Laminate Floor Covering
Laminate flooring installation emerged in the 1970’s as an alternative to hardwood flooring installation. Since its invention, the quality and technology within the flooring itself have made impressive strides. Today, laminate coverings are known for durability, easy upkeep, and a very broad selection of colors and textures.
Designers and Engineers continue to dedicate countless hours on creating improvements for laminate. Perfection is a hard — if not impossible — feat to tackle. We’re going to outline some of the most prominent pros and cons that we recognize with laminate flooring installation.
Pros of laminate flooring
- Extremely easy to clean and stain-resistant
- Durability stands up to foot and paw traffic
- Non-porous surface prevents allergy flares
- Typically quite affordable
Cons of Laminate Flooring
- Not well-suited for environments prone to moisture
- Lower-end products can have a “fake” appearance
- Doesn’t increase home value in the long run
The Benefits of Laminate Flooring
We gave you a brief preview. Now, let’s dive into the benefits of laminate flooring.
Ease of Maintenance
Laminate flooring is easily one of the most low-maintenance flooring types. Grab yourself a vacuum, broom, or slightly damp mop and you’re good to go. Better yet, check out some of the top laminate floor cleaning products.
Great for Paws and Allergies
Laminate’s solid, non-porous surface stands up to foot traffic and pets. The non-porous quality prevents dust and allergens from penetrating the surface. Just watch out for sharp corners and pieces that can dig deep enough to snag the surface.
Affordable & Aesthetic
Laminate has hundreds of thousands colors and textures to choose from. Whether it’s wood floor lookalikes or textured greys, the options are absolutely endless. The best part? Prices start around $2 per square foot.
The Cons of Laminate Flooring
At the end of the day, every type of flooring has its flaws. Here are some of the “downfalls” we have noticed.
Prone to Moisture
When it comes to bathrooms and basements, moisture levels are higher versus living rooms or kitchens. Laminate products without locking mechanisms or improperly installed laminate can allow moisture to seep into the seams and particle board core. In turn, not making it the best choice for areas prone to water damage.
Looking to add value to your home?
Laminate looks great, but it doesn’t have the clout that natural wood flooring or tile has. Though much more appealing than carpet or lower grade laminates, not much real estate value will be added to your home. Home owners see between a 70-80% ROI reflected in the sale price of your home with wood flooring.
Not As “Luxurious” as Other Floor Coverings
Originally when being manufactured, the texture and character were ‘printed’ onto the material. To expedite the process, the desired pattern repeats. In higher-grade laminate products, the boards repeat in groups of 5-10. In cheap flooring products, it repeats in as few as 3 different patterns. As a result, the final product can appear fake. Granted, technology has GREATLY improved. However, you may still find lower end products that utilize old methods.
