What Is Laminate Flooring?

Pergo, a Swedish business, invented laminate floors in 1977. The plan was to repurpose wooden flooring scraps by binding them together using chemicals and high-pressure heat. These floors quickly gained popularity for residential projects. 

McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, is your trusted home improvement contractor serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. 

In today's article, we share everything you should know about laminate floors so you can decide if they are the right choice for your home. For a no-obligation discussion with our experts about your flooring project, reach out to us today.

What is Laminate Flooring, and Is It Worth Your Investment?

Laminate flooring is a type of synthetic flooring that consists of a simple particleboard wood base, an image layer, and a clear top layer. This flooring material is made through a process that fuses the multiple layers together under intense heat and pressure. The result is a strong floor covering that can mimic the appearance of stone, hardwood, or tile at a much more affordable price point.

Most laminate flooring products consist of four layers that work together to create a durable and attractive floor:

Back Layer: This bottom layer provides stability and moisture protection for the entire plank.

Core Layer: Made from high-density fiberboard (HDF), this layer gives laminate its strength and ability to resist dents and impacts.

Design Layer: This is a high-resolution photographic layer that creates the realistic wood, stone, or tile appearance you see on the surface.

Wear Layer: The transparent top layer that protects the design layer from scratches, fading, spills, and daily wear and tear.

Laminate flooring has become increasingly popular because it provides a similar appearance to natural materials without the hefty price tag. 

Additionally, laminate floors work well in many rooms throughout your home. They're especially suited for high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, bedrooms, and even kitchens. With the right care, laminate floors can last for 15 to 25 years.

Below is a quick overview of the pros and cons of laminate flooring. This comparison can help you make the right decision for your home.

Pros	Cons
Laminate floors have a smooth, seamless surface that makes them simple to sweep, vacuum, or mop (we will discuss this further in this article).	Despite improvements in water resistance, laminate's fiberboard core can still swell and warp if exposed to standing water for too long.
The wear layer on laminate flooring provides good protection against scratches, stains, and fading.	Unlike hardwood floors, laminate cannot be sanded and refinished when damaged, meaning planks must be replaced entirely.
Compared to hardwood, natural stone, or even ceramic tile, laminate flooring is a much more budget-friendly alternative while still providing a decent appearance.	Without proper underlayment, laminate floors might produce a hollow sound when walked upon.
Many laminate flooring products feature click-lock systems that make them relatively easy to install without professional help, potentially saving you money on installation costs.	While attractive, laminate flooring generally doesn't add as much value to a home as real hardwood or stone flooring.
With countless designs available, you can find laminate that mimics almost any wood species, stone type, or tile pattern to match your home's decor.	Traditional laminate is not recommended for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or areas prone to water exposure, though waterproof laminate options are becoming more available.
Laminate flooring is warmer and more comfortable to walk on compared to ceramic tile or natural stone.	While the surface is scratch-resistant, the edges of laminate planks can chip if heavy objects are dropped on them.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Laminate Flooring?

When planning your home improvement budget, understanding the cost of laminate flooring installation is important. 

The total expense of replacing your laminate floors depends on a few factors, including material quality, room size, and whether you choose professional installation or a DIY approach.

For the materials alone, standard laminate flooring generally costs from $1 to $3 per square foot, while premium options can range from $3 to $5 per square foot. 

Also, you'll need to consider the cost of subfloors, moisture barriers, and trim pieces, which can add approximately $0.50 to $1 per square foot.

If you opt for professional installation, expect to spend an extra $2 to $5 per square foot for labor. 

This brings the total cost of replacing your laminate floors to approximately $3 to $10 per square foot installed. For a standard 250-square-foot room, this translates to a total cost of $750 to $2,500.

Additional costs might include removing furniture from the room ($20 to $50 per piece), old flooring removal and disposal ($1 to $2 per square foot), and subfloor repairs if necessary ($2 to $3 per square foot). If your project requires special transitions or custom cutting around fixtures, this might slightly increase the installation price.

DIY installation can significantly reduce your costs and save you around $500 to $1,250 on that same 250-square-foot room. But always remember that professional installers bring expertise and they ensure proper installation. This can help maintain the life of your flooring and may be required to maintain manufacturer warranties.

How to Clean Laminate Floors Safely & Maintain Their Lifespan

Cleaning your floors is part of your home maintenance routine, and knowing how to properly clean your specific flooring material is very important. Here, we will take a look at safe ways to clean your laminate floors to maintain their lifespan.

#1 Daily Maintenance with Dust Mop or Vacuum

For everyday cleaning, you can use a simple microfiber dust mop or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, as these work perfectly for laminate floors. These tools gently remove dust, pet hair, and loose dirt without scratching the surface. Try to make this a daily habit in high-traffic areas to prevent dirt from being ground into the floor, which can cause tiny scratches over time.

When using a vacuum, make sure it's specifically designed for hard floors or has a setting for hard surfaces. 

Quick Note: Vacuums with beater bars or rotating brushes should be avoided as these can scratch and damage your laminate floor's protective wear layer.

#2 Spot Clean Spills Immediately

Another important rule for maintaining laminate floors is to clean up spills right away. Although many modern laminate floors provide some water resistance, moisture can still seep between the planks and cause swelling or warping of the core layer.

When a spill occurs, quickly blot it up with a soft, absorbent cloth. For sticky or dried spills, slightly dampen a cloth with water or a mild laminate floor cleaner and gently wipe the area. Always follow up by drying the floor thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.

#3 Weekly Deeper Cleaning

At least once a week, you can use a damp (not wet) mop with plain, warm water or a formulated laminate floor cleaner. Never use steam mops, wet mops, or excessive water because it can damage your floors.

A simple and effective homemade laminate floor cleaner can be made by mixing one part white vinegar with three parts water. This solution helps remove grime without leaving streaks or residue. Just spray a small amount on a microfiber mop or directly on the floor in small sections, then immediately wipe it up.

#4 Use the Right Cleaning Products

When shopping for a laminate floor cleaner, look specifically for products labeled for use on laminate flooring. Avoid all-purpose cleaners, oil soaps, wax-based products, or polishes, as these can leave a residue or damage the wear layer.

Products containing ammonia or abrasive ingredients should also be avoided as they can dull your floor's finish. If you're not sure about a particular cleaner, test it on a small area first.

#5 Prevent Scratches and Damage

The best way to keep your laminate floors looking great is to prevent damage in the first place. Place felt pads under furniture legs, use protective mats under rolling chairs, and consider asking family and guests to remove shoes (especially high heels) when walking on your laminate floors.

Place doormats at all entrances to catch dirt and debris before they can be tracked onto your floors. Trim your pets' nails regularly to prevent scratches, and clean up pet accidents immediately to avoid moisture damage.

Can You Install Laminate Floors Yourself?

Yes, you can install laminate flooring yourself. It's one of the easiest DIY floor projects because most laminate planks have a simple click-together design that doesn't need glue.

Before starting, make sure your floor underneath is clean, flat, and dry. Let the laminate sit in your home for two days so it adjusts to the temperature. You'll need basic tools like a saw, measuring tape, and spacers.

The hardest parts are usually cutting pieces to fit around doorways and cabinets and installing transition strips where laminate meets other flooring.

While doing it yourself saves $2 to $5 per square foot, it will take longer than professionals would need. A pro might finish in a day, but your DIY project could take a full weekend.

Consider hiring professionals if your floor needs major fixes, you're working on stairs, or if doing it yourself might void your warranty.

Also Read: Engineered Wood Flooring Vs. Laminate: Pros, Cons, & Cost

Get Professional Flooring Services in Pennsylvania!

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we are your local home improvement company. Our team is trained to provide high-quality flooring services, and they only use expert approaches to ensure your floors look and work well throughout their life. 

Whether laminate flooring or premium options like marble, we can help you complete your project. 

Not only floors, we also provide professional roofing, home remodeling, and exterior services. Our professionals are always here to listen and answer your concerns and questions. For a free, no-obligation discussion, call us today at (412) 353-5660.