A lot of homeowners prefer warmer and natural-looking hardwood floors when it comes to the style of their homes. Who wouldn't want to have a great and sophisticated floor, right? Except installing such floorings can be quite costly.
Luckily nowadays, laminated floors have successfully imitated the characteristics of wood, stone, and even tile floorings. They are budget-friendly and easier to clean, too.
Interested in trying it for your own home? The following sections will provide more about laminate flooring.
Laminate Flooring and Installation Cost
Laminate flooring materials consist of fiberboard or particleboard as a base layer, an image layer, and even a protective layer. There are various levels of laminate flooring quality, with some of them appearing more realistic than others. There are also various thicknesses available. The thicker laminate flooring is recommended for high-traffic areas to prevent premature wear.
Laminate flooring is remarkably simple to install. Regardless of the size of the space, flooring work can be completed in a matter of hours. Laminate flooring installation costs can range from $1,500 to $3,500, with the national average being $2,207, depending on the thickness of the chosen material.
The cost of laminate wood flooring ranges from $6 to $14 per square foot. This price also includes labor and materials. Normally, the labor alone amounts between $4 and $8 per square foot. These fees also include the foam underlayment and glue if required for the job.
The difference in cost is due to various add-ons suggested for your house, type of completion, and abrasion rating. There are several factors to consider when calculating the potential cost to install laminate flooring, such as:
- The chosen laminate flooring's type, color, and size.
- The total area of the floor; typically, the larger the space, the more expensive it can be.
- The best time to buy laminate flooring. Prices of laminate floorings drop after the holiday season since people redecorate their homes before the holidays.
- The labor cost, which is dependent on the contractors you have chosen.
DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor
Installing laminate flooring can be a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. However, you should consider a few things before doing it yourself, such as knowing the exact measurement of the floor area and having the proper tools for precisely cutting the materials.
There are homeowners who are comfortable hiring professional floor contractors when replacing carpet with laminate, in particular, to ensure that the job is done quickly and accurately. Although, one of the reasons that laminate flooring is becoming popular is that it can be installed on top of some types of existing floor, saving you money and time.
However, some manufacturers don't recommend it, especially if the existing flooring is carpet. The carpet is too soft and made of fluffy materials, so it can't properly support laminate flooring material. Furthermore, installing new flooring over an existing one may result in a higher floor, causing the doors at home to become stuck.
If you are already excited about the laminate floorings that you can use in your home, then it's time to know the highly-recommended laminate floorings for you!
5 Laminate Floorings You Can Choose From
Here are five of the hottest laminate floorings that you might want to have to your space:
Art3d Peel and Stick Laminate Flooring Vinyl Tile Wood Plank
This 36 by 6 by 0.1 inches laminate flooring from Art3d comes with an authentic wood look and grain texture. This vinyl tile comes with an adhesive, making it easier to install by simply peeling and sticking flat on the old floor directly.
The quality is good overall and the visual presentation is marvelous. More importantly, its rectangular shape and appearance create an excellent wood finish, as most real hardwood flooring is also available in laminate planks or strips.
Pros
- Abrasion-resistant
- Simple to set up
- Lightweight and portable
- Very easy to cut
- Waterproof and fireproof to the extreme
- This kind of laminate hardwood flooring can be installed on the walls, ceilings, or even cabinets.
Cons
- The adhesive may not be overly sticky, allowing it to peel off easily
- Not completely stain-resistant
- Bendable
- Significantly thinner than carpets
Marble Classic White with Grey Veins by Achim Home Furnishings
This laminate flooring from Achim Home Furnishings is made of vinyl with a dimension of 12.2 by 12.2 by 1.3 inches and a thickness of 1.2 millimeters. It has the look and feel of genuine stone flooring, perfect for the kind of sophistication you want to feel at home.
The stone effect design replicates the natural characteristics of marble, with eye-catching lines and glossy textures. This laminate flooring makes any room look elegant and accommodating, making it a great addition to the kitchen area or dining space.
Pros
- Easy to clean and disinfect
- Peel and stick, making it easier to install
- Waterproof
- With smooth texture
- Can be installed on practically any surface
- Dazzling high gloss
Cons
- Manage your expectations as these vinyl tiles may not be completely white
- Adhesive may not be that sticky, so you need to prepare some glue
- Not scratch proof
- Unlike other types of vinyl tile, this one is more difficult to cut
Luxury Vinyl Laminate Flooring Tiles by Lucida USA
The luxury vinyl laminate flooring from Lucida USA is glued to a subfloor with a peel-and-stick adhesive. It's the most cost-effective type of vinyl flooring. Because the individual pieces are small, it's simple to install for a DIYer.
These vinyl tiles can be installed not only in homes but also in commercial spaces such as factories, warehouses, offices, and industrial workplaces. Each tile is 4.7 millimeters thick and measures 7 5/16 by 48 inches.
Pros
- Can be installed over existing or damaged laminate flooring
- The high-quality design makes it long-lasting
- Can be buffed, vacuumed, or mopped
- Water-resistant
- Noise reduction feature
- Abrasion-resistance
- Prevent heat and cold from entering through the sub-floor because it incorporates tight interlocking features.
Cons
- The interlocking features might not work all the time
- Not suitable for DIYers
- As the interlocking may not be secure, the use of adhesive may still be required
FloorPops Medina Peel and Stick Floor Tile
This laminate flooring by FloorPops is a peel-and-stick floor tile that comes in various great designs that can mimic the look of real tile flooring. These tiles measure 12 by 12 inches each, and when assembled, it measures 60 by 24 by 0.06 inches. They can be installed in multi-purpose rooms such as the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry area.
Most designs are patterned with energizing vibe even when you are loaded with household chores. Since they are peel-and-stick material, they are easy to install and remove if you decide on upgrading or renovation.
Pros
- Very simple to set up
- Easy to cut
- Phthalate-free and made of long-lasting vinyl
- Water-resistant
Cons
- When the designs are put together, they might not align perfectly
- The texture is quite rough
Livelynine Peel and Stick Floor Tile
Livelynine peel-and-stick floor tile can transform your home's flooring. They are available in various designs, including wood and marble, and are less expensive. This floor tile is affordable, so you can definitely save more. It measures 12 by 12 inches and is available in packs. Each pack contains 32 pieces of vinyl floor tile. Since it's self-adhesive, this laminate floor tile is ideal for DIY.
Pros
- Simple to set up
- Lightweight
- Can be applied to any surface in your home
Cons
- A special glue must be used because regular glue will not work
- They are not 100% water-resistant
What They Share in Common
Aside from being a great substitute for wood, marble, and other genuine materials, what the five laminate floorings in our list have in common are the following advantages:
Easy Install With Laminate Installation
Most have a self-adhesive backing, making them much easier to install and a big help for DIYers.
Water and Scratch-Resistant
The five laminate floorings are ideal for families who frequently entertain guests and enjoy throwing casual parties. Because their top layers are highly resistant to scratches and abrasion, they can withstand more daily activities than hardwood flooring.
Hygienic
Another advantage of the laminate floorings on the list is they are very easy to clean. With a mop or vacuum, dirt can be easily swept away. Such feature can benefit your family, especially if you have children who enjoy lying down or playing on the floor.
Realistic Designs
The majority of laminate floorings that made the list have realistic wood, marbles, or tile designs. Although they are more expensive than standard laminate flooring, they are still worth purchasing because you will be satisfied.
Hypoallergenic
Most laminate floorings on the list don't contain compounds like chlorine, formaldehyde, or wood preservatives. These compounds can provide a home for dust mites that can lead to environmental contamination and allergies. A hypoallergenic laminate flooring can be beneficial to people, particularly mothers with infants.
Budget-Friendly
Affordable pricing is one of the things that draws people in. The five laminate floorings can provide you with the realistic look of the material you want while also being a cost-effective option. Due to the obvious price difference, you will be able to save more money for your restoration project.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the approximate laminate flooring cost, it's time to decide. If you're confident enough to install the flooring yourself, go for it! Read the instructions carefully and allow enough time for the project.
However, if you would rather have someone else take care of it for you, don't hesitate to reach out to a contractor. They will be more than happy to provide an estimate based on the size of your room and the type of flooring you choose.
You can check out the five laminate floorings you might want to include on your floor. Or go to Floorhero and get more flooring information and ideas.
June 3, 2022
