Have you been dying to replace those dusty old carpets in the living room? Perhaps you redecorated the kitchen during lockdown and your floor no longer matches, or you’re looking for flooring that’s easy to maintain?
For many homeowners, the hardest decision is choosing between carpet and laminate flooring. That’s why, in today’s article, we thought we’d outline the pros and cons of laminate flooring to help you make an informed choice.
Pros of laminate flooring
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Low cost – one of the major benefits of laminate flooring is that it is budget-friendly which means you can update your floors, ensuring they look great, without breaking the bank! And if you’re leaning towards a higher-end type of flooring, laminate is typically less expensive than luxury carpets.
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Easy to install – not just a cost-effective option, laminate flooring is super easy to install (even if you’re not a dab hand at DIY!). The boards simply slot together and “click” into place without glue, screws or nails.
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Pet-friendly – although plush carpets look great throughout the home, they aren’t the most practical option for busy houses with children and/or pets. But offering scratch, stain, moisture and fade resistance, laminate floors are a fantastic alternative.
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Minimal upkeep – laminate flooring doesn’t hide dirt, whereas carpets can accumulate hair, dust and other debris. That’s why laminate is considered a more hygienic and hypoallergenic alternative to carpet. All it takes is a quick sweep or mop every so often to keep your floors looking like new.
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Comfortable – carpets are soft to walk on with bare feet, while laminate is harder. But with a decent
laminate flooring underlay beneath the planks – preferably one with extra padding and excellent thermal and noise insulation – your new wooden floors can be just as comfy.
Cons of laminate flooring
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Not authentic – unfortunately, laminate is not real wood. Laminate floors are made to replicate the authentic appearance of hardwood floors, stone floors, ceramic tiles and more. Yet despite this, they remain a durable and low-cost choice for many homeowners.
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Prone to water damage – let’s be clear, laminate flooring is moisture resistant, not moisture-proof. That means any spillages could seriously damage your floors. If you’re planning to install such flooring in rooms where the moisture content is high, consider vinyl floors or laminates with extra moisture protection. And make sure that any liquids are mopped up immediately using a damp cloth (not a wet one!).
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Noisy – laminate flooring can be pretty loud and make rooms feel colder, particularly in the chilly months. And let’s face it, that’s not what you want in rooms like the bedroom or lounge that are reserved for sleep, relaxation and tranquillity. However, choosing a good quality laminate underlay will reduce the transfer of unwanted sound and help combat this issue.
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Cannot be refinished – although laminate floorboards don’t cost the earth to buy or install, will look fantastic for years to come, and are remarkably easy to clean, they will need replacing once they become worn. But luckily, if it’s only a small section that needs supplanting, it doesn’t take too long to do because they snap into place.
Could laminate flooring be right for you?
As you can see, the advantages of laminate flooring outweigh the disadvantages. But usually, the best choice for you will depend on the room that you intend to fit new flooring, the people (or animals) that will occupy the room and the items in it – not to mention your budget.
About to install new hardwood or laminate? Be sure to buy
laminate underlay. If you decide to opt for laminate, remember to invest in a top-quality
laminate underlay to add underfoot comfort and heat and sound insulation. You’ll find a fantastic range online at Carpet Underlay Shop.
Not ready to swap sumptuous carpets just yet? Underlayment is a must for prolonging the lifespan of your carpet, and you should always make sure that you’re cleaning it regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt, debris, dust and pollen.
