The laminate flooring market is growing rapidly, at a rate of 5.67% per year, and should top $481 million by 2025.
That’s because it provides much of the aesthetic appeal of hardwood flooring without the high cost. So, if you’re considering installing a new floor, you might wonder, ‘how long does laminate flooring last when compared to hardwood?’.
Keep reading to find out more about the lifespan of laminate floors and how to make them stay the distance.
Contents
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is one of the types of flooring that comprise four layers fused. These include a base layer, core layer, design layer, and wear layer.
The top layer comprises a sheet of clear aluminum oxide that allows the underlying design to show through it. It protects the floor from scratches and scuffs and protects the design layer from fading and damage.
A high-resolution photograph of a floor makes up the design layer. This layer is what gives laminate flooring its aesthetic appeal.
Beneath the design layer, a core layer adds stability and strength to the floor. Usually, this layer comprises a sturdy, high-density board.
The back layer adds extra sturdiness, moisture protection, and balance to the laminate floorboard or tile.
According to Ultimatefloors.net, you can get laminate flooring made from waterproof SPC materials nowadays, too.
How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?
The wear layer has the most impact on how long this type of floor lasts. The thicker this layer, the longer it lasts.
Other factors that affect your laminate flooring lifespan include:
- Product quality
- Quality of installation
- How much traffic it receives
- Ongoing maintenance
When you tick all the right boxes according to the above, your laminate floor can last for as long as 30 years. In the worst-case scenario, you could get as little as ten years’ use out of it.
Maintaining Your Laminate Floor
There are several ways you can extend the life of your laminate floor. A well-maintained floor lasts longer and maintains its exceptional beauty for years.
Follow these tips, so you can enjoy these laminate flooring benefits for longer.
- Clean your floors frequently to prevent staining
- Use cleaning products made for laminate floors
- Blot up spills immediately with a damp cloth
- Mop the floor with a damp mop and use a steam mop occasionally
- Avoid cleaning your floor with abrasive cleaners or steel wool
- Never use a polishing or buffing machine on your floors
- Place furniture pads under table and chair legs
It’s ready to replace warped or damaged laminate floor planks, so make sure you do so promptly if your floor’s damaged. Otherwise, the problem could spread.
Making the Best Choices for Your Home
Installing floors is an expensive and impactful decision, so it’s important to review all your options carefully.
When considering the question, ‘How long does laminate flooring last?’, it’s important to think about how much water is likely to come into contact with your floor. Laminate flooring is unsuitable for bathroom or kitchen floors unless it’s the waterproof SPC variety.
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