Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons
While traditional hardwood flooring is known for its beauty and longevity, many alternatives are available for those that enjoy the look of hardwood without the price. Laminate flooring is a more cost-effective option, but how do you know if laminate flooring is good for you? Every floor type has its pros and cons, so be sure to learn more about laminate before you buy. Here are some basic laminate flooring pros and cons.
PROS
• Cost. Laminate is a budget-friendly option and generally more cost-effective compared to hardwood since laminate is not made from a single piece of wood.
• DIY friendly. Laminate flooring is easy to install and requires only a few tools, most of which are regular household items.
• Durable. Laminate flooring is scratch and stain resistant which can make it a good choice for busy households with children and pets.
• Easy maintenance. A light sweeping, vacuuming or damp mopping is enough to keep laminate floors clean. There are also maintenance products on the market which help to protect its surface.
CONS
• Lower resale value. Laminate flooring is a composite wood material that is pressed together to make a plank. While it does a great job at copying the look of wood, it doesn’t have the value of natural hardwood and won’t do much to raise your home’s value.
• Repair. Laminate is extremely durable but can't be sanded and refinished like solid wood. Any damage to laminate flooring means it needs to be replaced.
• Water sensitive. Laminate flooring is not moisture-proof and excessive water exposure or spills can lead to serious damage and warping. This means that the affected planks or even the entire floor will need replacing.
• Noise. Laminate flooring can be noisy and make a hollow, clicking sound if proper underlayment has not been installed.
General Maintenance
When it comes to the best way to clean laminate floors, the techniques used are basically identical to other hard surface floors.
• Daily. Use a microfiber dusting pad and mop or a vacuum to pick up daily dirt and debris. This is the first line of defense, as these particles can scratch/wear down the protective layer of laminate floors.
• Weekly. Use a floor cleaner designed for laminate floors to refresh and revitalize your floors. Avoid DIY floor cleaners, as most of these involve a water and vinegar solution. Vinegar is an acid and can break down a floor’s protective layer.
• Monthly. Deep-cleaning and/or polishing your laminate floor from time to time will help extend its life and beauty. Use a specially formulated laminate floor polish to avoid issues that may lead to spots, streaks or other unwanted blemishes.
For the best floor cleaner for laminate, use the Bona Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner. One solution is all you need to clean all your hard surface floors. For more Bona cleaning action, try our surface cleaners.