Developed decades ago as a cost-effective alternative to genuine hardwood, laminate flooring offers a wide array of great choices and dozens of designs, from antique to modern versions and everything in between. Maryland contractors and manufacturers have even raised their game to provide good quality varieties of laminate flooring in the area. But aside from varieties, there is really one thing that laminate flooring does best above everything else: it mimics wood flooring. However, like any other flooring type, laminate flooring has its advantages and disadvantages. So, as a laminate flooring contractor in Maryland, we have identified and listed the pros and cons of laminate flooring.
The Good News
When it comes to the advantages of laminate flooring, almost everything you have read about it is true. To know more about the benefits of this flooring option, read on.
Affordable
One of the most attractive advantages of laminate flooring is its cost-effectiveness. Most homeowners choose this amongst other flooring options because it is budget-friendly. The average cost of laminate flooring varies between $0.70 and $2.00 per square foot depending on the type and finish. Maple, white oak, and red oak are considered the most inexpensive types of laminate flooring. Hickory, on the other hand, is the most expensive. The overall cost of laminate flooring installation still depends on the complexity of the project and flooring area. With this, it is best to ask a laminate flooring contractor in Maryland. This way, you can get the best quote that fits your budget.
Durable
Laminate flooring has a reputation of becoming a tough flooring material. Not only is the composite wood material of laminate flooring so sturdy, but its outer layer is scratch resistant as well. It can withstand high traffic, impacts, pet’s claws, and rowdy kids. Also, laminate flooring has UV resistance, so it won’t fade over time when exposed to sunlight.
Stylish and Versatile
Since laminate is created without preparation, it has a considerable amount of varieties and styles to choose from. It has great appearances that resemble the real hardwood. However, it may also come in many different shades, whether you need the appeal of a stone, tile, or artificial hardwood. Aside from providing a world of options in designs and style, laminate flooring is no doubt a versatile flooring option. It can be installed over almost any substrate such as wood, plywood, vinyl, and concrete flooring. When choosing which types and designs are right for your home, you may want to discuss your options with a laminate flooring contractor in Maryland.
Low Maintenance
If you want to prevent yourself from spending hours on cleaning floors, then laminate flooring is an ideal option for you. Unlike other types of flooring, laminate flooring is less demanding and more resistant to staining, making it easier to maintain. There aren’t any exceptional strategies to clean the laminate flooring. Light mopping and sweeping are an easy way to restore its look. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to dust It off.
Recyclable and Eco-friendly
If you’re going green, laminate flooring can be an option for you. You can guarantee that no exotic or old-growth trees are used to make laminate flooring. It is 100% recyclable which is good for the environment. Also, laminate flooring is hypoallergenic because there is less soil and fewer microorganisms on it.
Easy to Install
As a laminate flooring contractor in Maryland, we can say that no flooring option is much easier to install than laminate flooring. This is because laminate flooring forms a floating floor, which means that it does not need to be stapled, glued, or nailed to a subfloor. It also features an amazingly simple lock together system that allows you to install it by snapping flooring planks together, making it a perfect choice for DIYers. However, if you think that a DIY project is not your cup of tea, you can always hire a laminate flooring contractor in Maryland.
The Not-so-good News
While laminate flooring offers a wide array of benefits, it also has its downsides. Here are some disadvantages we have identified.
Prone to Damage
Contrary to what we believe that laminate flooring is durable enough to withstand any condition, unfortunately, it is not the case. Even the best type of laminate flooring is also susceptible to moisture damage. The high-density fiberboard of laminate flooring makes it prone to water damage as compared to real hardwood. When exposed to standing water, laminate flooring breaks down and expands. If this happens, you need to replace the entire board. With this, laminate flooring is not a good choice for areas such as bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Not a Real Hardwood
If you want the genuine feel and look of hardwood for your home, then laminate flooring is not for you. It may look real hardwood; however, it is synthetic. While it can mimic the appearance of real hardwood, it does not have the advantage of increasing the resale value of your property. This may also be the reason why homeowners still prefer solid hardwood flooring in the long run.
Noisy if Not Installed Properly
Though you can install laminate flooring yourself, it may take time to learn the skill to install it correctly. Therefore, it is important to hire a laminate flooring contractor in Maryland, making sure that the flooring is installed properly. When you install laminate flooring without the proper underlayment, it can end up being noisy. The noise it generates from the rear portion of the foot against the surface of the laminate flooring can be very annoying.
Cannot be Refinished or Sanded
The top layer of the laminate flooring creates a convincing timber illusion and offers protection against wear; however, these are the same reasons why you cannot sand or refinish it. Sanding it down would ruin the resilience of the floorboard. It would be difficult to fix small patches in laminate flooring as well. If it breaks down or warps, the only remedy is a complete replacement of the board.
Slippery
There is no doubt that laminate flooring has a smooth surface but it can be slippery at times. In this case, safety is a major concern, especially if there are elderly people in your home. However, there are non-slip laminate types available in the market these days. If you are looking for one, you need to discuss your option with a laminate flooring contractor in Maryland.
Why Choose Laminate Flooring?
While there are several reasons why homeowners want laminate flooring, there are also a lot of reasons why they do not feel like installing it in their homes. Laminate flooring is stylish, low maintenance, and a budget-friendly option especially in high traffic areas, but no flooring option is perfect for everyone. Talking to a laminate flooring contractor in Maryland could be a helpful resource to determine if laminate flooring is the right material for your home. Tell your local contractor what you really want. This way, you can derive more options and recommendations. However, if you still need valuable help today, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Carpet Ready is not just a laminate flooring contractor in Maryland, but we also provide a wide variety of flooring products right-fit for your home.