The Pros And Cons Of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is an easy-to-install alternative to solid hardwood flooring. It is often just as attractive and far lower in terms of cost than its hardwood counterpart. However, this kind of floor installation does have some downsides that you should be aware of.

If you are going this route, take a look at the pros and cons of laminate flooring so that you can decide if this is an option for you.

Laminate Flooring Looks Good

Laminate flooring has come a long way since its introduction a few decades ago. Technology has improved to the point that laminate flooring includes deeper texturing, better graphics reproduction and even micro bevelling to make laminate flooring appear almost identical to real hardwood flooring.

Laminate Flooring Longevity Varies

Depending on your supplier, the quality and longevity of the laminate flooring can vary rather widely. Generally, they do not tend to last as long as traditional hardwood floors. In some cases, laminate floors can last as long as 25 years when they are not heavily trod upon. However, in rooms with heavy usage, this can be reduced to as little as 10 years.

Laminate Flooring Is Lower Cost

The cost of laminate flooring is a plus as it is far cheaper than hardwood flooring. The price can range though, depending on the thickness of the flooring and the quality of the print. However, even on the more expensive side, it is still considered more cost-effective.

It is generally advised to go for the higher quality laminate flooring where possible as it is generally comparable in terms of cost to mid-level carpeting, which makes it one of the more inexpensive flooring materials on the market.

Laminate Flooring Requires Minimal Maintenance

In terms of maintenance and repair, laminate floors are simple to clean, requiring nothing more complicated than a common broom, mop and vacuum cleaner. One of the upsides is that, unlike hardwood, laminate flooring does not require any kind of oiling or waxing, although it cannot tolerate standing pools of water. This means that, like all wooden flooring, laminate flooring is not appropriate for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms or any other room in the house that will experience heavy moisture.

Laminate Flooring Is Stain/Scratch Resistant

Laminate flooring is also highly resistant to staining and scratching, which is another advantage over hardwood flooring. However, should any damage occur to the laminate flooring surface, it cannot be sanded down and refinished. Any significant damage to the surface of laminate flooring will require a complete replacement of the panels, as there is no other way to repair it.