How to Know if You Are Paying too Much for Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has become a popular substitution for wood, tile or stone floors for a number of great reasons. First, laminate offers extreme durability at a much lower price than other flooring types you could choose. Secondly, laminate is something of a master of disguise, mimicking the look of stone, tile or wood floors at a considerably lower price tag. If you are looking for a cheap yet durable flooring solution, laminate flooring is a very good option. While part of its appeal is the cheaper price tag, you still want to be sure you’re not overpaying. Read on to see how the laminate flooring process works and how to keep an eye on your budget so that your costs stay as low as possible.

What is Laminate Flooring?

In a nutshell, laminate flooring is a large picture of a different material, such as wood, stone or ceramic tile, placed on a layer of synthetic material and covered in a thin, clear protective layer. The synthetic material is usually a combination of fiberboard particles, resins and adhesives compacted under high pressure. The photographic effect is then placed on top and given a clear protective layer, which offers resistance to scratches and general wear and tear. Underneath all of these layers is the supporting back layer, which adds to the top protective layer to form a waterproof coating all around. Its aesthetic properties, combined with durability and a lower price tag, have made laminate a popular flooring option.

The Install

Now that you know a little more about how laminate is made, it’s time to start thinking about the installation process. First, a professional will put down an underlayment that is often made from cork, foam or another relatively soft substance with a good amount of “give.” This step often includes the addition of an acoustic layer to help diminish traffic noise, as laminate flooring itself does not do a great job of muffling noise. Next, the laminate flooring itself, with its clear protective layer and all, is laid down. The actual installation process is considerably easier than other flooring options because of the interlocking nature of laminate flooring, lending itself to a quick and tidy installation.

Am I Paying Too Much?

Depending upon the type of laminate flooring you choose, the price can vary dramatically. Typically, you can expect the laminate flooring itself can cost anywhere from less than a dollar per square foot to $7 per square foot. It will also depend on what room of your house you plan on re-flooring. For example, if you’re planning on remodeling your kitchen, the complexity of the job can increase drastically and add to your overall costs. It’s also important to note that there are other factors, such as baseboard and molding replacement, that can also have a big impact on your budget. All in all, including the cost of labor, you should be able to do a 400 square foot room for around $5,000, on the high end. However, you should make sure to keep an eye on costs as your project progresses to make sure you stay within your budget.

Install Laminate Flooring in Your Home

When you’re looking for a flooring option that offers a low cost, high durability and a fantastic appearance, there’s almost no better choice than laminate. If you keep an eye on your budget, installing laminate flooring can give your home an entirely new look at a fraction of the cost of other flooring options.