Every type of flooring has both advantages and disadvantages, and laminate is definitely one of them. While it's a material that could be a great choice for certain kitchens, it may not be for others. And the only way to figure out if it's ideal for your kitchen, is by weighing its pros and cons. So, let's get into them.
Pros of Laminate Flooring in the Kitchen
Appearance
Laminate comes in a wide array of styles, colors and patterns. So, you could easily find laminate flooring that perfectly matches your kitchen décor.
Less Expensive
Laminate offers your kitchen the luxurious look of natural wood, and even stone, but without the high price point. And when compared to many other types of flooring, it's quite cost effective.
Durability
Another big positive is laminate's durability. It's a tough flooring material that holds up well to pets and heavy foot traffic. Laminate is also pretty water resistant, a great quality for a kitchen floor; you don't have to worry about a few drops hitting the floor while cooking, loading the dishwasher or if your puppy has a little accident.
Easy Maintenance
The top wear layer of laminate is nice and smooth, which makes it easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is simply sweep laminate floors regularly and occasionally use a damp mop for a deeper clean.
Ease of Installation
No flooring material is easier to install than laminate flooring. Because it's a floating floor, it doesn't have to be nailed, stapled or glued to a subfloor making it DIY friendly. And this means that your kitchen won't be out of service for very long.
Cons of Kitchen Laminate
Possible Moisture Damage
Laminate is susceptible to damage when exposed to moisture for extended periods of time. If you occasionally spill water or another liquid on the kitchen floor, it won't damage your floors as long as you clean up messes when they occur. But, if moisture sits on your laminate floor for an extended period of time, the dampness could warp and stain the flooring.
Fortunately, today there are collections of both waterproof and water-resistant laminate flooring that are perfect for any room in your home, especially the kitchen. To see these collections, check out our laminate page here.
Can't Be Refinished or Repaired
Once your laminate floors wear out, they can't be refinished. Instead, you'll have to replace your kitchen flooring. Since the flooring is assembled with snap-together tiles or planks, we recommend purchasing extra pieces that will very closely match the ones already on the floor.
Eco-Friendliness
If you're committed to choosing environmentally friendly materials for your kitchen renovation, laminate may not be the best flooring option for you. It doesn't degrade well in landfills, partially due to the wear layer which contains plastic.
So, there you have it. All the important pros and cons of laminate flooring to help you decide if it's the right option for your kitchen. And to make this decision even better, visit one of our showrooms to see our collections in person.
