for families with children and pets looking for a home.
Although laminate flooring is moisture resistant, it is not moisture-proof. A major spill or excessive water exposure could seriously damage your floor. This can lead to warping and even the need to replace flooring planks or a complete floor re-install. If you are installing in moisture prone areas, think about gluing planks at the joints for better moisture protection. An even better option would be looking into vinyl plank flooring which is 100% waterproof. With newer technology being developed, some laminates come with 24 hour moisture protection to help avoid accident related damages. While this is a big step in a good direction, it isn’t a guarantee that your floor will stand up to excessive moisture.
A pro of this flooring is the easy DIY installation, however, improper installation of laminate can also lead to problems. It is important to follow all steps provided by the manufacturer. If you feel like the task of installing laminate flooring is too much, there is no shame in hiring professional flooring installers. They do this for a living, so they have the experience and knowledge to get the job done right the first time. Common problems are buckling, tapping damage, and improper acclimatization. Most of these problems are avoidable if you simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions from beginning to end.
Another disadvantage of laminate flooring is the noise factor. If installed without the proper underlayment, laminate flooring can be noisy and make a hollow sound. Luckily, there are noise reducing underlayment options to help combat this issue. The best sound reduction underlayment we offer at Bestlaminate are Floor Muffler and Cork.
We hope this comprehensive list of the pros and cons of laminate flooring have helped you in making a smart decision when it comes to choosing new flooring your home.
Contact the Bestlaminate Flooring Experts today! Call us at 1-800-520-0961 or send us a quick message to get expert advice and answers.
We are here to help. Schedule a free consultation with our friendly experts or call us today at 1-800-520-0961.
I think it is worth mentioning in the section that discusses improper installation problems that if the planks are not tightly joined together, water resistance is out the window. My so-called flooring “pro” left 1/8″ to 3/8″ gaps in several areas before calling his work “done”…and failed to reply to my requests to come back and fix those issues. Pending small claims court hearing now.
Thank you for your comment, Janet. Yes, it is very important to make sure your flooring locking mechanisms are properly locked together. This is what ensures the water resistance and prevents any water seeping through. We are sorry to hear of your experience with your installer and wish you the best of luck with getting the issues resolved.
Those were really insightful tips about laminated flooring and I certainly have a newfound level of respect for them! I never thought about allergies!
[…] and designs that can give you a lot of flexibility in the look of your floor. The top layer of laminate is also very tough so it can withstand a fair amount of abuse. Best of all, it’s easy to clean. Unfortunately, […]
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I’m glad you talked about how laminate floors are sophisticated and are also recyclable. My wife wants to replace our floors with a wood laminate floor before summer. We’ll have to find a contractor that can do the job right.