The Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a less expensive and more impressive alternative to traditional hardwood floors. Whether you're having a new home built or want to replace that old ‘70s vinyl flooring, laminate flooring may be just what you’re looking for — but there are pros and cons to laminate flooring. At Carpet & Tile Mart, finding the perfect flooring for your project is an exciting journey, and we connect people to the right flooring products thanks to our massive stock and expertise.

Many of our laminate flooring designs utilize advanced technology to ensure your laminate flooring looks and feels like natural hardwood at a fraction of the cost. We work with trusted local contractors, offering installation services within 50 miles of our locations.

Top Benefits of Laminate Flooring 

You don't have to look hard to discover the benefits of laminate flooring. From price point to cleaning, the overall value of choosing laminate flooring for your home will surprise you. Keep reading if you're deciding whether laminate flooring is the right choice for your home.

More Affordable

Traditional hardwood floors can run you anywhere from $8 per square foot all the way up to $20, depending on your wood choice. If you plan to cover more than one room, this could run you a small fortune. On the other hand, this Mohawk laminate flooring starts at just $2.49 per square foot and looks like hardwood. 

This will lower the cost of your new home or renovation of an existing one. Here are some of the reasons laminate flooring is typically more affordable:

• The materials, including the fiberboard core and other layers, cost less and can be mass produced. 
• Laminate flooring allows for fast installation, reducing the installation cost.
• Over time, laminate flooring does not require frequent maintenance or refinishing, making it an affordable alternative to hardwood flooring. 

Durable

One of the top benefits of laminate flooring is its durability. Laminate flooring is formed by compressing layers of composite timber material making it highly sturdy and attractive. The top layer includes a coating that protects it from the storm of family and pet life with ease. 

Stain, water, and dent resistance give your floor longevity and durability you don't get with traditional hardwood. Most manufacturers offer a laminate flooring warranty so that you can purchase worry-free. When maintained to the manufacturers' specifications, laminate flooring can last for twenty years or more. 

Looks Great

Laminate technology has improved immensely, giving you the most beautiful flooring that looks and feels like traditional hardwood. For example, Mohawk's Signature Technology incorporates 64 layers of texture and over 1,000 colors in every square inch of a laminate plank. 

We replicate and surpass the look and feel of almost any type of hardwood floor. If you're going for the look of hardwood at a fraction of the price, consider our laminate flooring selection.

Easy to Maintain

One of the most attractive benefits of laminate flooring is the ease of care. Do you have pets that track in mud and snow? No problem! Wipe away moisture and clean mud stains with a simple microfiber cloth. There are no kid stains, dog paws, or kitchen disasters our laminate can't withstand. You don't need expensive hardwood wax or cleaning kits to care for your laminate flooring. 

Simple Installation

Laminate flooring has an easy lock-together system, making it a good alternative for DIY-ers. For your boards to acclimate to the temperature and humidity levels in the room, we suggest laying your boards out 48 hours before you start your project. Following the easy-to-follow instructions makes this installation doable for almost anyone!

Subfloor Install

Because laminate is a highly versatile flooring material, we can install it on almost any subflooring surface. Whether you're installing it on the concrete in your new basement or over the '70s kitchen vinyl that came with your home, laminate flooring makes your installation more straightforward and quick. 

Hypoallergenic

Laminate flooring is a hypoallergenic option for those with breathing and allergy concerns. With its self-locking design, laminate flooring leaves no place for dust, dander and moisture to accumulate. The underlying moisture barrier is an added layer of protection against moisture and leaking concerns and protects your investment.

More Comfortable

Another of the fantastic benefits of laminate flooring is the comfort level you can achieve. We install laminate flooring as a floating floor with a foam layer underneath — this gives your floor a warmer, slightly springy feel compared to traditional hardwood floors. This added foam layer also makes laminate flooring a quieter option.

Versatility

Because laminate flooring doesn't expand and contract with the weather like natural wood does, it is a more versatile option for many homes. We can install laminate over any type of substrate. These may include concrete, wood, plywood, old vinyl or OSB. Whatever your flooring substrate type, laminate flooring makes the job straightforward.

Laminate Flooring Cons

While laminate flooring has many advantages, there are a few aspects to think about. We want you to see both the pros and cons of laminate flooring to make informed choices that suit your specific needs.

No Refinishing Options

While laminate flooring has come a long way, the finished layer is still the only one with the wood grain image. You can refinish traditional hardwood floors if damaged, restoring them to a like-new condition. Laminate floors are resistant to stains and water but can still be damaged. If this happens, we can remove the damaged plank(s) and replace them with non-damaged planks.

Quality Variances

As with any other product, there are varying degrees of quality regarding laminate flooring. You can't see what's under the beautiful surface. It is highly advised to work with a company that backs its products and ensures the quality of your flooring. Carpet & Tile Mart's long history with suppliers provides us with the best deals on the nation's top flooring brands. 

Specific Cleaning Guidelines

While cleaning your laminate flooring with plain water may seem like an easy, straightforward task, it isn't always that simple. You need to be careful not to soak the floor or give the water a chance to stand on the surface, as this can cause water damage. While floors are water resistant, it doesn't mean they can withstand a flood. When needed, a commercial laminate cleaner can help with those tougher stains.

Warranty Terms

While this can be tedious, we recommend thoroughly reading your warranty. A warranty will cover how cleaning and wear and tear could void your warranty. The manufacturer may also void the warranty for installation mistakes. This wouldn't be an issue if you have your floor professionally installed, but not everyone can afford this option. A DIY installation mistake could cost you time and money.

Noise

Laminate flooring can be noisier underfoot compared to other flooring options. It lacks the sound-absorbing qualities of materials like carpet or cork. Many homeowners find they need to invest in additional underlay to reduce noise, adding to the overall cost and installation time.

Installation and Underlay Issues

Laminate flooring requires a perfectly level and clean subfloor. This requirement can add to the complexity and cost of installation, as any imperfections in the subfloor can affect the finished look and longevity of the laminate. Poor installation can lead to gaps, buckling, or shifting, and DIY installation may require a learning curve.

Value and Longevity

When it comes to adding value to a property, laminate flooring does not have the same impact as hardwood or high-end tile. Prospective homebuyers often perceive laminate as a cheaper flooring option, which can affect the resale value of a home.

Environmental Concerns

Some laminate flooring is made from composite materials that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may affect indoor air quality. Additionally, laminate flooring raises certain environmental concerns, the most significant being its non-biodegradable nature. Made from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures, the synthetic materials in laminate are not easily recycled, contributing to environmental waste.

Why Choose Us?

With over 50 years of industry experience and an excellent Trustpilot rating, Carpet & Tile Mart is your go-to laminate flooring supplier. We've matched thousands of customers with the perfect flooring for their unique needs. Here are some of the things that set us apart from our competition:

• Direct manufacturer purchases: We buy directly from the manufacturer to eliminate the middleman, bringing you the best prices.
• Quality improvement: Our team works with flooring suppliers to improve quality and price of our products.
• Deep discounts: We negotiate for deep discounts — passing savings onto you.
• Exclusive deals and products: You gain access to exclusive deals and products not found elsewhere.
• Vast selection: We have thousands of laminate flooring choices in stock. 
• Experienced staff: Meet our long-term employees in-person and let them answer your questions and guide you to the perfect flooring choice.
• Experience before you buy: In our stores, you can touch, feel and experience the floors before you buy.

Your Go-To Flooring Experts

Now that you've seen all the laminate flooring pros and cons, you'll see that at Carpet & Tile Mart, we're not just selling floors — we're helping you create a home. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction makes us your reliable partner in this exciting home improvement journey. With unbeatable prices, expert advice, and a passion for flooring, we're here to ensure that every step you take is on the perfect foundation. Plus, we stand behind our products because we know their value.

Ready to explore our vast selections of laminate and LVT? Visit one of our stores near you or contact us today and experience the joy of finding exactly what you need at prices that let you do more with your space. Let’s make your flooring dreams a reality!