Why Laminate Flooring Is Becoming the First Choice over Other Types

Nothing is quite as exciting as becoming a homeowner for the first time. A world of possibilities and ideas opens up, allowing modifications to fit personal style and vision.

Laminate flooring is easy to install, floats over most floors, costs 50% less than hardwood, and comes in easy-to-transport 4-foot strips.

One of the biggest endeavors a homeowner can undertake is replacing the flooring. For years, tile, hardwood, and carpet were the three most popular options, but recently laminate has been emerging as the new first choice for flooring. While it’s easy to have a personal preference, it’s important to consider all options as well as the budget for the project.

If remodeling the flooring is part of the plans, here are a few benefits of choosing laminate flooring.

Installation

One of the most important advantages of laminate flooring is that installing it is much easier compared to other types of flooring. Laminate features a tongue and groove click system that allows it to be assembled quickly. Another feature that makes installation easy is that laminate doesn’t need to be glued or nailed down; it just floats, so it can be placed over almost any type of existing flooring except carpet. On average, laminate flooring installation costs at least 50% less than installing hardwood, providing more money for other repairs and additions. Because laminate is more conveniently packaged, usually coming in 4-foot strips, it’s easier to maneuver and transport compared to long pieces of wood or rolls of carpet.

Price

Since laminate is relatively new and technically a composite of woods pressed together, it is a much less costly option. With the ability of laminate to duplicate the appearance of hardwood flooring, it makes purchasing hardwood, at least double the cost of laminate, hard to justify. The ease of assembly and installation, combined with the fact that laminate is more mass-produced and made of largely synthetic and low-cost materials, results in a lower price point and a much easier overall experience from purchasing to installation.

Durability

Since laminate is essentially made of pressed wood, it’s extremely durable and resistant to scratches, usual wear and tear, and even moisture buildup. It’s also much easier to clean since it’s not as absorbent as carpet or as tough to remove stains from as actual hardwood. For families with pets and small children, this is an important trait to consider. While it may not be as soft as carpet, it’s much easier to clean in the event of an accident.

Versatility

One of the best features of laminate flooring is its ability to look like just about any surface. It can simulate the look of a variety of hardwoods and, thanks to the printing process it goes through, can reproduce the look of stone or ceramic flooring at a fraction of the price of the real deal.

Pet Friendly

The scratch-resistant surface of laminate allows it to withstand much more wear from a pet’s nails. Whereas some surfaces could easily be scratched and damaged, laminate’s durability makes it extremely convenient for homeowners with pets and will last longer than most other flooring options.

While there will always be owners with particular tastes and preferences, more and more are choosing laminate for a variety of reasons. The durable yet less expensive laminate is very versatile and can reasonably fit the needs of most preferences. In some cases, it can be hard to differentiate from actual hardwoods and ceramics. Consider personal preferences along with the style of the home before making a big decision regarding the floors. For those looking to do a variety of home modifications on a budget, the low cost and easy installation process of laminate make it one of the newest and best options available.

Clover Valley Home Services is a licensed and insured service provider equipped to efficiently handle your floor planning and designing, tile installation, permitting and planning, and flooring installation and repair needs. Get in touch with our experts today!