We Answer Wednesday - Pros/Cons of Laminate Flooring

“What are the pros/cons of installing laminate flooring? I always see such affordable sales on laminate but wonder if it will last or what the quality will be like…”

Laminate flooring products have come a long way over the years. Laminate now comes in so many different colours, textures and sizes. The versatility they offer is undeniably a fantastic option for many reasons. There are laminate products made to look like various stone floors, and more commonly, as hardwood floors. Laminate products come in barn board, wide plank, textured, matte, there are options with a sheen, and the colour and tone options could go on forever. With many laminate flooring options, you can’t even tell it’s not hardwood because it looks just as fantastic as a hardwood product. (or even better!)

Cost/Installation:
Laminate flooring is definitely an excellent cost saving flooring, and you’re not compromising style. Laminate flooring is cheaper and easier to install than hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring can be placed on top of almost any existing floor with the exception of carpet. There are many manufacturers who offer a glue-free, tongue-and-groove system. The interlocking planks make it an easy installation for a weekend project for all you savvy DIY-ers. Laminate can be uninstalled without damaging the laminate or the original flooring that is underneath.

 

Durability/Cleaning:
Of course, for re-sale of your home, hardwood is preferred by some buyers. Hardwood is more expensive and in some cases, can be less durable. The great thing about laminate is that it is MORE durable than hardwood. Laminate flooring works well in high-traffic areas and homes with pets. It is scratch-resistant and so easy to clean. Just use a dust mop or a mop dampened with water. Most manufacturers offer at least a 10-year warranty on their product.

 

Of course, Laminate has its drawbacks as well. With hardwood, once it begins to look tired, it can be re-stained. Laminate cannot, and will have to be replaced. Luckily, there will be a warranty. Laminate flooring is also not always the best for noise absorption. It can often have a hollow sound when you walk on it, but installing an acoustic underlay will help reduce the noise.  And when it comes to resale market, most buyers do prefer hardwood but some of the laminate products on the market it is hard to tell them apart