When laminate flooring was first introduced in the United States in the 1990s, it was nothing short of a game-changer. Not only did it make the act of changing or installing a floor much easier, but it also presented an affordable option that was ideal for homeowners on a budget. On top of this, early adopters also loved how laminate flooring was durable and could fit into any room’s aesthetics.
However, despite its merits, there were pitfalls of this novel groundbreaking creation. For one thing, laminate flooring did not perform well when it came into contact with moisture, which made it impractical for use in kitchens, bathrooms, or even basements. That was the case, at least, until the invention of waterproof laminate flooring.
Although waterproof laminate flooring could be the answer to all of your bathroom and kitchen flooring woes, it does come at a higher price point. Because of this, it is worthwhile to evaluate all of the pros and cons of waterproof laminate flooring because you commit to a purchase. In this article, we will do exactly that.
6 Pros of Waterproof Laminate Flooring
1. Peace of Mind for Spills and Stains
As waterproof laminate flooring is carefully designed to be waterproof, you do not need to worry about accidentally damaging the floor with an unexpected spill or water leak. You also do not need to be concerned about a room’s natural moisture levels harming your flooring.
2. Easy Installation
Waterproof laminate flooring is true to the brand in that it is extremely easy to install. In fact, it uses the same “click and lock” method that is used in regular laminate flooring. Although this does in theory mean that this flooring can be easily installed by any DIYer, it’s important to note that some warranties stipulate that you must rely on a professional installation.
3. Easy Cleaning
Although waterproof laminate is designed to withstand water, the best way to maintain it is the same as any other type of laminate — with frequent sweeping and cleaning with a damp cloth.
4. Attractive Design
If you can find waterproof laminate flooring that works well with your room’s overall design and aesthetic, you will find that it is modern-looking and attractive, with the ability to truly tie a room together.
5. Durability
Just like other types of laminate flooring, waterproof laminate is also very durable — if not even more so! Aside from its water and moisture protection, it is also not prone to chips, dents, or even dings.
6. Environmentally-Friendly
As many types of laminate flooring are made from recycled materials, there is a very good chance that your waterproof laminate is eco-friendly. Plus, no old-growth or exotic trees are ever used in the production of waterproof laminate.
3 Cons of Waterproof Laminate Flooring
1. Unaffordable
Laminate flooring of the waterproof variety comes at a considerably higher price point than its non-waterproof counterparts. While ordinary laminate flooring will usually cost around $2.50 per square foot, waterproof laminate flooring can cost as much as $5. This cost is considerable when you take into account how you can get luxury vinyl flooring at a similar price point.
2. Limited Designs and Colours
Although regular laminate flooring has been around long enough to offer a great variety of patterns, the same cannot be said for its waterproof incarnations. If you are designing a room with a particular type of flooring in mind, chances are that you won’t find the design in the form of a waterproof laminate.
3. Costly Repairs
If your waterproof laminate floor becomes damaged, it may be costly to commission its repair. The reason for this is because most repairs require the flooring to be disassembled so that damaged boards can be replaced.
Choosing the right materials for a floor is difficult, and as you can see, there are several factors to consider when you are trying to determine whether or not waterproof laminate flooring is the right choice for you. No matter which floor type you decide on, King of Floors has the materials for you. Visit us today at our Surrey laminate flooring showroom!