How to Install Laminate Flooring Easily: Prices and options

8 May 2024,

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Laminate is one of the most popular choices for flooring because they are resistant to stains, moisture, and fading.

This synthetic flooring comes in multiple layers that are laminated together to form a durable external layer that lasts long.

If you are searching for the right type of flooring replacement for your house, check out the detailed guide on materials and installation to help you.

Our network consists of reliable and experienced contractors who will be happy to offer you quotes tailored to your needs.

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Why Choose Laminate Flooring for your Home?

The primary advantage of laminate flooring compared to hardwood flooring is the price. Laminate is lower in cost if you are amenable to its synthetic appearance.

Many homeowners who desire quality and affordability choose laminate flooring. Below you will find more pros and cons of laminate flooring.

The Benefits of Laminate Flooring for the Home

Laminate flooring offers a variety of benefits including:

Durability: Laminate floors are durable and practical compared to other types of flooring. They are suitable even for high-traffic areas.
Longevity: Laminate floors last a very long time, with an average lifespan ranging from 15 to 25 years.
Moisture-resistant: From the top to bottom layer, laminate planks prevent water from seeping in, thus preventing mold from growing. Thus, they are also suitable for high-moisture rooms like kitchens and laundry areas.
High aesthetic value: Laminate floors look very appealing and mimic the appearance of hardwood flooring.
Easy to install: They are convenient and easy to install.
Lower cost: The cost of installing laminate flooring is lower than hardwood floors. For high-quality flooring materials, laminate is a great choice that can save you money.

As you can see, laminate is very convenient as it less expensive and faster to install. They are also scratch and impact-resistant, making it ideal as flooring if you have pets or children.

What are the disadvantages of laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is not without its disadvantages. Here are some cons you may want to consider:

Harder to repair: Laminate flooring can’t be refinished. Because of its composite material, it must be completely replaced if damaged or worn out.

Non-natural material: While laminate flooring uses high-quality materials, it can never be equal in quality to real hardwood. It can’t pass as natural hardwood flooring once closely examined. Its feel underfoot will always give it away as being laminate.

Maintenance: Unless your floor is waterproofed, you must stick to mopping laminate flooring to once a month. Laminate floors are sensitive to water.

How much does it cost to install laminate flooring?

The cost of laminate flooring installation ranges from $350 to $4,000. The cost depends on the size of the room, and the type of laminate material you choose. Expect to spend around $2,500, on average, for a standard-sized room.

You need to consider adding the cost of installing baseboards and the removal of existing flooring.

Laminate flooring is cheaper compared to vinyl but it has a higher return-on-investment (ROI) vis-à-vis home value. The average cost of installation is from $3 to $8 per square foot to install.

Due its ease of installation, laminate flooring can be a DIY project but it is advisable to hire a professional to ensure high-quality installation and value for your money.

Poorly-installed or maintained laminate floors may last only 5 years while proper installation and maintenance can ensure they last 15 to 25 years.

Find the best professional for laminate flooring installation using our short online form at no charge!

Types of Laminate Flooring & Their Prices

How many types of laminate flooring are available and how much do they cost? Your choice will affect the aesthetic value of your home.

Laminate floors come in single plans, tile planks, and multi-strip planks. They also consist of various materials like plastic and engineered wood laminate.

Plastic laminate floors are totally artificial whereas engineered wood laminate use real wood with acrylic lamination. Engineered wood laminate cost twice as much as plastic laminate.

Engineered wood laminate floors consist of bonded hardwood veneer and high-density fiberboard to achieve the look of hardwood without the high cost.

Each type of material offers unique pros and cons but generally, laminate flooring is versatile, affordable, and durable.

Type of Laminate	Average Price
Plastic laminate	$1-$5 per square foot
Engineered wood	$3 – $9 per square foot

Comparison of Laminate Flooring vs. Hardwood Flooring

You are planning to buy hard surface flooring and you dream of hardwood flooring for your home.

You must now decide if you can invest on hardwood floors or choose a more budget-friendly option – laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring has been referenced as faux hardwood so it is also important that you understand the difference.

Solid hardwood flooring is just that – flooring using solid timber. This is the highest-quality wooden flooring and also carries the heftiest price. But the value of this investment can last for over a hundred years and will never go out of style.

In contrast, laminate flooring is a composite wood product that is made to look like hardwood flooring or natural stone. But as mentioned earlier, it can be easy to detect the difference. The quality of laminate materials has significantly improved over the years and their overall appearance, texture, and construction is high in quality.

Deciding between laminate or hardwood flooring

The most significant difference is in the price.

Hardwood flooring can cost from $7 to $20 per square foot for the materials and installation. Of course, the cost will also vary based on the type of hardwood you choose, your contractor, the size of your project, and even your location.

When deciding between laminate and hardwood flooring, you must consider your lifestyle and what you plan for your future. Do you need a long-term investment for a forever home? Can your budget afford hardwood flooring or is laminate flooring more suited to your budget?

Compare the pros and the cons of laminate vs. hardwood flooring by requesting quotes from our reputable partners!

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Consider these factors when installing Laminate Flooring

To successfully plan laminate flooring installation, consider the following points:

AC Rating

The durability of laminate flooring is indicated by AC ratings. They range from 1 to 5 – 1being the least durable and 5 as the most durable. The most recommended AC rating for residential laminate flooring is 4.

Laminate flooring with a rating of 1 is only good for low-traffic areas such as the bedroom. Entryways and other high-traffic areas should have laminate flooring with AC ratings of 3 and up.

Warranties

In general, manufacturers provide warranties for their product, with 10-year warranty being the most common. Well-maintained laminate floors can easily last 15 years or more.

Underlay

It is best to buy laminate flooring with attached underlay. While it is possible to buy the underlay separately, installation will take longer and can increase the overall cost of your project.

Cost of removing previous materials

A contractor will remove the existing subfloor before laying new laminate flooring. The cost of removing the existing flooring ranges from $1 to $1.60 per square foot. Replacing the damaged subfloor can cost an extra $2.50 to $5 per square foot. Make sure to include this expense in your budget.

FAQS on Laminate Flooring Installation

Are you planning to replace your flooring with laminate flooring? These popular FAQs can help you make critical decisions regarding your project.

Does laminate flooring increase resale value of a house?

For homes with mid-range prices, laminate flooring can be a good addition, especially if the original or existing flooring is in poor condition. However, it has a lower resale value if compared to hardwood flooring.

Is laminate flooring a good investment?

Laminate flooring is less expensive and can be a DIY project. It can be a very affordable option for a floor renovation. Keep in mind, though, that it does not increase resale value significantly. It is, however, a good option for floor renovations on a tight budget.

What is the lifespan of laminate floors?

Depending on its quality, a laminate floor has an average lifespan of 15 to 25 years but this can range from 10 to 30.

How thick should laminate flooring be?

The thicker the laminate floor, the higher the cost. Thickness refers to the distance from the base of the board to the top. To get flooring that mimics real wood, professionals recommend 10 or 12 mm thickness.

What is the usual complaint about laminate flooring?

Because laminate flooring is not waterproof, it can warp or crack. This type of flooring, if installed in high-moisture areas, can get damaged beyond repair.

How do you maintain laminate flooring?

Laminate plans cannot be refinished if they get damaged. You must treat it with care by limit exposure to moisture, especially in high-traffic areas.

Laminate flooring is a great option for lower to medium-priced homes. It is also ideal if you consider ease of installation and maintenance critical.

If aesthetic value, resale value, and longevity are critical for you, it is advisable to choose hardwood flooring.

Connect with Laminate Flooring Specialists with Free Quotes

The first step to planning a floor renovation is to find the right laminate flooring specialist near you! You can do this by requesting multiple quotes to compare using our short online form

Professionals can provide you with great advice regarding materials, prices, soundproofing, and other relevant questions about your floor installation.

Our reliable partners will be happy to submit their quotes at no cost or obligation so you can choose the best offer that suits your budget!

Connect with reputable flooring contractors in your area and get tailored quotes and professional advice using our short online form!

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