Laminate

Laminate flooring is a practical option that offers a combination of solid durability, affordability, and design aesthetics.

Laminate is generally cheaper than LVP, which is already considered a budget option. This tells a lot about laminate affordability, with prices starting at only $0.5 per square foot.

While it is generally not recommended to install the cheapest laminate in terms of money-for-value ratio, you can find plenty of beautiful and durable laminate starting at as low as $2 per square foot.

With such approachable prices, laminate is holding its position in the flooring market. When we factor in that laminate is easy to maintain, easy to install, and easy to replace, it becomes clear why it is such a popular choice.

Laminate Durability Performance

Laminate is a synthetic product mostly made from wood byproducts (scraps and sawdust), which are mixed with resin to form its fiberboard core. The layers of laminate are tightly fused with heat and pressure to achieve the stability and durability of the final product.

In proper conditions, laminate can last up to 25 years. It's important to consider that water is laminates' greatest weakness, and if you aim to keep your laminate floors in shape for decades, keeping them in dry areas is the first step in the right direction.

Other than that, most of the laminate products can withstand heavy foot traffic, scratches, fading, pets, and even some water if you can spare a few extra bucks for water-resistant laminate.

If some of the laminate planks do get damaged, replacement is quite straightforward and shouldn’t be expensive, even if you decide to hire a professional.

Laminate Designs

Pretty much like any other synthetic flooring, laminate has also gone a long way in replicating the looks of real, authentic materials. You can now choose from weathered wood looks, classic planks, textured stone, or modern tile patterns.

Laminate Price Range

Laminate flooring has a wide price range. You'll find low-end options for around $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot, but these tend to be thinner and might have less realistic designs.

If you're looking for good value for money, focus on the mid-range laminates priced between $2.00 and $4.00 per square foot. Within this range, you'll find a good balance of durability and quality designs.

High-end laminates cost upwards of $5.00 per square foot and offer the most convincing looks and sometimes even extra features like water resistance, but they might not always represent the best value considering that at this price point, laminate starts to compete with LVP and Hardwood.

Another benefit of laminate is that it is DIY-friendly, especially the kind with click-clock installation. If you are keen to try out your hands, laminate installation is an approachable undertaking for many.

Laminate Maintenance

So far, everything with laminate has been easy. It's easy on your wallet, easy to install, easy to replace, and also very easy to maintain.

To maintain laminate, simply sweep or vacuum regularly to remove debris, and occasionally mop with a damp microfiber cloth. Due to its sealed surface, laminate does not require the special cleaners or treatments that some other flooring types need.