Laminate flooring has become one of the most popular choices among owners who are looking for affordability, style, and functionality in a flooring type. However, like other flooring types, laminate flooring has advantages and disadvantages that may impact your decision. You need to consider them to choose the best flooring option for your place. In this article, you will read more about laminate flooring pros and cons in detail.
What is laminate flooring?
Before talking about the pros and cons of laminate flooring, it is better to have an overview of this flooring type. Laminate is a multi-layer manufactured product that is made through a lamination process. This product has the four layers below:
- Wear layer: It protects the surface from scratching, stains, and fading.
- Design layer: This is the laminate’s appearance layer. It contains a photographic image that shows how the laminate flooring looks.
- Core layer: This layer provides durability and resistance to moisture in the laminate.
- Backing layer: this layer provides stability and prevents flooring from warping.
The advantages of laminate flooring
Understanding the advantages of laminate flooring is the key that helps you find out whether the laminate flooring is the right choice for your property or not. There is a wide range of pros for this flooring type, but here are some of the most important ones:
1. Laminate flooring cost compared to hardwood and stone
The first and maybe most important positive feature of laminate flooring is its affordable price. This flooring type is considerably budget-friendly compared to other types such as hardwood or stone flooring, while still offering a great and high-end look. Additionally, the laminate flooring installation cost is also more affordable in comparison to some other floorings. The click-and-lock system of the laminate allows the owners to install laminates even themselves, which impacts the total price significantly.
2. Laminate flooring scratch resistance and durability
Although laminate flooring is affordable in price and installation, it offers a highly durable flooring which makes it a suitable option for high-traffic areas. In addition, the tough layer of the laminate protects the surface from dents, scratches, and stains, so it can be an ideal flooring option for families with kids and pets.
3. Easy cleaning and maintenance of laminate floors
Laminate flooring’s easy maintenance is another important advantage of this flooring type. With regular vacuuming and occasional damping or mopping of the surface, you can keep the laminate surface always clean like the first day. The special surface of the laminate prevents dirt and stains compared to carpets or hardwood floorings.
4. Diverse style options in laminate flooring
Laminate flooring products are available in a wide range of colors, styles, and textures, so everyone can easily find the style that best suits their expectations matched with the interior design. Whether you are looking for an oak, walnut, marble, or slate appearance, there is always a laminate option for you.
5. DIY-friendly installation with a click-and-lock system
Laminate flooring is often installed using a click-and-lock system, which eliminates the need for using glue or other extra tools and materials. It is also easy to do as a DIY installation on a weekend. Therefore, it is not always necessary to ask for professional help if your property’s flooring condition is good enough and does not require other necessary repairs.
🔗 If you are interested, you can read the article “DIY laminate flooring installation on a weekend”.
6. UV and sunlight resistance in laminate flooring
Another remarkable feature of the laminate flooring is its resistance against UV and sunlight. Unlike some other flooring types that may become faded, laminate is resistant to fading caused by sunlight and UV. so, you can ensure that your flooring will retain its original color and texture without any fading.
The disadvantages of laminate flooring
While laminate flooring offers various advantages which are highly considerable when deciding about the flooring type, some potential disadvantages are needed to be aware of. Here are the laminate flooring cons listed below:
1. Water damage risks in laminate flooring
Although laminate flooring is water resistant, it is not fully waterproof. There are conditions in which water can be absorbed and cause damages like planks swelling. For areas where the chance of spills is high (bathrooms or kitchens) or the humidity and moisture levels are high, there is always the possibility of laminate flooring damage. Therefore, it is better to clean up spills and splashes immediately after they happen, use moisture barriers during installation, or even avoid installing laminate in places prone to excessive moisture. In addition, there are waterproof laminate products that provide better protection in the mentioned environments.
2. Comparing the feel of laminate to natural hardwood
Laminate flooring has a variety of colors and textures including stone and wood which adds a great look of real wood to your property. However, some individuals may not feel the same warmth and authenticity of hardwood or stone in the laminate flooring.
3. Laminate flooring’s limitations for refinishing
Another disadvantage of laminate flooring is the limitation for refinishing and sanding the surface. Unlike hardwood which can be sanded or refinished every once in a while, it is not possible to refinish the laminate surface. So, when the surface is damaged or worn out, you need to replace the damaged area with a new laminate plank.
🔗 You can read more about repairing and replacing damaged laminate flooring.
4. Managing noise issues with laminate flooring
If laminate flooring is not installed properly and without suitable underlayment, it can produce noises. To resolve this issue as much as possible, you can use a soundproofing layer during the laminate installation to control and prevent noise production. However, it can impact the final costs.
5. Environmental impact and VOCs in laminate flooring
While laminate flooring is a budget-friendly option, it can have negative environmental impacts as it is produced from synthetic materials which may not be as environmentally friendly as natural wood. Additionally, some laminate products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that affect indoor air quality. Try to find low-VOC-certified laminate flooring products to reduce the negative impacts of this flooring choice.
Conclusion
Laminate flooring offers a wide range of advantages such as durability, variety of styles, and low maintenance, making it a popular choice. However, it is essential to consider the limitations, like its vulnerability to water damage, noise, and negative environmental impacts. By considering the pros and cons of laminate flooring, you can make the right decision that suits your needs and property. It can also be helpful to consult with your area’s flooring experts before deciding on the flooring type. MA Flooring, a flooring service provider in Melbourne, offers you a wide range of laminate products and installation services. You can contact our flooring professionals for a consultation.