It’s time for new flooring. You’ve heard about laminate’s durability, modern feel, and budget-friendly price point, but is it the right fit for your space? 

How does laminate flooring hold up over time? 

Does maintenance require hours of scrubbing on your hands and knees?

What about installation? 

From durability to room-by-room applications to cost, this guide dives into the pros and cons of laminate flooring. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know to shop with confidence and make a flawless flooring choice for your space.

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Table of Contents

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring option that’s designed to imitate the appearance of natural stone or wood. With layers fused together through a combination of high pressure and heat, it’s a durable and budget-friendly alternative to hardwood or tile.

If you’re in the market for laminate flooring installation in Auburn, WA, look no further than Interior Motives Flooring. As a full-service flooring store led by father, Dave Krone, and son, Bradey Krone, Interior Motives’ 30+ years of experience ensures you’ll get the perfect laminate for your space. Book a free estimate today!

laminate flooring pros and cons

5 Pros of Laminate Flooring

#1: The Cost Savings Are Hard To Ignore

Laminate’s cost-effectiveness makes it a popular flooring choice. It’s considerably more affordable than natural timber or stone, which can be quite expensive depending on how exotic the tree or stone is.

While a variety of cost tiers exist and higher-spec laminate performs best, the average cost of laminate flooring is $3 to $13 per square foot, including materials, underlayment, and professional installation.

#2: It Handles Heavy Foot Traffic Better Than You’d Expect

Laminate is well-known for both its durability and scratch resistance. The flooring’s durability and resistance to wear, impact, scratches, and staining are gauged by the Abrasion Class (AC) rating. The laminate is scrubbed with a machine equipped with abrasive sandpaper until the decorative pattern layer begins to deteriorate. The number of sandpaper cycles the floor survives dictates its classification.

This rating takes the guesswork out of selecting the right flooring for your needs and includes: 

  • AC1 (Moderate Residential): Designed for areas with very light traffic, such as closets and guest bedrooms
  • AC2 (General Residential): Good for areas with moderate foot traffic, like formal dining rooms or bedrooms
  • AC3 (Heavy Residential/Light Commercial): The industry standard for typical family homes, and includes high-traffic living rooms and hallways
  • AC4 (General Commercial): Best option for families with pets and kids, as well as small offices and cafes
  • AC5 (Heavy Commercial): Made for demanding environments, including public buildings, retail stores, and high-traffic offices
  • AC6 (Severe Commercial): Chosen for extreme, heavy-duty commercial settings such as hotels, airports, and department stores

#3: Today’s Laminate Looks Nothing Like It Did 10 Years Ago

If the words “laminate flooring” conjure images of your great-grandma’s outdated kitchen, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by today’s laminate offerings, which include:

  • Wider plank options
  • Matte finishes that reduce the plasticky appearance older laminate was famous for
  • Embossed-in-register (EIR) texture, which perfectly aligns the printed image with the physical texture, accurately mimicking the appearance and texture of natural wood 

#4: Installation Is Fast and Non-Intrusive

Laminate is a type of floating floor and generally features a simple click-lock system that reduces installation time and makes DIY installation a possibility.

Professional installation is still recommended, however, to avoid gapping, peaking, or improper underlayment.

Since 1989, Interior Motives has provided fast, professional laminate flooring installation to clients across Auburn and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to find out more.

#5: Day-to-Day Maintenance Is About as Simple as It Gets

If you’re looking for a flooring option that’s a breeze to keep clean, you’ve found it in laminate. While spills and marks can be wiped away with a soft microfibre cloth, to maintain a fresh appearance, simply: 

  1. Sweep
  2. Vacuum
  3. Damp mop with a manufacturer-approved cleaner (Since excessive water can damage laminate flooring, steam mops are not recommended.)

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4 Cons of Laminate Flooring

#1: You Can’t Refinish It

This is the single biggest structural limitation of laminate flooring. While hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times, laminate can’t. Once the wear layer on the laminate is gone, replacement is the only option. 

This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but you’ll want to ensure you’re choosing the right AC rating upfront so this happens later rather than sooner.

#2: It Can Sound and Feel Hollow

One of the main complaints about laminate flooring is the hollow factor. Reasons for this can include: 

  • Floating design: Since laminate is a “floating” floor, it’s not glued or nailed down, and rests over empty air space that allows the click-clack of footsteps to reverberate. 
  • Thin planks: Opting for thicker planks (10mm+) can reduce the hollow sound.
  • Uneven subfloor: A concrete or wood subfloor with divots or ridges leaves air gaps.
  • Inadequate underlayment: Underlayment that is of poor quality or is too soft or too thick allows the planks to deflect and thump like a drum.

The best way to ensure your laminate flooring sounds and feels solid is professional installation. If you’re in the Auburn area, Interior Motives Flooring will get the job done right! Reach out today to schedule our free estimate.

#3: Resale Value Is Lower Than Hardwood

When it comes to a home’s resale value, most buyers and appraisers tend to value real hardwood over laminate. Ultimately, choose the option that works best for your space, tastes, and budget.

#4: Water Is the Enemy

There’s a difference between water-resistant and waterproof laminate. 

Standard laminate is damaged by standing water or excessive humidity, so if you’re installing laminate in a bathroom or basement, you’ll want to keep this in mind.

Wondering if laminate is the best choice for your home? Contact the experienced professionals at Interior Motives Flooring today!

laminate flooring pros and cons

Is Laminate Flooring a Good Fit for Homes With Pets or Kids?

Absolutely! Laminate flooring is a great fit for active families and delivers a stylish and affordable stone or wood look that resists scratches, dents, and heavy foot traffic. 

For the best success: 

  • Opt for a water-resistant laminate with a tight locking system.
  • Go with an AC rating of AC4 or AC5 for maximum residential durability.
  • Clean up spills and pet accidents ASAP.

How Does Laminate Flooring Impact My Home’s Value?

While laminate flooring rarely adds the same dollar-for-dollar value as real stone or hardwood, it’s an excellent, cost-effective update, especially when you’re replacing worn-out carpets or 

outdated linoleum. 

By replacing these with a premium laminate, you’ll: 

  • Eliminate a potentially major negative for buyers
  • Boost your home’s marketability
  • Provide a solid return on your investment

How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?

While you can generally count on laminate flooring lasting 15-25 years, its longevity is impacted by: 

  • Quality and AC rating: For optimal stability and longer wear in residential settings, opt for laminate rated at AC3, AC4, or AC5, and choose 8mm to 12mm-thick planks. 
  • Location: Laminate in low-traffic areas like guest bedrooms and closets can often outlive its warranty, whereas the wear layer in high-traffic spots like hallways and kitchens may deteriorate more quickly.
  • Exposure to moisture: Traditional laminate flooring, with its wood-fiber core, is susceptible to water damage if spills aren’t cleaned up immediately. While water-resistant laminate options fare considerably better, excessive moisture or standing water can still cause edges to swell and ruin the floor.
  • Consistency of maintenance: Prevent scratches from trapped dirt and enhance the lifespan of your laminate flooring by regularly cleaning with a dry microfiber mop or a vacuum without a beater bar.

Not sure if laminate is the best option? Give us a call or schedule an appointment to visit our Auburn flooring store showroom, and we’ll happily answer your questions and direct you to the best flooring option for your space.

Rooms Best Suited for Laminate Flooring

Due to their lack of moisture, laminate flooring is the ideal choice for:

  • Living rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Hallways
  • Home offices 

Questions To Ask Before You Buy Laminate Flooring

If you’re considering installing laminate flooring, ask yourself:

  • What AC rating do I need for this room? 
  • Is the subfloor level and dry?
  • What direction should the planks run?
  • What underlayment is included or recommended?
  • What is the warranty on wear and finish? 
  • Does this product qualify as water-resistant or waterproof? 
  • What is the total out-the-door cost?
  • Should I DIY or hire a professional?

Interior Motives Flooring is here to answer all your laminate flooring questions. Reach out today to visit our showroom or for a free estimate. 

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Ready for New Floors? Interior Motives Flooring Can Help You Decide

At Interior Motives Flooring, we believe your floors should give you joy, uplift your home’s appearance, and bring functionality to your life. 

If you need help in weighing the pros and cons of laminate flooring for your space, we’d love to help. For over three decades, our family has worked to make the flooring remodel process easy and worry-free for homeowners in Pierce and King County. You’ll find a level of care and attention you’d expect from a small-town company, plus the wide selection and pricing you’d get from a big box store.

Contact us to schedule an appointment to visit our Auburn, Washington, showroom to see our wide selection of: 

  • Carpet
  • Hardwood
  • Tile
  • Vinyl
  • Laminate 

Our process is built to make your buying experience as stress-free and efficient as possible. Book a free estimate and discover the Interior Motives difference today!

laminate flooring pros and cons