Fewer products in the home interior and exterior improvement market have made a greater splash than the laminate flooring option. It is marketed as a cost-effective, tough and easy to install flooring option; but does it live up to its high expectations? With the pros and cons of laminate flooring in your home highlighted in this article, you will be sure to come up with a well-informed decision.
The Pros of Laminate Flooring
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Durability
Laminate flooring’s reputation for resilience is well deserved. Not only is this flooring option scratch resistance but also resistant to stains, impacts and would not fade when exposed to sunlight.
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Easy to Install
The laminate flooring option is simple to install compared to all the other flooring options in the market. Much of this is because it forms a floating floor, therefore does not have to be glued, nailed or stapled to the subfloor.
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Good looking
Laminate flooring looks similar to genuine hardwood. That is partly due to the high image resolution presently used to develop varying looks of laminate flooring. However, designers note that the textures presently used with laminate flooring take it a step further, resulting in a laminate flooring that looks and feels authentic.
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Versatility
Laminate flooring may be installed over any substrate, including and not limited to hardwood, concrete, plywood, OSB or other previously installed vinyl flooring options. Additionally, it does not expand and contract like genuine hardwood. Designers also note that it is a great flooring option for use in homes where hardwood flooring, not an option.
The Cons of Laminate Flooring
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Moisture Damage
Laminate is manufactured from composite materials known as high-density fiberboard that is highly susceptible to water damage than natural wood. Upon constant exposure of HDF to stagnant water, it expands and breaks down. Once expanded, it becomes compromised and will need to be replaced. In turn, this limits the surfaces where laminate flooring can be installed, eliminating areas bathrooms and kitchens, which have regular exposure to moisture.
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Difficult to Repair
Hardwood may be refinished numerous times and essentially offering you a newer floor every time. Refinishing hardwood floorings costs nearly half as much as installing a fresh laminate flooring. Equally, it is much harder to repair this flooring option even for a simple patching job.
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Proper Installation
Whereas laminate flooring is regarded to be a DIY friendly flooring material, experts warn that it requires sufficient skill to install it correctly. The starting and finishing steps of installing the laminate flooring option are the most difficult and critical aspects of attaining a professional grade, yet quality installation.
Laminate Flooring Costs
The significant benefit of using laminate flooring is the cost, running about half to two-thirds the price of genuine hardwood. As a homeowner, anticipate paying an average of $1 and $5 per square foot for flooring materials and an extra $1.50 to $3 per square foot for labor costs if you settle on laminate flooring for your interior surface.