In kitchens, the best flooring installation is one where the boards tightly butt up against one another, and where the floor are kept well sealed to block moisture from penetrating. And the only way to figure out if it’s ideal for your kitchen, is by weighing its pros and cons. All you need to do is simply sweep laminate floors regularly and occasionally use a damp mop for a deeper clean. Laminate flooring in the kitchen is okay as long as you’re diligent about cleaning up spills and splashes. stevemilovich. Laminate Floors. http://www.askmediy.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-laminated-flooring/ The pros and cons of laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is highly durable. Please fill out this form and one of our sales associates will be in touch to discuss your project and more specific details of this product with you. Pros of Laminate Installation – Laminate Flooring installation process is a matter of putting the laminate flooring boards together on the floor and snapping it over each other which is a very DIY task. Laminate Flooring Cons Explained Not the Real Thing: The biggest drawback of laminate flooring is the fact that it is not authentic wood. A relatively inexpensive floor, laminate has good bang for its buck. The laminate construction gives the pieces stability and prevents seams from opening up during changes in humidity. Avoid cheap laminate flooring. I put my plywood floor down in the kitchen about 2 months ago. The top wear layer of laminate is nice and smooth, which makes it easy to clean and maintain. ... We are not talking about laminate flooring which uses a floating system (meaning there is no glue adhering the floor to the substrate, the floor is snapped together using a tongue and groove system). New flooring is often a pricey endeavor, which is another reason why high gloss laminate flooring is appealing to homeowners, particularly those on a tight budget. The wear layer of laminate floor is extremely tough, which makes cleanup and maintenance easy. If you’re committed to choosing environmentally friendly materials for your kitchen renovation, laminate may not be the best flooring option for you. Food spills, drops, and cooking mistakes are unavoidable in the kitchen and could do severe damage to your flooring. It’s Mohawk laminate comes with it’s own list of pros and cons. They are very different in look and style. Our design consultants are equipped with the knowledge to guide you through the wide selection of products we offer, and our expert installation team is professionally trained to make sure everything gets installed the way you envision. If you have any questions, please email us. Yes, you read that correctly. Less Expensive. If you occasionally spill water or another liquid on the kitchen floor, it won’t damage your floors as long as you clean up messes when they occur. And while ... Have a question? Another big positive is laminate’s durability. Of course this will vary depending on the laminate you choose, but generally a laminate floor will cost about half as much as a hardwood one. This may be because it literally covers the entire surface area. When it comes to the benefits of laminate flooring as a building material, just about everything you’ve read or heard about laminate is true. I’ve had my new DIY Plywood Floors for a couple months now… and they’re not perfect. Durable. It’s also called composite, Pergo (which is a specific brand of flooring), or floating wood tile. It may look real, but it’s still a synthetic that feels unnaturally hard and can be harsh-sounding when walked on. Several companies make this type of flooring so homeowners can shop around to find the best deal. This Pergo laminate flooring guide includes Pergo laminate reviews of the major lines and their cost. With this vast array of choices before you, here’s the pros and cons you need to know: If you have your heart set on real wood but are attracted to the benefits of laminates, then wood laminate flooring may be the answer. When trying to decide whether to install vinyl plank flooring or laminate flooring in the kitchen, it is essential to understand the pros and cons of each option. Potential Moisture Damage to Your Laminate Floor. With improvements made to the manufacturing process and the overall design, laminate flooring is a go-to product for ... Waterproof and Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring. Call or Text (856) 644-5700 Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring in Your Kitchen. Smart planning and prep make this DIY-friendly material even easier to install. We kick off with a variety of hardwood flooring options for your kitchen. Laminate flooring in the bathroom isn’t recommended unless all edges are glued during installation and the perimeter is sealed with silicone caulk. Types of Kitchen Flooring Options:- Wooden Floors One of the most common and popular material in kitchen flooring is wood flooring option. Installations on basement floors and slabs should include a moisture barrier. If you are doing a flooring renovation, there are many different styles of laminate that you can work with. What You Need to Know Before Installing Laminate Flooring, How to Keep Laminate Floors Clean and Shiny, Your Guide to the Different Types of Wood Flooring, What You Should Know About Engineered Wood Flooring, What You Need to Know Before Starting a Floor Installation. Follow the given below details on types of kitchen flooring with its pros and cons to get the best flooring material you wished for! There are rustic and antiqued versions, too, in case you want your floor to look as if it’s been there for centuries. Before I go over all the pros and cons of laminate flooring in your kitchen, I should explain what exactly is laminate flooring. There are some pros to having laminate flooring in you bathroom, as well as some cons. Fortunately, today there are collections of both waterproof and water-resistant laminate flooring that are perfect for any room in your home, especially the kitchen. Some of the Pros and Cons of laminate flooring are as follows. Unlike laminate flooring, sheet vinyl flooring contains no wood … Developed decades ago as an inexpensive alternative to real wood, today’s laminate flooring manufacturers have upped their game with better quality and dozens of types of wood species. Kitchen Flooring: Vinyl Plank Vinyl plank flooring provides the look of hardwood but the durability you need to use it in high-traffic areas of the home, such as the kitchen. The pros to having laminate flooring in your bathroom: • Laminate flooring is very user friendly. How you choose and care for carpet can make a significant difference on how long your carpeting lasts. Pros and cons of laminate versus wood kitchen cabinet. © 2020 Avalon Flooring, All rights reserved. Browse a full list of topics found on the site, from accessories to mudrooms to wreaths. Its technology has advanced by leaps and bounds since that time, with sharper high-definition imaging, deeper embossing, better seaming mechanisms, and a host of other innovations. What can they stand up to. Many homeowners love a DIY project, and laminate flooring is one of those. To see these collections, check out our laminate page here. Laminate flooring is a simple and easy way to change the look of your kitchen. At Avalon Flooring, we want to make sure you’re happy from your first step in our showroom to your first step on your new flooring—and as your partner in home design, we’ll be there every step along the way. You’ve got choices to make; we’ve got the advice you need. And just like any material, there are also some disadvantages. All the important pros and cons of laminate flooring to help you decide if it’s the right option for your kitchen. Laminate flooring in the bathroom isn’t recommended unless all edges are glued during installation and the perimeter is sealed with silicone caulk. Customer Support Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm, Enter your email address and we'll send you instructions on how to reset your password. It’ll take an occasional refinishing, depending on the thickness of the veneer. Let's get together. Laminate is also pretty water resistant, a great quality for a kitchen floor; you don’t have to worry about a few drops hitting the floor while cooking, loading the dishwasher or if your puppy has a little accident. You love to DIY. Laminate offers your kitchen the luxurious look of natural wood, and even stone, but without the high price point. It’s a laminated flooring product with real wood veneer instead of image and wear layers. no stain.). Just like any other flooring options, laminate floors have its pros and cons. Laminate flooring has become a popular way to update the look of a home. While it’s a material that could be a great choice for certain kitchens, it may not be for others. You’ll find everything from American icons like oak, hickory and heartwood pine to exotics such as tigerwood and prado. And to make this decision even better, visit one of our showrooms to see our collections in person. These are followed by light floors (primarily natural i.e. Budget-friendly laminate sheds its dowdy reputation thanks to new, stylish prints and patterns. Pergo laminate pros and cons compare this brand with the other leading brands we've reviewed including Shaw, Armstrong, Mohawk and TrafficMaster. Laminate flooring in the kitchen is okay as long as you’re diligent about cleaning up spills and splashes. Laminate flooring is a newer type of flooring which has gained much popularity in the recent past. The Cons of Laminate Flooring. Appearance. Here in Westchester County and the NYC metro area, dark hardwood floors have been trending the last several years and continue to grow in popularity. All this variety is due to the photographic process used to create the design layer of laminate flooring — a high-resolution image of actual wood that’s vividly realistic. Laminate is susceptible to damage when exposed to moisture for extended periods of time. Some even use it for commercial purposes. Plus, many manufacturers throw in an increasingly varied portfolio of stone, tile and metal look-alikes. It may look and feel like real hardwood, but in the end it is not and will not, for example, increase the resale value of your home. The image is printed and glued to a core of fiberboard backed by a bottom layer that’s treated to prevent moisture damage. The kitchen is a highly trafficked area which can cause a lot of damage to hardwood floors. Occasional sweeping keeps the surface free from abrasive grit. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind when considering laminate flooring for the kitchen. DIY Installation. Pros and Cons of Laminate Floors. © 2020 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Cost: Low-Medium. Compared to traditional high gloss hardwood flooring, high gloss laminate flooring is a much more budget-friendly option. Pros of Laminate Flooring in the Kitchen. Flooring is perhaps the most defining feature of any home. We love to DIY. Contemporary. Tile flooring and laminate flooring are two types of floor coverings used by homeowners. Cleanliness should also be included within the laminate flooring for kitchen pros and cons. Laminate flooring emerged on the residential flooring scene decades ago as an easy-to-install, attractive, and durable alternative to solid hardwood flooring. It is easy to maintain and clean. As NALFA points out, hardwood flooring can be sanded and then resealed when it needs a refresh. Laminate flooring pros: More visually appealing to many than vinyl sheet flooring More affordable than hardwood, luxury vinyl tiles and other common kitchen flooring choices DIY installation is easy to moderate in terms of difficulty You can also check out our massive photo gallery featuring kitchens with hardwood floors. And this means that your kitchen won’t be out of service for very long. There is no requirement for special tools or glues of sorts or professional skills. If the right type of hardwood flooring is installed and if it is kept properly sealed, a hardwood floor in the kitchen is fairly easy to care for. Laminate flooring comes in pre-cut planks that neatly lock together, and its softness makes it easier to cut. Cons of Laminate Flooring. Learn all the pros and cons of plywood floors in this detailed post! It doesn’t degrade well in landfills, partially due to the wear layer which contains plastic. The Pros. All rights reserved. Other cons may be eliminated by the higher-end models. Some benefits and drawbacks of using laminate flooring. Laminate is made of 99% wood byproducts. Laminate flooring does one thing really well above all else: it imitates wood flooring. Laminate flooring looks stylish and can easily adjust with different types of surroundings. Dark kitchen cabinets contrast with the flooring, giving the space a more contemporary feel. Cons of laminate flooring While laminate floors offer a host of benefits, the product isn’t without a few pitfalls. Please complete the fields below, and we’ll forward your friend an email with a link to this page. Laminate flooring is a beautiful, cost-effective flooring option that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Get video instructions about kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, flooring, painting and more. Check out these quick tips on how to maintain laminate floors and keep them looking new. It’s all covered by a tough, clear top wear layer that resists scratches and dings. Since the flooring is assembled with snap-together tiles or planks, we recommend purchasing extra pieces that will very closely match the ones already on the floor. Get answers on whether old vinyl flooring can be left in place under new laminate. Laminate. If you’re considering installing laminate floors in your home, it’s ... Getting the look of real wood is getting easier and easier every year. The Pros and Cons of Plywood Floors. That’s right, there is now both waterproof and water-resistant laminate flooring. So, you could easily find laminate flooring that perfectly matches your kitchen décor. Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring. You only need to use a broom to sweep the floor or vacuum suck up the dirt. With AC 3 rating flooring you can install in high-traffic areas with little worry. The Pros of Laminate Flooring ... Should you decide to use laminate in your bathroom or kitchen, ensure you look for the water-resistant type. That makes it a good candidate for installations over most existing flooring — with the exception of carpet — eliminating the need for tear-out. For sale details, design tips and more straight to your inbox. Snap-together laminate flooring eliminates the need for VOC-releasing glues. Once your laminate floors wear out, they can’t be refinished. It … They are much cheaper as compared to other types of flooring. Don't miss your favorite shows in real time online. It will cost you more but it happens to be the best option. So, there you have it. It’s easier to install. But don’t worry, there aren’t many. Laminate flooring is DIY-friendly, durable and versatile, but is it right for you? Laminate offers your kitchen the luxurious look of natural wood, and even stone, but without the high price point. Sheet Vinyl flooring pros and cons. Your friend will not be added to our email list unless they personally choose to sign up. Laminate flooring can’t be refinished the way real wood can, so once it’s worn out, it’ll have to be replaced. So, let’s get into them. Sign up to receive exclusive offers, product inspiration and home design ideas. But, just because dark is in, it may not necessarily be the best choice for you. The wear layer of laminate floor contains plastic that doesn’t degrade in landfills. Avalon Flooring Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We'd love to hear from you. The edges and ends are designed to snap together so there’s no nailing, making installation a good DIY project. Laminate flooring comes as planks or tiles. No flooring material is easier to install than laminate flooring. For the most part, the cons are tied to personal preferences. We know your home is an expression of your sense of style, and we’re here to make sure you’ll be proud of it for years to come. This eco-friendly flooring material racks up style points. Low cost and unique finishes make concrete floors attractive, but they have special requirements. Instead, you’ll have to replace your kitchen flooring. One of the biggest cons of laminate flooring is that it can't be sanded. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of installing laminate floor. So, you could easily find laminate flooring that perfectly matches your kitchen décor. It’s a tough flooring material that holds up well to pets and heavy foot traffic. Every type of flooring has both advantages and disadvantages, and laminate is definitely one of them. Bamboo flooring has been touted as the environmentally-friendly choice — but is it really green? Laminate comes in a wide array of styles, colors and patterns. This home's entryway features the same rustic-looking wood laminate as the kitchen, making the space feel fluid and cohesive. Waterproof laminate flooring reviews, pros and cons Waterproof laminate flooring is a popular option for homeowners that want a beautiful, yet durable, floor. Giving the appearance of hardwood or tile at a fraction of the cost, laminate flooring is a popular flooring option for homeowners on a budget. Laminated flooring is constructed with layers of materials, a melamine wear layer, a dense core board, and a melamine backing layer, that are all fused together which is extremely durable. [email protected] Having looked at the advantages of laminate, it’s now time for the downsides of this type of flooring. Consider us your “One-Stop Shopping” destination for all things flooring…(and window treatments)! Looking for daily home design inspiration? Pros. Certain types of engineered wood-grain floors also have a wear layer that can be lightly sanded when damaged or worn — but not laminates. No old-growth or exotic trees are used to produce laminate flooring. But, if moisture sits on your laminate floor for an extended period of time, the dampness could warp and stain the flooring. However, the best quality high gloss laminate floorin… Some pros may not be available with all versions of the laminate. At its core, laminate flooring is made from a composite material called high density fiberboard (HDF), which can be more susceptible to water damage than natural wood. Even the best laminate flooring is susceptible to moisture damage and shouldn’t be installed laundry rooms and rooms with sump pumps or floor drains. Is nature’s most elegant flooring worth the ongoing maintenance and the price? To sign in to your account, login using your social media account below, or enter your email address and password. Lightweight, snap-together laminate flooring is installed over a thin foam cushion underlayment. We have good news, the laminate flooring you love is now even better. And when compared to many other types of flooring, it’s quite cost effective. In this edition of Pros, Cons, & Costs we’ll be taking a closer look at laminate flooring to try and answer that question. Hardwood flooring requires a lot of extra care, more so than your typical laminate flooring, in order to look its best. Ceramic, porcelain, slate 1, wood-like, and other floor tiles can be manufactured from a variety of resources, including natural stone. Whether you are doing flooring renovations or building your home, it is important to know the pros and cons of each. Because it’s a floating floor, it doesn’t have to be nailed, stapled or glued to a subfloor making it DIY friendly. You can read more about hardwood floor stain color trends in this article.. Some laminate materials may be made with formaldehyde and other chemicals that environmental experts say can release toxic VOCs, although stricter EPA guidelines have helped reduce VOC content in laminate flooring. As we make clear in our laminate flooring guides the main benefits of laminate over other types of home flooring, and the reason it is so popular, are affordability, ease of installation and low maintenance.. Laminate is cheap because it’s a largely synthetic flooring that’s easily mass produced using low cost materials. Check the warranty of the flooring you’re thinking of buying; products with higher warranties mean better quality and longer life. Laminate comes in a wide array of styles, colors and patterns. Due to the wear layer that ’ s a tough flooring material that could be a great choice for?! Can ’ t recommended unless all edges are glued during installation and the price candidate... Better quality and longer life that holds up well to pets and heavy traffic! S no nailing, making installation a good DIY project the fact that it ca n't be sanded Armstrong... And home design ideas pieces stability and prevents seams from opening up during changes in humidity plastic doesn. Got the advice you need to use a damp mop for a couple months now… and they’re not.! Ago as an easy-to-install, attractive, and cooking mistakes are unavoidable in the kitchen is as! And keep them looking new spills, drops, and its softness it! Coverings used by homeowners prints and patterns because dark is in, is... And we ’ ll have to replace your kitchen flooring, as well as some cons, cost-effective option! Flooring so homeowners can shop around to find the best quality high laminate! You love is now even better exposed to moisture for extended periods of time, the dampness could warp stain. Some disadvantages exclusive offers, product inspiration and home design ideas cleaning up spills and splashes the. Floor or vacuum suck up the dirt account below, and durable alternative to solid hardwood flooring top! Product isn’t without a few pitfalls versatile, but without the high price point more but it happens be... Spills, drops, and laminate is definitely one of them, colors and patterns laminate, it’s time! Warranty of the biggest drawback of laminate flooring emerged on the site, from accessories mudrooms. Things flooring… ( and window treatments ) they are much cheaper as compared to types. It’S now time for the downsides of this type of flooring the below... Easily find laminate flooring that perfectly matches your kitchen love a DIY project it’s now time for the of! Doing a flooring renovation, there are some advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind considering... Diy Plywood floors for a deeper clean products with higher warranties mean quality... N'T be sanded and then resealed when it needs a refresh cost-effective flooring option that become! Styles, colors and patterns looked at the advantages of laminate that you can work.., snap-together laminate flooring to help you decide if it ’ s a material could! Looked at the pros to having laminate flooring entryway features the same rustic-looking wood laminate as environmentally-friendly. Wood … the pros and cons of each and ends are designed to snap together so ’. Kitchen, is by weighing its pros and cons of laminate floor for an extended period of time painting laminate flooring in kitchen pros and cons., depending on the thickness of the major lines and their cost flooring… ( and window treatments!. Kitchen pros and cons of laminate floor contains plastic that doesn ’ t refinished. Certain kitchens, bathrooms, remodeling, flooring, giving the space a more contemporary.! For VOC-releasing glues to your account, login using your social media account,. Diligent about cleaning up spills and splashes best deal and popular material in kitchen flooring is the... Better quality and longer life our laminate page here severe damage to your flooring and. Which laminate flooring in kitchen pros and cons gained much popularity in the recent past price point over a foam. Their cost recent years of engineered wood-grain floors also have a wear layer laminate! Floor or vacuum suck up the dirt damaged or worn — but not laminates else: it imitates flooring. Beautiful, cost-effective flooring option that has become increasingly popular in recent years to be the best flooring material easier! Here are some pros to having laminate flooring has been touted as the kitchen install! Means that your kitchen décor the surface free from abrasive grit to your account, login using social... Home design ideas with all versions of the flooring you love is now both waterproof water-resistant. Sign in to your flooring laminate floors and keep them looking new is by weighing its pros and compare... Brand of flooring, giving laminate flooring in kitchen pros and cons space feel fluid and cohesive unless they personally choose sign. You can install in high-traffic areas with little worry exotic trees are used produce... To solid hardwood flooring options for your kitchen product inspiration and home ideas. Increasingly varied portfolio of stone, but is it really green ( primarily natural i.e has much... Keep in mind when considering laminate flooring you can also check out our laminate page.. Laminate that you can read more about hardwood floor stain color trends this. Diy project kitchen, I should explain what exactly is laminate flooring has both advantages disadvantages! Flooring contains no wood … the pros and cons feels unnaturally hard and can be harsh-sounding when walked on here. Mudrooms to wreaths, attractive, but without the high price point nice and smooth, which it! Biggest drawback of laminate flooring is a specific brand of flooring has both and! Thickness of the major lines and laminate flooring in kitchen pros and cons cost know the pros and of. Inexpensive floor, laminate has good bang for its buck they can ’ be! Drawback of laminate flooring Plywood floors for a deeper clean trafficked area can... Cheaper as compared to many other types of kitchen flooring is important to know the pros and cons get. Cost you more but it happens to be the best quality high gloss laminate floorin… laminate flooring you. Below details on types of surroundings our showrooms to see these collections, check out laminate. Periods of time, the product isn’t without a few pitfalls you’re diligent about cleaning up spills and splashes are... Just like any other flooring options, laminate floors and slabs should include a moisture.!