The longevity of laminate flooring largely depends on a number of different factors, including the quality of the product you choose and how much wear and tear you and your family put it through. Here are some of the most important factors to consider.
Not every laminate product offers the same level of durability. Wear layers, core construction, and other product characteristics can vary widely between brands and product lines, with higher quality products tending to stand the test of time much better than their lower quality counterparts.
That being said, most laminate flooring options are quite durable, with even the lower shelf options boasting wear layers that are plenty capable of fending off minor scratches, scuffs, and spills. It’s all just about matching the level of quality with the level of potential wear you and your family will place on it. For further guidance, our laminate flooring guide has you covered.
Foot traffic is another huge variable to consider when thinking about the question of how long laminate flooring lasts. The more foot traffic your floors have to deal with, the more wear and tear they will naturally accumulate, causing them to wear down faster than they otherwise would.
For singles, couples, and smaller families, heavy foot traffic might not be much of an issue. But if you have a large family with lots of kids and pets running around, then you’ll likely want to pick a laminate flooring product that is able to stand up to all that extra wear.
Moisture and humidity are always an important variable to consider for most flooring materials, and laminate is no exception. Spills, wet shoes, pet accidents, plumbing leaks, and overly wet cleaning methods can all expose flooring to otherwise avoidable moisture, and if that moisture reaches the flooring’s core, it will almost certainly cause problems.
The good news is that there are plenty of water-resistant and completely waterproof laminate products on the market to combat this.
Every long-lasting floor starts with proper installation. Even the highest quality laminate flooring products won’t last long if they aren’t properly installed. This means that regardless of which type of laminate flooring you choose, if you want it to last for as long as possible, you should choose a professional installer that you can trust to get the job done right.
How long your laminate flooring will last depends on a lot more than just product quality and the conditions inside your home. Maintenance is just as important when it comes to flooring longevity, and the more effort you put into keeping your flooring well maintained, the longer it is likely to last.
Dirt, dust, and any other small pieces of debris all have the potential to scratch your laminate floors as you and your family walk across them. Keeping up with regular sweeping, vacuuming, or dry mopping is essential to keeping your flooring looking clean, fresh, and scratch-free for years to come.
Choosing the most waterproof laminate flooring option on the market isn’t a foolproof plan to prevent damage. Even the most moisture-resistant products can be prone to damage if you let spills sit for long enough periods of time. However, in most cases, all you need to do to prevent this type of damage is to clean up any spills or accidents as soon as you notice them.
No matter how durable or scratch-resistant a laminate flooring product might be, the more foot traffic there is, the higher the potential that visible wear will develop. Entryways in particular can be prone to scratching from the dirt and debris you track in on your shoes, but this is nothing an entry mat can’t fix.
The same goes for other high-traffic living spaces throughout your home. A simple area rug adds a ton of extra protection to your flooring, and also gives you the opportunity to add extra style, contrast, and comfort to any room in your home.
Foot traffic isn’t the only thing that’s likely to scratch flooring. Chairs, tables, sofas, and other furniture can also scratch laminate if they slide directly across its surface. This is why you should always lift furniture as you move, rather than sliding. But putting protective pads under furniture legs is also a great way to limit potential scratches and extend the life of your flooring.
Are you thinking about installing new laminate flooring in your home? Give us a call at (610) 935-2226.
Our team of local flooring experts is always here to answer your questions and will happily walk you through all of our favorite laminate flooring products until we find the perfect one for you and your home. We even offer free design consultations, product samples, and an advanced room visualizer tool that ensures you have all the information you need to make your next flooring project a success.
Contact My Dad’s Flooring America and start comparing your laminate flooring options today.