What Are the Disadvantages of Laminate Flooring?

The decision regarding what type of flooring you need for your Santa Cruz, CA home depends on many factors. Of course, you want to choose something that’s visually appealing, but you also have to consider your budget.

There’s also durability to consider, and how difficult it may be to repair the flooring down the road. And speaking of down the road, what type of flooring you choose can have an effect on the value of your home five, 10, 15 or 20 years from now.

One type of flooring you may be looking at is laminate flooring—and why not? It’s affordable, durable and comes in many different patterns and styles. But what are the disadvantages of laminate flooring in Santa Cruz, CA? Read on to find out some of the drawbacks.

Durability

Laminate flooring is generally more resistant to scratches and other types of wear and tear than hardwood and other types of flooring. But that doesn’t mean it’s invincible, and it will eventually need to be replaced.

Despite its high durability, the average lifespan of laminate flooring is 10 years. One reason for this is because it’s difficult to repair. If a section gets damaged, even if you are able to replace that section, there’s no guarantee it will match the surrounding area. This is especially true if it’s aged a bit or faded due to sunlight.

Visual appeal

It’s true that there are seemingly endless visual options for laminate flooring. Because it’s made of composite layers of wood pressed together, the top layer can be made to look just about any way you might imagine.

But while some laminate flooring looks nearly identical to hardwood, even the best laminate flooring is still trying to mimic something that’s found in nature. That element of randomness generated by years of growth under Mother Nature’s watchful eye is something that just can’t be replicated.

Many laminate flooring options have artificial-looking grain textures and other immediately telling signs. On the flip side, if you’re looking for something that is obviously not hardwood but still has a similar texture or aesthetic (such as a hot pink woodgrain floor), laminate could be just what you’re looking for.

Does not add as much value to your home

Natural hardwood is a desirable trait for most homebuyers. This has been true for decades, and it continues to be a strong selling point. While laminate flooring may be a convincing substitute at first glance, or for the first couple of years after installation, there is no substitute for hardwood in the long run.

Laminate flooring can be a good choice for a high-traffic area, such as an entryway, mud room or laundry room, due to its resistance to damage and lower cost of installation. While hardwood is easier to repair, it’s also much more expensive to replace.

For more information on the advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring in Santa Cruz, CA, get in touch with The Wholesale House today. We look forward to discussing your flooring needs!

Categorised in: Laminate Flooring

This post was written by Writer