Laminate flooring is a multi-layered flooring product designed to look like real hardwood or stone, but it’s made using a wood-based core with a printed decorative layer on top, all sealed under a clear protective wear layer. It has been a popular flooring choice for decades thanks to its affordability and realistic appearance.
Laminate is typically installed as a floating floor, meaning the planks click together and sit over the subfloor without being nailed or glued down.
Pros of Laminate Flooring
- Affordable – Laminate is budget-friendly, giving you the look of hardwood or stone at a much lower cost. It’s often cheaper than LVP, hardwood, or tile.
- Realistic Look – Advances in printing technology have made modern laminate floors incredibly realistic, with wood grains, knots, and textures that mimic real wood closely.
- Scratch Resistant – Thanks to its tough wear layer, laminate resists scratches, scuffs, and wear from foot traffic better than many other floors. This makes it a good option for households with pets or kids.
- Easy Installation – Most laminate planks use a click-lock system, so they snap together without the need for glue, nails, or staples. This makes it DIY-friendly.
- Low Maintenance – Laminate is easy to keep clean with regular sweeping, vacuuming, and damp mopping.
Cons of Laminate Flooring
- Not Waterproof – Traditional laminate is water-resistant, not waterproof. Excessive moisture, standing water, or leaks can cause swelling, warping, or damage to the core layer.
- Feels Harder – Laminate doesn’t have much “give,” so it feels harder and louder underfoot compared to LVP or carpet. Using underlayment can help soften the feel and reduce noise.
- Cannot Be Refinished – Unlike hardwood, laminate has a printed surface, so once it wears out or gets damaged, it has to be replaced, not refinished.
- Subfloor Must Be Even – Laminate needs to be installed over a flat, level subfloor. Uneven subfloors can cause planks to shift or separate over time.
Where to Use Laminate Flooring
Laminate is best suited for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and offices where moisture is limited. It’s not ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or areas where water spills are common.
Is Laminate Flooring Right for You
Laminate is a great choice if you want an affordable, realistic-looking floor that holds up well to scratches and daily wear, especially in dry areas. While it’s not fully waterproof like LVP, it can still handle normal household spills if cleaned up quickly.