Laminate Flooring: The Love-Hate Relationship
Laminated flooring sprang up in the market as a rockstar alternative to solid hardwood decades ago. It is the choice for those who want wood but not the long-term commitment.
Breakthroughs in technology have led to sharper high-definition imaging, deeper embossing, better seaming mechanisms, and other innovations that set laminate apart.
The Not-So-Perfect Reality
But let’s be honest here. There is no perfect flooring material. Laminate competes with luxury vinyl and engineered wood among others.
In all major facets of flooring – installation, cleaning, durability, etc., laminate has its upsides and downsides too.
What Laminate Flooring Is
It has the appearance of a multi-layered cake having an image layer on top which is made to look like wood or stone.
Installed over subfloors with underlayment that may either be separate from or attached to it. Here is a brief description of what each layer does:
• Wear Layer: This thin, hard, transparent layer that displays the underlying picture.
• Design or Image Layer: A high-resolution image that imitates wood or stone.
• Core Layer: The thickest part is built with a tough pressed board made of high-density material.
• Underlayment: A thin soft water-resistant attachment added to the bottom side (where applicable).
Technological Wizardry
Manufacturers have enhanced their styles using micro bevels, deeper textures, and better graphics to create more realistic-looking laminates.
Nevertheless, performance-wise it still remains cost-effective compared to other options available in this price range for both quality and aesthetics purposes.
A few might last 25 years in places where there’s no traffic while others would only survive 10 years if they had come into contact with elephants (or young children and pets).
Laminate Flooring Cost
Laminate flooring is not an expensive affair. On average, material costs range between $1-3 per square foot in the big box stores, but you can also go up to about $10-$12 per sq ft for designer options.
There are many great options available in the $2-$3 range. The thickness of the wear layer and the quality of the print layer are factors that affect pricing. For its low cost, it’s a good idea to spend more on better laminate.
DIY-Friendly
One of the greatest aspects of laminate floors is that they can be installed by anyone so you may not have to hire an expert on this one.
At the national level, laminate flooring installation generally costs around $5/sq ft if we consider both materials as well as labor charges.
Laminate is typically considered one of the most cost-effective flooring materials out there which is comparable to medium-grade carpeting at a similar price point.
Compare this with hardwood flooring where installation alone may set you back between $15 and $20 per square foot.
Maintenance and repair
Laminated floors are just perfect: they can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner, dry mop, or a soft broom. For tough spots, grab a slightly moistened mop or laminate floor cleaner. Forget about waxing—no need for it with laminates!
Don’t rush on flooding as water might seep into the seams and cause swelling. Laminate flooring is quite a durable prima donna that is rather resistant to scratches and indentations and good at fighting stains. Some manufacturers even give lengthy warranty periods for wear layers.
However, don’t get too excited because you cannot refinish or sand it. Once it gets heavily worn out or scratched, it is done. You will need to replace it since there are no ways of rejuvenating such as solid hardwood.
Design
Laminate floorings are like chameleons that mimic wood, stone, or any other natural materials so well from afar, at least they try to do so anyway.
Unlike real hardwood where you will find pieces that have defects that may render them unusable. Laminate offers consistent quality across every board in terms of looks as well as performance.
Moreover, deeper embossing makes it look more like wood grain thus making the case stronger. But wait closer and its cover is blown up! It’s not real wood though, so if installation isn’t strategic certain pattern repetition can probably be seen.
While improving your home’s resale value, in the long run, isn’t likely with laminate flooring, it’s a relatively cheap and quick way of refreshing an old-looking floor surface.
However hard flogging saves this one simple rule: engineered woods and hardwoods have top sale values.
Laminate flooring installation
Laminate is like IKEA furniture – fast & easy-to-assemble especially for Do-It-Yourselfers (DIY). Even if you are not Bob Vila, setting up an area laminate floor can take only one weekend.
Older kids required glue, but today’s laminate flooring pops into place like bubble wrap. All you have to do is lay down foam underlayment, click the planks in place, and dah-dah! New floor!
Top Brands of Laminate Flooring
The following are some of the rockstar brands if you want to buy a laminate:
- Pergo: Originally produced by Mohawk Flooring but still holding it down.
- Bruce: Owned by Armstrong and mostly available online, Bruce costs around $3 per square foot for quality.
- Shaw Industries: This Warren Buffet-owned Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary offers options from budget-friendly types to high-end ones.
- Quick-Step: Renowned for good but affordable products that won’t break your bank.
Comfort and Convenience
Laminate floors may feel quite harsh when walked on barefoot however most installations include a foam underpayment that gives them some springiness and eliminates hollow sounds.
Today’s laminates are textured wear layers that were traditionally slippery. Besides, they don’t stash dust so one can forget about the carpet according to allergy sufferers.
Laminate Flooring vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring
If you just need quick upgrades or aren’t worried about long-term real estate value, then laminate flooring will be perfect for you.
It is also one of the easiest floors for DIY projects out there. Nevertheless, luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) can stand up to it well enough.
LVF is simple to install, highly water resistant, and has compelling wood and stone looks as well. It costs more though it becomes worth considering because of its toughness along with foot comfort provided herein.
Laminate Flooring – Good for you?
If you are short of cash and love do-it-yourself projects, a laminate floor may be your new buddy.
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Though it will not add the elegance of genuine hardwood or stone, it is an operational and appealing alternative that can help renovate your floors without incurring high costs.