And it is a very good choice if you want to do the work yourself—this is one of the easiest flooring materials for DIYers. This "Laminate Flooring On Stairs Pros And Cons" graphic has 15 dominated colors, which include Hairy Brown, Baker's Chocolate, Rusty Nail, Chocolate Brown, Camel Hide, Pioneer Village, Petrified Oak, Ivory Cream, Medlar, Dwarf Fortress, Yellow Emulsion, White, Honeydew, Ivory, Foundation White. Inspect the stair treads for flatness. On the other hand, laminate flooring is more comfortable to walk on because the planks have a thin foam pad 5 beneath them. Now, let me begin with the pros and cons, because some of my customers are always concerned about going with Hard Surfaces on the Stairs vs keeping the Carpet. Older types of laminate flooring required you to glue pieces to each other, but virtually all of today's laminate flooring use a modified tongue-and-groove system best described as "click-and-lock" or "fold-lock," in which the planks are joined in interlocking fashion, edge-to-edge and end-to-end. Laminate flooring may be exactly the right choice for you if you are on a budget and want to save even more money by installing the flooring yourself. Laminate Flooring. It is important to follow all steps provided by the manufacturer. They do this for a living, so they have the experience and knowledge to get the job done right the first time. Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons to give you a clearer idea of whether laminate flooring is right for you. Laminate flooring is 100% recyclable and very low maintenance. Average material costs for plastic laminate flooring range from $1 to $3 per square foot at big-box home centers, but you can spend as much as $10 or $12 per square foot for designer products. … Advantages of Laminate over Carpet: -Stair Cases are High Traffic Areas, and most Carpets cannot withstand all that constant wear and tear beyond just a handful of years. Solid Hardwood Flooring Comparison Guide, Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring Comparison Guide, Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring in Bedrooms, Prefinished Hardwood Flooring Review: Pros and Cons, Vinyl Plank (Luxury Vinyl) Flooring Review: Pros and Cons, Hardwood Flooring in Kitchens Review: Pros and Cons, Laminate Flooring vs. With a square foot costing from as low as $1, it’s one of the cheapest options available today. Unlike laminate flooring, which has a particleboard core that is easily damaged by water seeping through the seams, luxury vinyl flooring is made of waterproof materials all through its thickness, making it virtually impervious to water damage. Pros and Cons for Handscraped Hardwood Pro: Beautiful and Rustic Aesthetic. Vinyl flooring on stairs pros and cons differ depending on who you're talking too. Few flooring materials are more economical or easier to install than laminate flooring. Many very good laminates can be found in the affordable $2 to $3 range. To install laminate flooring on stairs, start by removing the overhang, or the underside of the stairs, with a jigsaw. Because product quality differs greatly, the life expectancy can also vary. After starting his own general contracting firm, Brewer Builds, in 2008, Johnathan began his TV career as an on air carpenter and has been featured on HGTV’s “Super Scapes”,“Curb Appeal the Block”, “Elbow Room”, DIY Network's “House Crashers”, "This Old House", and OWN Network's Emmy award winning show “Home Made Simple”. So, brace yourself as we delve into the world of tile flooring, examining the pros, cons, how to find the right tile, and best brands to choose from. Some laminate floors can last as much as 25 years or more in rooms that see light use, while others installed in heavy traffic areas may need replacement in as little as 10 years. If you feel like the task of installing laminate flooring is too much, there is no shame in hiring professional flooring installers. Pergo laminate pros and cons compare this brand with the other leading brands we've reviewed including Shaw, Armstrong, Mohawk and TrafficMaster. Your email address will not be published. There is no requirement for special tools or glues of sorts or professional skills. If you are installing in moisture prone areas, think about gluing planks at the joints for better moisture protection. While most types of hardwood flooring offer a sleek, clean look, handscraping instead creates a … Most laminate stair treads range from $10 to $100 in price. If the stairs are leading towards any rooms, you may need them to be tranquil to abstain from awakening the kids or your partner. Pros: Vinyl has gotten much better in the last few years, but it’s still not always ideal. I’m glad you talked about how laminate floors are sophisticated and are also recyclable. The Pros of Laminate Flooring Low-Cost. If installed without the proper underlayment, laminate flooring can be noisy and make a hollow sound. Laminate flooring is not a material that will add long-term real estate value to your home, although it can be a good way to quickly and inexpensively renovate a shabby floor. Oh yeah, it will And unlike hardwood flooring, you can mix up a natural solution of water and vinegar to clean your floors. Some manufacturers even issue very generous 10+ year warranties on the wear layer itself. The Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring Oh sure, I love it. The Pros & Cons of Laminate Flooring As with any home project or finish, there are several benefits and drawbacks to installing laminate flooring in your home. Laminate flooring has a wear layer that protects the photographic layer underneath and makes it somewhat resistant to scratches and dents, and very resistant to stains. The differences in pricing are influenced by the thickness of the wear layer and the quality of the print layer. Also, laminate flooring tends to create static electricity, though this problem can be reduced by keeping the floor clean. For areas with heavy moisture, you need an impervious surface, such as vinyl or porcelain tile. Do I need underlayment to install vinyl plank flooring? Snap-together laminate flooring eliminates the need for VOC-releasing glues. The Pros. Moisture Damage. What Should I Look for in Laminate Flooring Underlayment? Most laminate flooring stairs are a bit slippery. Since the planks are constructed with a particleboard core, it's easy to cut them to fit with miter saws. Most of these problems are avoidable if you simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions from beginning to end. The biggest drawback of laminate flooring is the fact that it is not authentic wood. If you do get a stain, it is usually easy to clean … Hardwood floors are known for their innate beauty, as they’re designed to showcase the natural features of the wood. If you want to get top sale value for your home, hardwood and engineered wood flooring give you better value. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Considering how inexpensive it is, it's a good idea to invest in the best laminate flooring you can afford. 6,812 Views. The Spruce / Margot Cavin Cork Flooring Costs . The hypoallergenic factor is the buying point for many, as the flooring does not accumulate any dirt and dust like carpet would. With scratch, stain, moisture, fade, and burn resistance, this flooring is perfect for busy households with children and pets, as well as commercial spaces. Laminate Flooring for Stairs. shows laminate ON STAIRS HOW TO VIDEO https://www.thefloorsbysouthernboys.com/ A major spill or excessive water exposure could seriously damage your floor. Traditionally, laminate flooring has been very slippery. Safety Issues. Carpeted vs Wooden Stairs Stairway safety: carpet is safer for children and the elderly. Over time the wear layer on the entire floor will degrade and scratches will appear in the surface of laminate materials. There’s no glue involved, as laminate planks aren’t adhered to the floor. Wood stairs can be slippery and dangerous especially when liquid is present. Laminate floors are easy to clean with a vacuum or broom. Hardwood. Laminate flooring is an affordable staircase flooring option if you want … By the time you finish, you will be adequately informed to decide whether to opt for wood-look tile or not. Micro bevels, deeper texturing, and better graphics reproduction have brought laminate flooring closer to the cachet enjoyed by solid hardwood and engineered wood flooring, but this remains a budget flooring material in performance, appearance, and reputation. This flooring guide on the pros and cons of hardwood flooring will answer many of your questions. Occasional sweeping keeps the surface free from abrasive grit. Laminate flooring is one of the most durable flooring solutions. For whatever length of time that you tidy up messes when they happen, they will not harm your floors. What Are Pros and Cons Of Vinyl Plank Flooring? Common problems are buckling, tapping damage, and improper acclimatization. We’ll compare solid hardwood to engineered hardwood floors, laminate, bamboo, carpet and other popular flooring types, so you’ll be able to compare your favorite options head to head. Manufactured by bonding four distinct layers … When it comes to distinguishing between installing a floating floor vs a nail-down or glue-down type method, it is imperative that you weigh the good along with the bad before making any final decisions.One of the most obvious advantages that a floating floor has over a non-floating floor is ease of installation. Laminate flooring is 100% recyclable and very low maintenance. Its technology has advanced by leaps and bounds since that time, with sharper high-definition imaging, deeper embossing, better seaming mechanisms, and a host of other innovations. The inability to sand and refinish is a major disadvantage of laminate flooring. However, not always the best choice. Length x 1/2 in. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. No old-growth or exotic trees are used to produce laminate flooring. Laminate is very quick and easy to install; you can lay down hundreds of square feet in one weekend. Because this is a very easy flooring to install, professional installation is not very expensive. This can lead to warping and even the need to replace flooring planks or a complete floor re-install. The best sound reduction underlayments we have at Bestlaminate are Floor Muffler, Cork, and Kronoswiss Provent Silent Vapor 3-in-1. And because it is a resilient material, it is quieter and softer underfoot than laminate flooring. The pros and cons of laminate flooring. Deep embossing adds to the illusion of wood grain, as well. Looking at the best flooring options for your stairs. While this is a big step in a good direction, it isn’t a guarantee that your floor will stand up to excessive moisture. Costs for cork flooring planks or tiles can run from $2 to $12 per square foot, depending on the thickness of the material, the quality of … Laminate flooring is DIY friendly and super easy to install, saving you more money on installation costs. But you might also want to consider luxury vinyl flooring (LVF), which is sometimes marketed as vinyl plank flooring. But while laminate flooring is perfectly functional and attractive, it does not carry the prestige and added real estate value found with real hardwood or stone tile flooring. Laminate flooring has a wear layer that protects the photographic layer underneath and makes it somewhat resistant to scratches and dents, and very resistant to stains. It just depends on how DIY you want to go. The hypoallergenic factor is the buying point for many, as the flooring does not accumulate any dirt and dust like carpet would. Laminate will last a long time, but real 3/4 inch thick oak flooring will last a lifetime. A professional crew can lay down a room in an hour or so, and a DIYer can do it in an afternoon. Pingback: 16 Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring in the Basement, Your email address will not be published. On the plus side, the low-maintenance appeal of laminates can be a big plus for families with children and pets looking for a home. We’ll have to find a contractor that can do the job right. The biggest, and most valuable, pro is the budget friendliness of laminate flooring. Although laminate flooring is moisture resistant, it is not moisture-proof. Rugs are a much more preferred choice for people that desire zero noise when walking around the house. Like engineered hardwood, you’ll need to use a moisture barrier. Con: Laminate Flooring Isn't as Quiet as Carpet. The best rated laminate stair treads product is the Paradise Jatoba 47 in. We hope to make your home remodeling and maintaining a more positive experience. Starting as low as $0.65 per square foot, there is no doubt that you can make your project come to life on a serious budget. When it comes to the benefits of laminate flooring as a building material, just about everything you’ve read or heard about laminate is true. 101 Laminate Flooring, 101 Questions Series We hope this comprehensive list of the pros and cons of laminate flooring have helped you in making a smart decision when it comes to choosing new flooring your home. Laminate flooring is by no means identical in appearance to real wood, partly because of pattern repetition. Learn How to Install Laminate Flooring Yourself, Laminate Flooring vs. In this edition of Pros, Cons, & Costs we’ll be taking a closer look at laminate flooring to try and answer that question. Luxury Vinyl Flooring, Resilient Vinyl Flooring Review: Pros and Cons, Laminate vs. Laminate flooring is a good choice for allergy sufferers, as the product does not trap dust and allergens and is easy to clean. This issue can be resolved by using high-quality laminates with certified ratings. Laminate flooring installation requires a perfectly flat surface. Other's like spreading their own glue and laying down the vinyl planks. This makes laminated stairs a more durable flooring option. Luckily, there are noise reducing underlayment options to help combat this issue. The Cons Refinishing: Laminate floors cannot be refinished. Laminate provides for a floor that’s quite affordable. Deep x 7-3/8 in. Unlike concrete flooring, laminated stairs don’t retain moisture and don’t react with household chemicals. In all of the major categories related to flooring—installation, cleaning, durability, and more—laminate flooring possesses both pros and cons. With newer technology being developed, some laminates come with 24 hour moisture protection to help avoid accident related damages. If you have kids running around and pets it's a great alternative to real oak hardwood flooring. Some people like convenience, where they don't have to worry about personally gluing down the floor. Engineered Wood Flooring Comparison Guide, Pros and Cons of 5 Popular Bedroom Flooring Materials, Luxury Vinyl vs. Standard Vinyl Flooring Comparison Guide, Types of Vinyl Flooring Materials: Tile, Sheet Vinyl, and Luxury Vinyl, Wood Parquet Flooring Review: Pros and Cons. It may look and feel like real hardwood, but in the end it is not and will not, for example, increase the resale value of your home. This is a very popular question that we get here at Bestlaminate. Read this review to its end. They have a single wear layer, and when that is damaged the individual piece needs to be replaced. Bestlaminate’s blog is dedicated to you by making the home improvement process easier and more affordable. The wear layer of laminate floor is extremely tough, which makes cleanup and maintenance easy. A pro of this flooring is the easy DIY installation, however, improper installation of laminate can also lead to problems. Luxury vinyl is slightly more expensive than laminate at $2 to $7 per square foot, but its many virtues make it a viable choice if you are looking for a slightly better quality floor. How to Calculate Square Footage of a Room, 16 Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring in the Basement. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Laminate flooring is typically installed as a "floating floor"—the planks are interlocking at the edges, forming a solid mat that simply lies on the underlayment, without any glue-down required. Bestlaminate Laminate flooring mimics natural wood and is beautiful and sophisticated. No floor waxing is ever necessary for laminate floors. Laminate flooring mimics natural wood and is beautiful and sophisticated. Some manufacturers even issue very generous 10+ year warranties on the wear layer itself. Once this is done, measure and cut out your pieces of laminate to make tread pieces, riser pieces and stair … Height Laminate Riser to be Used with Cap A Tread. Redoing your flooring certainly offers a range of options, from hardwood to tile, to vinyl, to carpet. If you do get a stain, it is usually easy to clean off. Despite the low prices, it would be advisable that you look for the moderately priced laminate. Pro: Laminate Flooring is DIY Friendly More recently, though, laminate flooring manufacturers have been developing textured, slip-resistant wear layers. Johnathan taught building construction for Rising Sun Energy in Berkeley California. Laminate is popular with DIYers because it can be installed fairly easily atop structurally sound subfloors. But a small number of chemical-sensitive individuals may have reactions to the resins and glues used in the flooring. Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general construction with two decades of professional experience. Unlike real hardwood, which comes with many imperfect pieces that need to be discarded or trimmed, there are no defects in laminate flooring. Luxury vinyl is now available in nearly as many styles and colors as laminate—including convincing reproductions of wood grains and natural stone. It runs … Nationally, the average price for a laminate flooring installation—materials plus labor—is only about $5 per square foot. There are many pros and cons to both decisions; there is a different answer for everyone. Vinyl. Today we’ll look at the pros and cons of using carpets on stairs and answer some of the most frequently asked questions involving carpeting stairs, including installation techniques, kinds of stairs that do and don’t work with carpeting, and potential risks to keep in mind. Laminate flooring will not tolerate standing pools of water, which often appear in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. There’s no denying that hardwood on stairs creates a timeless beauty. With laminate, it’s easy to float your floors over the concrete slab. Hardwood flooring, by contrast, can easily cost $15 to $20 per square foot to install. Laminate is powerless to harm when presented to dampness for broadened periods. Floating floors can be pieced together like a puzzle — leading to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach by eli… On the off chance that you every so often spill water or another fluid on the floor, it is not a problem. Laminate flooring can be a good flooring material for quickly upgrading a floor if you're not worried about long-term real estate value and aren't obsessed with a luxurious look. Avoid excessive water when mopping, which can seep into the seams between boards, causing swelling. Every board is of consistent quality and appearance. Laminate flooring manufacturers have been working hard on improvements. Required fields are marked *. If laminate flooring is heavily worn, deep scratched, or grooved, it cannot be sanded or refinished like solid hardwood—it must be replaced. This makes laminate flooring one of the most inexpensive of all flooring materials—comparable to a mid-level carpet. Cleaning is as simple as a light sweeping or mopping, and the surface is overall resistant to any major staining or dirt accumulation. An even better option would be looking into vinyl plank flooring which is 100% waterproof. This Pergo laminate flooring guide includes Pergo laminate reviews of the major lines and their cost. What are the pros and cons of laminate flooring? Installation is a simple matter of laying a foam underlayment, then joining rows of planks edge-to-edge across the floor. However, laminate flooring's similarity to real wood or stone disappears when you look closely at the planks. How to Repair Laminate Flooring: Buckling Laminate Flooring. Of course, renovating on a budget means weighing the pros and cons of each flooring type and finding the one that sits at the intersection of affordability, durability and aesthetics. Laminate flooring can faithfully reproduce the look of wood, stone, and other natural materials—at least at a distance. The installation requires only a few tools, most of which are normal household items. Pros of Laminate Installation – Laminate Flooring installation process is a matter of putting the laminate flooring boards together on the floor and snapping it over each other which is a very DIY task. My wife wants to replace our floors with a wood laminate floor before summer. Luxury vinyl has many of the advantages of laminate flooring, including easy installation and good performance, but it also has excellent water-resistant qualities. Another disadvantage of laminate flooring is the noise factor. How much do laminate stair treads cost? What are the pros and cons of laminate flooring? For most brands, five to 10 differently patterned boards are manufactured, while cheaper products may only have three different board patterns. Pros of laminate flooring Laminate flooring is one of the more durable and long-lasting choices in flooring. We recommend purchasing a laminate flooring installation kit to help with a DIY project! The underlayment also eliminates the hollow sound and feel that sometimes occurs with laminate flooring. While there are dozens of laminate floor brands, the best products come from a relatively small number of manufacturers: While laminate flooring can feel hard underfoot, most installations include a resilient foam underlayment that gives the flooring a slightly springy feeling. We recommend the three-in-one moisture barrier for comfort and sound protection too. Yet no floor covering is perfect. Mop with a slightly damp mop, or better yet, use laminate floor cleaner. Laminate flooring is a common flooring solution across the nation, and just like with any product, there are advantages and disadvantages. August 1, 2014 Another disadvantage is glasses and dishes are more likely to break when they are dropped on tile. Now that you have a better understanding of what’s required to care for your stairs and keep your family safe as they move up and down, let’s look at the pros and cons of the different flooring choices. If the installation is not done strategically, you can end up with identical boards next to one another. Alternatively, you could cover the overhang with plywood to make it level. 2 Comments Laminate flooring emerged on the residential flooring scene decades ago as an easy-to-install, attractive, and durable alternative to solid hardwood flooring.