Is Laminate Flooring the Best Choice for Your Property?

Is laminate flooring best for your property? It depends!

As with many home improvement projects, the choice of flooring to install depends on several factors, such as your budget, preferences, and the features of your property. 

Laminate flooring offers the beauty and warmth of natural wood and stones without breaking the bank. Keep reading to find out whether it’s the perfect flooring for your building.

What Kind of Flooring is Laminate?

Laminate flooring is a synthetic floor covering that has several layers. 

First, it has a backing that serves as a moisture barrier. Next is the core layer, which is made of composite wood (fibreboard or plywood). 

The third layer is a printed image that takes the appearance of actual wood, stone, or tile. And the last layer is the wear layer, a thin and opaque plastic that protects the other layers from damage.

Is Laminate Flooring a Popular Choice?

Yes, laminate flooring is still in demand, and its qualities make it an excellent choice for most rooms in your house. The popular designs are tile and stone laminate floors, but you can customise the flooring to mimic any traditional type of flooring.

What Kinds of Laminate Flooring Are There?

Laminate flooring materials are plastic and engineered wood. We’ll discuss their pros and cons.

Plastic

Plastic laminate combines kraft paper, wood veneer, melamine, and resin. It’s used on countertops, wall panels, and doors.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Resistant to water and heat
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Durable and befitting for areas with high foot traffic

Cons

• Requires replacement if damaged or scratched
• Makes a hollow sound underfoot

Engineered Wood

This type of flooring uses real wood and acrylic lamination. It’s suitable for people who want the natural feel of real wood but still want the benefits of laminate flooring.

Pros

• Multiple sanding or refinishing is possible if there are dents 
• Unlike solid hardwood, laminate is resistant to warping
• Provides a classic wood appearance

Cons

• Costs more than plastic laminate flooring
• Vulnerable to moisture damage if exposed to water for too long

What Can Laminate Flooring Be Used For?

The laminate flooring is versatile and cost-effective, making it useful in both residential and commercial settings.

Residential Laminate Flooring

You can install laminate flooring in living areas, kitchen, bathroom, and basement.

• Living areas: Laminate flooring is suitable for the living room, bedroom, and hallway. It's hard-wearing, easy to clean, and resistant to furniture scratches.
• Kitchen: The material is resistant to stains, so it can accommodate spills from the kitchen.
• Bathroom: Water-resistant laminate flooring is ideal for bathrooms. However, you should take care to prevent moisture from seeping into the core layer.
• Basement: Solid plastic laminate is suitable for the basement. It prevents underground water from seeping through the backing and decorative sheet.

Commercial Laminate Flooring

Commercial-grade laminate flooring is suitable for offices, healthcare and educational facilities, hotels, and shopping malls.

• Offices: Commercial workspaces or offices receive several visitors daily. As a result, they require flooring that endures a lot of foot traffic and cleaning and still looks attractive.  
• Healthcare and Educational Facilities: Laminate flooring repels bacteria and mould, is resistant to stain, and is easy to clean. These features are critical for hospitals, clinics, and schools where sanitation is essential.
• Hotels: Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality outlets can replicate the look of wood or stone at a reasonable price and maintain a classy appearance.
• Shopping malls: Shopping malls require flooring that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable, and laminate flooring fits the bill.

What Are Laminate Flooring's Pros?

Below are some benefits of installing laminate flooring:

• Durability: Laminate flooring is resistant to scratches, spills, and stains. It’s also UV-resistant, hard-wearing, doesn’t discolour easily, and can last up to 25 years.
• Affordability: It’s relatively cheap compared to hardwood, natural stone, and tile.
• Low Maintenance: Laminate floors require regular sweeping with a soft broom and occasional cleaning with a damp mop.
• Hypoallergenic: Unlike carpet, a laminate floor doesn’t trap allergens and dust.
• Wide Variety of Designs: You can choose from a wide range of patterns and finishes, allowing you to customise the floor to match your decor.

What Are Laminate Flooring's Downsides?

Despite its advantages, laminate flooring has some drawbacks, such as:

• Vulnerability to Water Damage: Allowing water to pool over the floor surface for a long time can damage it. Although waterproof laminate is now available, you should avoid prolonged exposure to moisture.
• Limited Authenticity: Laminate flooring replicates the stunning aesthetics of natural wood or stone. But when you take a closer look, its flawless patterns and edges give it away as laminate.
• Inability to Refinish: You can’t sand or refinish laminate flooring if it’s worn out or damaged.  

What Are the Different Types of Laminate Flooring and How Do They Look and Feel?

There are various options when it comes to laminate flooring. We’ve sorted them based on their characteristics.

What Colours Are There for Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring colours range from natural to light or dark. However, you can have two or three tones to match the appearance of natural wood or stone.

What Kinds of Finishes Are There for Laminate Flooring?

Applying finishes to the surface of a laminate floor enhances its appearance. Depending on your preference, you’ll find finishes for a contemporary, natural, or rustic feel. Some common laminate flooring finishes are:

• Matte
• Gloss
• Hand scraped
• Soft scrapped
• Embossed
• Stone
• Natural wood

What Kinds of Designs and Patterns Are There for Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring showcases a wide range of designs and patterns, such as:

• Herringbone
• Wide planks
• Thin planks
• Wood grain
• Parquet

Which Type of Laminate Flooring Is the Best?

The best type of laminate floor depends on your budget, personal preferences, and intended use. Generally, laminate flooring materials are affordable, but if you want high-quality, you should be willing to spend a little bit more. 

Lower-priced laminates will have low image layer quality, low abrasion criteria (AC) rating, thinner planks, and less moisture resistance. Therefore, if you're expecting high foot traffic within a space, a thick laminate floor would be ideal. Also, a high AC rating determines how much stain and scratch the material can endure.

What Brands of Laminate Flooring Are There?

Here's a list of the best laminate flooring brands:

• Egger
• Lamett
• Swiss Krono
• Pergo
• Newton
• AquaGuard
• Armstrong Flooring

How Much Does It Cost to Buy Laminate Flooring?

The cost of laminate flooring depends on the type of laminate you choose. We’ve tabulated the price range for the popular laminate flooring options available in the UK.

Can You Buy Laminate Flooring for a Low Price?

Yes, you can find laminate flooring at a relatively low price. It falls within the budget range and costs between £10 to £15 per square metre. This range of laminate flooring has simple designs and a thinner wear layer, which affects its overall quality and durability. 

Can You Buy Laminate Flooring That Costs a Lot?

Yes, you can purchase laminate flooring at a premium price point. It ranges between £25 to £50 per square metre based on certain factors, such as the brand, enhanced stain and scratch resistance, and design details. 

How Much Does It Cost to Install Laminate Flooring?

Installing laminate flooring would cost between £600 to £3,500, including the supply of materials and labour. The prices depend on the size of the room, the type of laminate, and how long it takes to install. Other factors that influence the overall installation cost are underlay, underfloor heating, skirting boards, and trims.

Does Laminate Flooring Make the Property Worth More or Less?

Laminate flooring doesn't necessarily make your property worth more or less. However, the resale value of the property should increase if you install premium laminate flooring. 

But it won't be the same as hardwood. Also, if the previous flooring needed an upgrade, replacing it with laminate will make the property more attractive.

How Do You Fit Laminate Flooring?

Fitting laminate flooring involves a number of steps: measuring the room, preparing the subfloor, installing the underlay, and placing the laminate planks. The steps are described below:

1. Measure the Room: You need accurate measurements of the room where you want to install the flooring material. This will enable you to estimate how many packs to purchase since it's sold in square metres (length x width). However, it would be helpful if you added 10 to 15% for cutting because your room may not be a perfect square or rectangle.
2. Prepare the Subfloor: Sweep and vacuum the floor to get rid of dust. If your subfloor is concrete, check the moisture level to make sure it's dry and smooth. Also, you may have to remove the trims and skirting boards to lay the floor properly.
3. Install the Underlay: Lay the underlay on the subfloor and secure it with tape. There are different types of underlay for different subfloors. A professional can assist you in identifying the best type for each room. However, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions during installation.
4. Place the Laminate: Lay the first row with the tongue side against the wall, leaving a gap of one-quarter inch for expansion. Lay the next set of rows, ensuring that the last row has the expansion gap before the wall. Afterwards, install the trims and skirting boards to cover the gaps.

How Many Ways Can Laminate Flooring Be Installed?

There are three types of laminate flooring installation: glued, pre-glued, and glueless click.

• Glued: It involves applying glue underneath the planks before fitting them on the floor. When properly installed, this method lasts longer.
• Pre-Glued: The planks already come with a sticky back that you'll peel and stick to the floor.
• Glueless Click: This style doesn't require glue. It's a tongue-and-groove method that clicks together when placed correctly.

Does Laminate Flooring Need an Underlay?

Yes, laminate flooring requires an underlayment because it reduces noise, improves underfoot comfort and insulation, and extends the lifespan of the flooring. It also protects the flooring from moisture that may seep through the ground.

Do You Have to Hire a Pro to Put in Laminate Flooring, Or Can You Do It Yourself?

Yes, you can install laminate flooring as a DIY project if you have the required tools and confidence in your abilities. But if you're unsure or want to install a complex design, it's best to hire a professional.

How Do You Keep Laminate Flooring in Good Condition?

Although laminate flooring requires low maintenance, you should take steps to ensure it remains in good condition. These steps include preventing dirt and potential damage, regular sweeping, wiping spills as soon as they occur, and maintaining optimum humidity levels. 

1. Prevent Dirt and Potential Damage

Place door mats outside and inside entrances to prevent people and pets from trailing dirt around the house. You should also consider placing felt pads under your furniture to prevent scratches that may damage the flooring. 

It’s important to note that stiletto heels can damage laminate flooring. You should consider moving around the house without shoes and encourage your guests to do the same.

2. Regular Sweeping

Allowing dirt, mud, grit, and other debris to accumulate on laminate flooring can result in scratches over time. Hence the need to sweep regularly. 

Ensure to use a soft brush to prevent abrasion. A vacuum cleaner without the beater bar can also come in handy when you need to pick up dirt along the edges and between the tiles.

3. Wipe Spills Fast

If you leave water on laminate flooring for a long time, it can lead to warping or damage. It may also void the warranty. Therefore, you should prevent spills from occurring in the first place. And when they do, wipe them immediately. 

4. Maintain Optimum Humidity Levels

You should keep your humidifier between 35 - 65% during winter to prevent your flooring from shrinking. This is perfect for rooms without electric heating. Additionally, during summer, you should keep the internal temperature at 18.5°C - 24°C and avoid adjusting the thermostat regularly.

What's the Best Way to Clean Laminate Flooring?

To clean laminate flooring, you should consider damp mopping and using the manufacturer-recommended cleaning solution. The cleaning frequency depends on the foot traffic, the season, and where you live.

1. Damp Mopping

After sweeping or vacuuming, you should use a damp mop or cloth to wipe the floor instead of string mops or steam cleaners that hold a lot of water. Also, if there are spots with tough stains, apply acetone, then scrub it gently before wiping it with a damp cloth.

2. Apply the Appropriate Cleaning Solution

You should apply the recommended laminate cleaner instead of detergent, soap, or other floor cleaners, then wipe the floor with a microfibre mop. 

Can You Fix Laminate Flooring If It's Damaged?

Yes, you can repair laminate flooring if there’s a shallow scratch or the finishes are looking dull. But if the damage is significant, like a large scratch, raised or curled edges, or a chip, then it’s time to replace your flooring.

How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?

Laminate flooring can last between 10 to 25 years. The lifespan depends on the quality of the flooring, if it was properly installed, the amount of abuse it receives daily, and your maintenance culture.

How Well Does Laminate Flooring Work?

Generally, laminate flooring performs well. It endures heavy foot traffic and still manages to last a long time without scratching, staining, or fading. Also, many manufacturers now offer both waterproofed and water-resistant models to prevent moisture damage. 

Is Laminate Flooring Good for the Environment?

Yes, laminate flooring has environmental benefits. For starters, it’s made from the byproduct of renewable timber species like pine. As a result, it doesn’t contribute to deforestation or energy consumption and carbon emission. Also, it’s recyclable and poses no negative impact on the environment when uninstalled.

What Is Laminate Flooring Good For?

Laminate flooring can fit into various properties, whether you have kids, pets or receive a lot of guests.

Is Laminate Flooring Good for Pets?

Yes, laminate flooring is good for pets. It’s resistant to stains and water, and you can easily clean dirty paw marks and accidental spills.

Can Kids Play on Laminate Flooring?

Kids can play on laminate flooring. It repels dust, so you don’t have to worry about allergens. Also, it offers traction when kids run around and won’t scratch when they race around the room in a bobby car.

Can Laminate Flooring Be Used in Places With a Lot of Foot Traffic?

Yes, you can install laminate flooring in an area with high foot traffic. However, you should choose one that’s thick and has an AC rating of 4 or 5.

Can Laminate Flooring Be Used in Places That Get Wet?

Yes, you can install laminate flooring in places that get wet, like the bathroom. But you have to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and take necessary precautions to ensure water doesn’t stay longer on the flooring material.

Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof?

No, laminate flooring isn’t waterproof. Rather, it’s water-resistant, which means it can tolerate accidental spills unless left unattended for a long time.

Conclusion

Laminate flooring is perfect if you’re looking for a floor that’s durable, affordable, and can be installed as a beginner DIY project. 

But before you go for it, you should weigh the pros and cons. Installing laminate flooring will no doubt give your building a facelift but won’t rake in the same ROI as natural hardwood and stones.
If you’re still not sure about what’s best for your property, you should contact a professional who’ll assess the space and make recommendations.