SHOPPING GUIDE FOR LAMINATE FLOOR

Cost

The cost of the laminate floor is $1 to $7 per square foot, and the labor costs $2 to $5 per square foot. The total installation cost of a laminate floor is (by room area):

Laminate floor resembles engineered wood floor structure-wise, with a thin veneer over plywood or compressed fiber. Thus, the surface is a transparent coating instead of wood, which means the laminate floor can look like wood, stone, tile, or almost any material.

If you are looking for a laminate floor, the first step is to find out if the laminate floor is the right one for you. The laminate floor is more durable and versatile. With a longer life span and high-end design, it can be used almost anywhere at home. The laminate floor also requires less maintenance than hardwood, which usually needs to be polished and resurfaced after 5 to 6 years of use. Since the laminate floor has a veneer, it is not scratched as easily as the hardwood floor.

Attention

If the laminate floor is not properly maintained, for example, the water accumulates between the planks causes the edges to swell, which is not covered by the warranty. Because of the water issue, many cheap laminate floors cannot be used in the bathroom or kitchen. If you install a laminate floor in a busy area, it can mean a fading wear layer in a few years if you choose an economical brand, which is also not covered by the warranty.

Pros

A laminate floor can look like wood or stone for fewer expenses. It is easy to clean and requires little maintenance. It is also a hard material that is more resistant to scratches than a hardwood floor.

Laminate is easy to install on existing floors, which saves time and money for the flooring project. Consumer Reports also show that it is a material convenient to install by yourself.

Cons

Like tiles, the laminate can be slippery when wet, so if the water stays for a longer time, it may infiltrate between two layers causing a curly plank. Unlike hardwood, laminate can only be replaced once worn instead of being repaired.

Where to Install It

A laminate floor can be a good option for high traffic areas, such as the kitchen, foyer, and gaming room. Consumer Reports show that as long as there is no leak or water issue, it can be a reasonable choice for the basement. You may slip on laminate floors in a damp room, avoid using it in the bathroom and laundry room.