Costco Laminate Review: Pros and Cons (2024)

Costco and their laminate flooring! It’s almost like walking into a candy store for adults who love home improvement! When you’re checking out Costco’s laminate flooring offers, you’re in for a treat because they often carry a decent variety of laminate styles, and they’ve got that sweet combination of quality and value that Costco is known for.

But is Costco still the best option to buy laminate from? Let’s weigh in all the pros and cons and find out together!

Quality for the Price

Costco doesn’t skimp on quality. They usually carry reputable brands like Mohawk and Harmonics. These brands are known for producing laminate flooring that looks great and can handle the daily march of household traffic.

However, while the quality is generally good, some shoppers have noted that the thickness and durability may not match up to the premium options available at dedicated flooring stores. Also, the warranty terms may not be as favorable as those offered by dedicated flooring retailers.

Easy Installation

Most of Costco’s laminate options come with a click-lock installation method. It’s almost like doing a jigsaw puzzle, but easier, and in the end, you get a new floor instead of just a picture of a barn or a cat.

Yet, the ease of installation might be overshadowed if the product is inconsistent in quality. There are instances where the planks may not align perfectly or may have minor defects, leading to potential frustration during installation.

Stylish Options

You can expect to find a spectrum of wood styles, from classic oaks and maples to more exotic choices like acacia or hickory.

Nonetheless, the selection at Costco may not be as extensive as at a dedicated flooring store. This limited range could be a drawback if you’re looking for a very specific style or color to match your home decor.

Membership Perks

Let’s not forget the Costco factor; you might come across some exclusive deals or additional warranties.

However, remember that these deals might not always equate to the best value on the market. It’s important to shop around and compare prices, as some Costco deals may be matched or even undercut by promotions at dedicated flooring stores or online retailers. 

The Costco membership is usually around $60 and $120 per year for the standard and exclusive memberships, respectively.

Customer Service and Return Policy

Costco is pretty famous for its customer service and return policy.

While Costco’s return policy is indeed generous, dealing with returns of bulky items like flooring can be troublesome. Additionally, their in-store staff might not have the specialized knowledge you’d find in a dedicated flooring store.

Installation Services

Sometimes, they offer installation services through third-party contractors.

This can be a mixed bag, as the quality of the installation heavily depends on the contractor. Unlike stores specializing in flooring, Costco does not focus on installation services, which might lead to less accountability and variability in the quality of work.

Durability and Maintenance

Costco’s laminate flooring is designed to withstand the daily hustle and bustle, making maintenance relatively straightforward.

However, while most options are durable, they may not always hold up as well as the premium options from specialty flooring stores. Over time, you might see more wear and tear than you’d expect, especially in high-traffic areas. While cleaning is generally easy, some customers have reported that certain finishes might be more prone to showing streaks or smudges, requiring the purchase of specific cleaning products to keep them pristine.

Eco-Friendly Options

Costco is conscious of the environment and often offers eco-friendly laminate options.

But, it’s important to note that not all products may have the highest eco-friendly standards. Some might only meet the minimum required certifications, and if you’re particularly eco-conscious, you might find more robust eco-friendly options with a wider selection of sustainable materials at specialized flooring retailers.

Soundproofing

The inclusion of pre-attached underlayment with Costco’s laminate can be a real bonus in reducing noise.

However, the effectiveness of soundproofing can vary. The quality of the underlayment may not be as high as that of standalone products designed specifically for sound insulation. If you live in a particularly noisy environment or require a high level of soundproofing, you might need to invest in additional underlayment products for optimal results.

Sample Testing

The ability to take home samples is a definite plus when shopping at Costco.

The downside is that the size or selection of the samples may be limited. You might not get a full sense of how the flooring will look across a larger area of your home. Additionally, the lighting in the store can be very different from that in your home, which can make the color and texture appear different when you get the sample home.

The Online Factor

Shopping online at Costco can be convenient and sometimes offers a wider selection or exclusive deals.

But purchasing flooring online comes with its own set of challenges. Color representation might not be accurate on your screen, and you miss out on the tactile experience of feeling the texture and quality of the flooring. Additionally, dealing with returns or exchanges of bulky items like flooring can be more cumbersome if you’re not satisfied with your online purchase.

Warranty

The warranty on Costco’s laminate flooring adds an extra layer of protection to your purchase.

However, it’s crucial to read the fine print. The warranty coverage might have limitations or exclusions that you’re not aware of. The process of claiming the warranty can also be troublesome, as you might find it challenging to prove that any damage falls under the warranty terms.

Complementary Products

Costco’s all-in-one approach, offering complementary products like matching moldings and trim, can be very convenient.

The major drawback here is availability. If these complementary products are out of stock, it can delay your entire project. Also, the selection might not be as comprehensive as you’d find in a specialized flooring store, limiting your options to perfectly match or complement your chosen laminate flooring.

Balancing these considerations will help ensure that your final decision on Costco’s laminate flooring aligns with your specific needs and expectations.

Featured Brands of Laminate Flooring at Costco

Costco is known for partnering with reputable brands to offer high-quality laminate flooring options. Here, we look into some of the popular brands you might encounter at Costco, discussing their strengths and potential drawbacks.

Mohawk

Mohawk is a well-established brand known for its durable and attractive laminate flooring. They offer a wide range of styles, colors, and textures to fit any décor. Many Mohawk flooring options include features like water resistance and ScratchGuard for added durability.

While you get what you pay for in terms of quality, Mohawk’s products can be on the higher end of the price spectrum. Some users have reported that installation can be a bit more complex compared to other brands, potentially requiring professional assistance (additional costs). 

Harmonics

Harmonics is known for providing quality laminate flooring at a more affordable price point, offering good value for money. Their products often feature easy-to-install click-lock systems, making DIY projects more feasible. Harmonics also offers products that are eco-conscious, with certifications for low emissions.

While offering quality products, Harmonics may have a more limited range of styles and colors compared to larger brands. Some users have noted that, while generally durable, Harmonics flooring can show signs of wear quicker than some more premium options, especially in high-traffic areas.

Remember, the availability of these brands may vary based on your regional Costco and the time of year. It’s always a good idea to visit your local Costco or check online to see the current offerings.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that while the selection at Costco can be quite good, it might not be as vast as a dedicated flooring store and its best brands of laminate flooring. And while the prices are competitive, always compare with other retailers because the flooring market is unpredictable.

Additionally, the flooring models at Costco may not be the latest ones available on the market. If you’re someone who wants the most recent design trends or the newest technology in laminate flooring, you might find Costco’s selection a bit behind the times. One of the biggest Costco dealers is a flooring store in Louisville, America’s Floor Source.

In conclusion, when considering Costco for your laminate flooring needs, balance the convenience and value against the potential limitations in selection and longevity. As with any significant home improvement decision, it pays to do your homework, compare options, and consider not just the immediate appeal but also the long-term satisfaction with your choice. This Costco laminate review covered a lot of bases, so hopefully, all your questions were answered.