What is laminate flooring?
By Christopher Dean•Last updated Jun 7, 2022
Last updated Jun 7, 2022
Table of Contents
- What is laminate flooring?
- Laminate flooring pros and cons
- Where to install laminate floors
- Laminate flooring vs. other flooring materials
- How much do laminate floors cost?
- Tips on how to maintain laminate flooring
- How to save money when installing laminate flooring
- DIY vs. hiring a pro to install laminate floors
- Find laminate flooring pros on Thumbtack
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Laminate flooring has redefined flooring for both home and business owners. It can mimic wood and other materials, making laminate an inexpensive alternative that has increasingly developed over decades to create a vivid, high-resolution floor covering. Through deep texturing, micro bevels and exciting graphics, laminate flooring is now closer in reputation and appearance to solid hardwood and engineered wood flooring.
If you’re thinking about replacing the floors in your home and are considering laminate as a viable option, keep reading. We’ll explain everything you need to know about laminate flooring so you can make an informed decision.
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is made from particleboard wood fused together in a lamination process. It’s popular because it’s easy to clean, scratch-resistant and relatively affordable compared with other floor coverings like hardwood and natural stone.
Installing laminate flooring can be easier than installing other materials, such as carpet. Laminate is a floating floor, which means it doesn’t require nails or glue. Instead, it uses a click-lock installation system that’s DIY-friendly.
Laminate flooring works well in bedrooms, hallways, dining rooms, living areas, kitchens and other dry spaces. It isn’t waterproof, so avoid installing it in bathrooms and laundry rooms. In those rooms, consider tile or vinyl instead.
Laminate flooring pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Can look “fake” up close |
| Scratch-resistant | Not waterproof and can swell when wet |
| Low-maintenance | Needs replacement when damaged |
| Resists discoloration from sunlight | |
| Can mimic wood, stone, and more | |
| Easy to install |
Where to install laminate floors
| Room | Can you install laminate floors? |
|---|---|
| Basement | Maybe |
| Bathroom | No |
| Bedroom | Yes |
| Dining room | Yes |
| Garage | Maybe |
| Hallways | Yes |
| Kitchen | Maybe |
| Living room | Yes |
Laminate flooring vs. other flooring materials
Laminate flooring has distinct features that set it apart from materials like vinyl, hardwood, carpet and tile. Here’s how it compares with other flooring types you may be considering.
Laminate flooring vs. vinyl
Laminate flooring is a wood product fused with resins. It has a hard top surface and is usually 7 mm to 12 mm thick. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is made from synthetic material with a fiberglass base layer and PVC coating.
Affordability: Tie
Laminate and vinyl are similar in cost, and both are less expensive to install than many other flooring options. However, homeowners who choose vinyl may want more luxurious styles, which can increase installation costs. That can make laminate the more affordable option overall.
Durability and longevity: Vinyl
Laminate flooring requires minimal maintenance and is very durable, but it can delaminate over time. You can improve its durability by keeping it out of moist conditions. Vinyl flooring may also delaminate over time as it loosens, especially if it’s low quality, which can affect its durability.
Cleaning and maintenance: Vinyl
Laminate floors are easy to clean with dry methods, such as a dry mop or broom. You can also use a damp mop that dries quickly to help prevent delamination. But you can’t use too much water, or you risk damaging the floor. For that reason, vinyl is easier to clean and maintain.
Laminate flooring vs. hardwood
At a glance, laminate flooring looks like natural wood. But closer inspection shows the difference. High-quality laminate has a design pattern that repeats randomly to improve its appearance. It also includes a surface-grain texture that makes the floor look more realistic.
Affordability: Laminate
Laminate materials are cheaper, and installation usually costs less. Hardwood installation prices vary based on the size of the room and the species of wood you choose. The rarer and more exotic the hardwood, the higher the cost.
Durability and longevity: Hardwood
Compared with hardwood, laminate is better at resisting heat. When it comes to moisture and humidity, neither material performs especially well, though laminate is more water-resistant than hardwood.
Hardwood flooring lasts longer than laminate floors. In fact, hardwood can last 100 years, while laminate usually lasts 15 to 25 years. Unlike laminate, hardwood can also be refinished. If laminate is damaged, you’ll likely need to replace it.
Cleaning and maintenance: Laminate
Laminate floors are easy to clean with a broom or vacuum. When mopping, use a laminate floor cleaner to dampen the mop, and don’t leave standing water on the floor. Water can damage laminate, but it’s still more water-resistant than hardwood. Hardwood floors often require a special wood cleaner for damp mopping.
Laminate flooring vs. carpet
Unlike laminate, carpet tends to trap dirt, and the dirt is harder to see. That hygienic, hypoallergenic quality makes laminate stand out. Carpet can hold dust, stains and pollen, and it may develop mold and mildew if exposed to moisture.
Affordability: Laminate
Laminate and carpet are often similarly priced, but high-density carpets may cost more than high-quality laminate flooring. Laminate’s tongue-and-groove planks also make it easier and cheaper to install, which adds to its affordability.
Durability and longevity: Laminate
Laminate flooring is more durable because it resists scratches and is easy to clean. It can last up to 25 years, while carpet may last up to 10 years.
Carpet often needs replacement every five years or so, depending on maintenance. High-quality laminate flooring is usually the better long-term investment because it lasts longer.
Cleaning and maintenance: Laminate
Laminate is hygienic and hypoallergenic. It doesn’t trap dirt or other debris in crevices the way carpet does. Carpet can absorb dust, odors, moisture and other substances, which makes cleaning more difficult and expensive.
Laminate flooring vs. tile
Laminate can mimic the look of tile, but the two materials are different. Laminate contains high-density fiberboard and a rigid wear layer, while tile is made from clay, water, sand and similar materials. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular flooring options, as are natural stone tiles such as quartz, marble, granite and slate.
Affordability: Laminate
Both laminate flooring and ceramic tile are affordable to install, but laminate is much less expensive than natural stone tile.
Durability and longevity: Tile
Tile floors are much better at resisting water in wet rooms, such as bathrooms. However, water may seep through grout over time and reach the concrete underneath, creating moisture below the tile and weakening the floor. Even so, tile usually lasts longer than laminate — up to 100 years compared with laminate’s 25 years.
Ease of cleaning: Laminate
Laminate flooring can be cleaned by sweeping and mopping, as long as you don’t use too much water. Tile is also easy to mop, sweep and vacuum, but grout lines can trap dust and grime. You may need a small brush now and then to clean buildup from the grout.
How much do laminate floors cost?
The cost to install laminate flooring depends on the size of the area. Including labor and materials, it may cost between $3-$7 per square foot.
Square footage is a major cost factor, but a few other things also affect the price of laminate floor installation:
- Who installs the flooring: DIY installation costs less than hiring a professional.
- The complexity of the job: Costs may increase if the laminate has to go up stairs or around HVAC or plumbing equipment.
- The condition of your subfloor: You may need to pay to remove existing flooring.
- Underlayment: You’ll also need to buy underlayment in addition to the laminate flooring.
Tips on how to maintain laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is a worthwhile investment, but it needs regular care to keep its appearance and extend its life. Even though laminate floors have several layers, they can still be damaged and need routine cleaning, accident cleanup and preventive care. A well-maintained laminate floor can last up to 25 years.
Here are simple ways to keep laminate floors looking great.
- Keep it cool and dry. Laminate floors don’t react well to water. Some water-resistant laminate flooring options are available, but moisture can still cause warping, swelling or buckling. Wipe spills immediately, don’t let cleaners sit on the floor too long and use damp mopping.
- Prevention is crucial. Add protection against nicks, dents and scratches with floor mats at entryways, felt pads on furniture legs and limited exposure to direct sunlight.
- Clean your floors the right way. Laminate floors are easy to clean, but follow a regular routine and use the recommended cleaners and equipment.
- Make repairs when needed. Laminate can’t be sanded or refinished, so tears and damage should be addressed quickly. Consult a professional for repair options.
How to save money when installing laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is already one of the more cost-effective flooring options, but there are still ways to save money. Here’s how:
- Shop online or in bulk stores. Bulk stores often have good prices on laminate flooring. Since many stores stock flooring seasonally, check availability. Online stores may also offer discounts and make price comparisons easier.
- Cash in on sales and discounts. Wait for sales if you want to save money. Laminate flooring can be heavily discounted at certain times of the year. Once you find the right product, ask your contractor about discounts and deals.
- Avoid wastage. You can’t eliminate waste completely, but you can reduce it with careful planning and proper layouts for materials.
- Get multiple cost estimates. If you plan to hire a professional, get quotes from at least three contractors. That helps you compare prices and negotiate a fair rate. Be cautious of quotes that seem too good to be true.
DIY vs. hiring a pro to install laminate floors
Decided laminate flooring is right for you? Next, choose whether to install it yourself or hire a professional.
DIY installation is cheaper because you won’t pay labor costs. But installing and fixing flooring takes skill and experience. If you’re not confident measuring accurately or calculating square footage, hiring a pro may be the better choice. If laminate is installed incorrectly, you could end up paying more for a contractor to fix and reinstall it.
Find laminate flooring pros on Thumbtack
Ready to start planning your project? Get a few flooring cost estimates and contact flooring experts. With Thumbtack, you can compare flooring prices and get free quotes from pros near you. Start searching for a local laminate flooring professional today.
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