How long should you expect laminate flooring to last? Hopefully, this is something you thought about before you installed it or you’re thinking about if you plan to. After all, flooring is a big investment you should understand before you put it in.
Its longevity largely depends on its quality. On average you can expect a laminate floor to last 15 to 25 years; sometimes longer thanks to newer innovations.
Here, we discuss how long you should expect your laminate floors to last and how to maintain them.
How Long Laminate Flooring Lasts and How to Maintain It?
Laminate floors are an affordable, versatile, and durable option. Let’s find out more about them.
Laminate Flooring: The Basics
There are two types of laminate flooring: engineered wood and plastic laminate. Engineered wood is slightly more expensive. Since its top layer is made from a thin layer of hardwood, it looks more natural than its plastic counterparts. It also makes it more durable.
Plastic laminates are significantly less expensive and offer better protection against water. Thus, they are ideal for moisture-prone areas of your home such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and mudroom. Along with moisture protection, they are also quite durable and function well in high-traffic areas.
If you want to learn how to select laminate flooring for your home, you can read about it here.
Advantages
- Its primary advantage is affordability. Installing a floor can be quite expensive, but laminate won’t break the bank, unlike hardwood. Prices vary according to the thickness of the laminate, and it is always best to invest in a good quality laminate with a decent thickness.
- Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of colors, designs, and textures, which makes it popular with homeowners. Advanced printing technology has created more realistic products that lead to cohesive and uniform floors.
- This type of flooring is easy to install, but it’s best to hire reputable floor installation services for a perfect finish.
- Laminate floors are comfortable, with foam underlayment giving it a slightly springy and soft feel.
- If anyone in your house has allergies, laminate floors will be quite a relief. Unlike carpets, they don’t trap any harmful dust or allergens and are easy to clean.
Factors That Influence the Lifespan of Laminate Floors
As mentioned earlier, there are certain criteria that decide the lifespan of these floors:-
Quality Of The Flooring
Like any flooring material, quality plays a major role in lifespan. Therefore, if you buy high-quality laminate from a trusted manufacturer, your floor should at least 10 to 15 years.
Take note that most manufacturers offer a warranty on their products which may cover any necessary repairs. Please speak to your contractor to understand its terms and conditions prior to installation.
Care and Maintenance
A good maintenance routine can increase the lifespan of your floors. Laminate floors are low maintenance and easy to clean. Even then it is important to use proper cleaning products and practices, which we will discuss later.
Proper Installation
As mentioned, this type of flooring is easy to install and can be placed over pre-existing floors. Improper or subpar installation can cause them to warp and buckle, which will lead to an uneven surface. It is highly recommended that you hire reputable floor installation services.
Foot Traffic
Foot traffic determines the longevity of any flooring, including laminates, so choose a type that corresponds with your lifestyle. For an active household, it is better to choose a laminate meant for medium to high traffic. Selecting the right kind can increase your floor’s longevity to 25 years.
How to Care for Laminate Flooring?
Developing a maintenance routine can prolong the life of your laminate floors. Maintenance and proper cleaning play an important role in prolonging their life.
- Avoid acidic substances like ammonia, vinegar, or other chemical products that can corrode the protective layer of laminate and expose it to damage.
- Always make sure to use a damp (not wet) mop. When water is left standing on the surface for too long, it can penetrate the floor, leading to issues like warping, cupping, and buckling.
- Laminate floors resist scratches from pets or items like nails. However, nothing is invincible and regular scratches can damage the top layer, allowing moisture to seep in. So make sure to keep your pets’ nails trimmed and address major scratches to prevent further harm.
- Vacuuming and dusting are great ways to get rid of dust without damaging your laminate.
Laminate floors are a great way to spruce up your floors for relatively little money. Always buy high-quality products that come with a warranty. Proper installation and good care are the keys to long-lasting laminate floors. If you’re planning to install or fix them, get in touch with a reputable renovation company. They have considerable experience and can guide you through the process.
