5 Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular flooring option that has gained popularity in recent years due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and variety of styles. It is made from a high-density fiberboard and has a layer of printed paper on top with a protective film on top, that gives the appearance of hardwood, stone, or other natural materials. Laminate flooring is designed to be a floating floor system, which means that it can be installed on top of existing floors, and it's easy to install even for DIY enthusiasts. One of the main advantages of laminate flooring is its durability, which makes it resistant to scratches, dents, and stains. Additionally, it's easy to clean and maintain, making it a low-maintenance option for households.

Another benefit of laminate flooring is that it's less expensive than hardwood flooring and can provide a similar look. The variety of styles, colors, and designs available in laminate flooring makes it a versatile option that can suit a wide range of decorating styles. However, laminate flooring does have some drawbacks. For example, it does not retain warmth as well as solid hardwood flooring, and it's not as hard and durable as solid hardwood flooring. Additionally, it has a shorter lifespan than hardwood and can scratch, chip, and dent easily with heavy usage. Some people may find the appearance of laminate flooring to be less authentic-looking than hardwood. And lastly, unlike hardwood, laminate flooring cannot be refinished to restore its appearance when it starts showing signs of wear and tear.

Let’s learn more about the pros and cons of laminate flooring below!

Pros of Laminate Flooring

Here are 5 advantages of laminate flooring -

• Durability: Laminate flooring is made from a high-density fiberboard, making it resistant to scratches, dents, and stains.
• Cost-Effective: Laminate flooring is less expensive than hardwood flooring and can provide a similar look.
• Easy to Install: Laminate flooring is designed to be a floating floor system, which means that it can be installed on top of existing floors, and it's easy to install even for DIY enthusiasts.
• Low Maintenance: Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain, and it doesn't require any special care.
• Variety of Styles: Laminate flooring comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs that mimic hardwood, stone, and other natural materials.

Cons of Laminate Flooring

Here are some of the disadvantages of laminate flooring:

• Not as Warm: Laminate flooring does not retain warmth as well as solid hardwood flooring, which makes it less comfortable for walking and standing.
• Not as Hard: Laminate flooring is not as hard and durable as solid hardwood flooring, and can scratch, chip and dent easily if subjected to heavy usage.
• Not as long lasting: Laminate flooring has a shorter lifespan than hardwood, and might need replacement after 15-20 years.
• Can look cheap or fake: Some people may find the appearance of laminate flooring to be less authentic-looking than hardwood, due to the way it's been printed with a pattern.
• Can't be refinished: Unlike hardwood, laminate flooring cannot be refinished to restore its appearance, when it starts showing signs of wear and tear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, laminate flooring is a great option for those looking for a durable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance flooring solution. With a wide range of styles available, it can complement a variety of decorating styles. However, it is important to keep in mind that laminate flooring is not as warm, hard or long lasting as solid hardwood flooring and may not have the same aesthetic appeal. Ultimately, whether laminate flooring is the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Get in touch with the right flooring store in Calgary to get the best service.