Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners because it’s affordable, easy to install and maintain. But how long does laminate flooring last? Laminate can typically last even over 10 years if cared for properly.
Durable and long-lasting, laminate flooring is an ideal choice for many homes. It’s resistant to water damage, scratches and dents, fading in sunlight and more. If you’re interested in improving your home with this durable solution, read on!
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is made of a combination of materials including vinyl, resin and paper. These components are layered together to create one sheet that is then embossed with various designs for style.
It typically has an upper wear layer (resin), middle core (vast majority of the product) and lower backing (paper). The upper wear layer provides durability while the lower paper backing provides stability.
Laminate flooring is perfect for those looking to enhance any room of their home as it’s available in a wide range of styles and colors. Laminate is low-maintenance, easy to clean and durable – you can’t go wrong installing this affordable option!
What Affects How Long Laminate Flooring Lasts?
The age of your home. If you’re moving into a home that was built decades ago the floor may be in need of a refinish or complete replacement. Keep an eye out for cracks, warping and bubbling as this can all affect how long laminate lasts.
How often the floor is used . The more it’s used the more wear and tear it will receive. For those with a lot of foot traffic, your floors may need to be replaced every five years or so depending on the make and model.
The location of your home . If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions such as high heat or humidity, you could experience issues over time. Those who live in a desert climate for example may need to refinish or replace their flooring more often compared to those with moderate climates.
What Can You Do To Keep Flooring In Good Condition?
Laminate floors installed by professionals should provide you with years of wonderful service. If you’re experiencing any issues with your laminate flooring, contact your installer to see what you can do.
Most problems are easy enough to fix with the right know-how. Here are some tips for keeping your laminate looking great:
- Keep it clean by sweeping or vacuuming daily . This will prevent debris and dirt from scratching up your flooring.
- Be careful around pets as nails can scratch or scuff up laminate flooring . You should also keep pets off the furniture to prevent any fur from getting on the surface.
- Be cautious when walking around in high heels as it can scar floors, particularly if you’re not using a hard-backed shoe . This is mainly an issue for homes with children who are still learning to walk.
- Avoid using products that contain water as they can leave a dull or dingy mark on floors . Some of these include taking out the trash and recycling, mopping and so forth.
- Don’t drag anything on your flooring as it can cause damage . This is especially true for chairs and other furniture that may have castors or wheels.
- Be careful when spilling liquids on laminate floors as they will soak into the surface and discolour over time . Mopping up spills immediately will prevent long-term damage.
Laminate Flooring Brands to Look For
There are many flooring brands on the market; several of which offer quality laminate floors at affordable prices. Some of these include:
Floor & Decor:
Their laminate product is made with a high-density fiberboard (HDF) and comes backed by a 25 year warranty.
Find ’em at: flooranddecor.com
Lumber Liquidators’ Exclusive Collection American Heritage Laminate Flooring:
This laminate flooring features a matte finish, is water resistant, scratch-resistant and comes with a 25 year warranty.
Find ’em at: lumberliquidators.com
Home Depot – Pleasant Hearth:
This laminate wood flooring is made from real wood and comes with a 25 year warranty.
Find ’em at: homedepot.com
Camelot by Shaw Laminate Flooring :
Offering an incredibly large selection of styles, Camelot has engineered a high-performance, durable laminate for every room. This flooring is backed by a 30 year warranty and comes with an extensive stain protection program
Find ’em at: shawfloors.com
Lowes Exclusive – Carolina Oak Design Collection:
This laminate flooring features a matte finish and comes with a 25 year warranty.
Find ’em at: lowes.com
Plyboo Bamboo Flooring:
This bamboo flooring is eco-friendly, comes with a lifetime warranty and requires no glue or underlayment.
Find ’em at: plyboo.com
These brands offer the best in laminate floor affordability. Many of them will sell their products for less than $3 per square foot, which is a great price to pay when considering the quality you are getting.
Over the past few years, laminate flooring has played a large role within the home renovation market . Homeowners are increasingly looking for more affordable and durable options for their homes; making laminate an excellent choice. It offers an attractive warm look that is easy to install and maintain at prices that won’t break the bank.
As well as being more affordable, laminate flooring also offers homeowners a variety of styles and patterns to choose from to suit any decor . No matter whether your style is traditional or modern, you’re sure to find something that will look great in your home.
Laminate flooring is beautiful, durable and will last for years to come if you take care of it properly. A laminate floor can be installed in your home with little disruption or mess. If you’re looking at installing new floors in your home, this article should help guide the decision-making process on what type of material to install. You may have already decided that laminated is the right choice for you – good news! We are here 7 days a week, so give us a call today to schedule an installation appointment where one of our professionals will walk through all the steps necessary to get your new laminate floors measured and quoted smoothly before moving forward with any purchase orders or payments.
