Laminate flooring is a popular, cost-effective choice for homeowners. It offers durability, easy maintenance, and a range of styles that mimic hardwood, stone, and other natural materials.
Made from high-density fiberboard with a protective top layer, it’s resistant to scratches and stains, making it ideal for busy households. Its floating floor system allows simple DIY installation over existing floors. While it’s less expensive than hardwood and provides a similar look, laminate has some drawbacks—it doesn’t retain warmth as well, has a shorter lifespan, and cannot be refinished. Still, it remains a stylish, practical option for many homes.
To help you make an informed decision about laminate flooring in Calgary, Deerfoot Carpet & Flooring is here to discuss five significant pros and cons of laminate flooring.
Pros of Laminate Flooring
1. Affordable & Cost-Effective
One of the biggest draws to laminate flooring is its cost-effectiveness. Compared to hardwood, laminate provides a similar look at a fraction of the price. It’s ideal if you’re working within a budget but still want a stylish, high-quality appearance for your floors.
2. Easy Installation
Laminate flooring is designed for easy, DIY-friendly installation. With a click-and-lock system, the planks snap together without the need for glue or nails. This feature makes it a time-saving option, and if you’re installing it yourself, it also saves on labour costs.
3. Durable and Scratch-Resistant
Laminate flooring is known for its durability. It resists scratches, dents, and stains better than many other materials, making it perfect for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and kids. Thanks to its multi-layer construction, it can handle a fair amount of wear and tear.
4. Wide Variety of Styles
Laminate comes in an impressive range of colours, textures, and styles, mimicking the look of natural wood, stone, or even tile. Whatever your design preferences, there’s likely a laminate option that fits your vision, making it easy to coordinate with your existing decor.
5. Low Maintenance
Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping or vacuuming and a gentle mop are all necessary to keep it fresh. Because of its protective top layer, it’s resistant to spills and stains, so you can spend less time worrying about messes and more time enjoying your space.
Cons of Laminate Flooring
1. Limited Water Resistance
While some laminate flooring options are water-resistant, laminate is generally not waterproof. Excess moisture can seep between the planks, causing swelling or warping. Avoid using it in areas with high humidity or frequent spills, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.
2. Can’t Be Refinished
Laminate flooring doesn’t offer this flexibility, unlike hardwood, which can be sanded down and refinished. Once it’s worn out or damaged, it will need to be replaced. While its durability helps extend its life, heavy or repeated damage may leave you with limited options.
3. Feels Less Natural Underfoot
Though laminate can closely resemble wood visually, it may lack the warmth and authenticity of real hardwood underfoot. Some people find laminate noisier and less solid-feeling, especially in rooms with minimal furniture or higher floors.
4. Susceptible to Fading
Over time, direct sunlight can cause laminate flooring to fade, especially in rooms with large windows. While using rugs and shades can help, UV exposure is a factor to consider when choosing this type of flooring for bright spaces.
5. Potential for Low Indoor Air Quality
Some laminates may contain formaldehyde or other chemicals, which can affect indoor air quality. Opting for products that are CARB Phase 2 compliant or FloorScore certified can help minimize any health concerns, but it’s something worth keeping in mind.
Alternative Options
If you’re considering alternatives to laminate, Deerfoot Carpet and Flooring offers a range of beautiful, durable options tailored to your home’s needs. Our selection also includes:
Hardwood – Natural warmth and timeless elegance.
Luxury Vinyl – Water-resistant and ideal for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Carpet – Adds comfort, warmth, and insulation, perfect for bedrooms and living spaces.
Each option has unique benefits, but laminate remains one of the popular choices for combining style and affordability!
Affordable, Durable, and Stylish Laminate Flooring in Calgary
Laminate flooring is an excellent option for those looking for affordable, durable, and versatile flooring with a wide range of styles. However, weighing these pros and cons is key based on your unique needs and lifestyle.
The installation team at Deerfoot Carpet and Flooring can ensure that your new laminate floor is installed correctly the first time around, so you can be confident that there will be no costly surprises or unnecessary difficulties with your flooring in the future.
Visit our showroom today!
