If you're looking for flooring choices that resemble natural hardwood or tile at a fraction of the cost, laminate does just that. When you choose to sell your home, laminate floors can provide a rising ROI between 78%-91% that has the potential to reach the same popularity as hardwood flooring in coming years.
Laminate is known for its durability, making it more resistant to wear and tear than carpet. It's less prone to stains, fading, and damage, ensuring that your floors maintain their pristine look over time. This longevity can contribute positively to your home's value.
Not moisture-proof
Being made of wood, laminate flooring is not impervious to the effects of moisture. Therefore, it's not suitable as a hard flooring for bathrooms and should be used with caution in kitchens or laundries. Light surface water for cleaning shouldn't cause issues, but saturation must be avoided.
You should also keep in mind that vinyl plank and tile flooring might not increase the value of your home as much as laminate flooring. However, vinyl flooring can still make all the difference in how long your floors will last, which could be vital as we head into a more competitive real estate market.
Resale considerations
One of the most significant considerations is the local real estate market and buyer preferences in your area. In some regions, carpet may be more desirable for its comfort and insulation, while in others, laminate flooring's durability and low maintenance may be preferred.
The more expensive flooring upgrades yield the highest returns and appeal most to homebuyers. And hardwood is the clear winner, followed by engineered hardwood and tile. Carpet and luxury vinyl tiles add comparable value, though vinyl is the cheapest option.
One factor sustaining high end's momentum is the way carpet is used in the home. Most of the time carpet is reserved for the bedroom, common areas, basements and stairs.
Carpet suits bedrooms better, and tile floors work best with kitchen and bathrooms. The main way that flooring affects your home appraisal in this way is by means of consistency. Contrasting floor colors and textures butted up against each other can detract from your home's overall style, and thus it's value.
Conclusion: Laminate Flooring Can Look Stylish
By selecting high-quality products, considering thickness and texture, complementing the flooring with appropriate décor, and ensuring professional installation, you can achieve a stylish and sophisticated look with laminate flooring while staying within your budget.
Does vinyl flooring devalue a home? It's possible. While vinyl plank floors are affordable and versatile, they might not boost your home's resale value like hardwood or tile would.
One of the most significant limitations of laminate flooring is its poor resistance to moisture and water due to its wood-based core. Exposure to water can cause laminate planks to warp, swell, or stain, which is a particular concern in areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Because the inner core of the material is made with wood or fiberboard that is susceptible to moisture damage, installations in any room with a floor drain or sump pump should be avoided. This also applies to bathrooms and laundry rooms; however, kitchen installation is more feasible.
Laminate flooring, while cost-effective and popular, can experience problems such as buckling, warping, and fading. These issues often arise from water damage, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and inherent design limitations.
On average, you can expect laminate flooring to last anywhere from 15 to 25 years. However, the actual lifespan of your laminate floors can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the product, the installation, the level of foot traffic, and the maintenance routine.
Luckily, installing new flooring is one of the most rewarding home improvements with an impressive impact on your resale value. In general, replacing old, worn flooring with a new option always boosts your house's resale value. However, some flooring makes more of an impact than others.
There's a widespread misconception that the less expensive laminate flooring category hurts resale value because it costs less than traditional hardwood. But laminate's stain resistance, durability, and low installation cost attracts many buyers, for good reason. It can offer an excellent return on investment.
Popular laminate flooring colors in 2025 are warm, earthy, or neutral colors. Natural wood, white oak, golden brown, and greige are some of the most trending. Dark wood flooring is also popular in homes reclaiming a bold aesthetic, with homeowners pairing the floor with block wall colors and vibrant furnishings.
On average, a good-quality laminate product runs $6-$14 per square foot (not including all the extras). The cost of luxury vinyl flooring is approximately $5-$12 per square foot, with additional charges for installation.
Generally, laminate flooring tends to have a broader appeal due to its durability, low maintenance, and versatility. However, in bedrooms or areas where comfort is a priority, carpet may be preferred.
Damage, incomplete repairs, and deferred maintenance can reduce your home's value. The appraiser deducts estimated costs of these repairs, affecting the appraisal amount. Outdated or non-functional features. An older home with outdated decor, appliances, or layouts may receive a lower value in its appraisal.
The best flooring for resale value: The ROI on wood floors
They're durable, versatile, and most buyers love them. According to real estate experts, the average ROI for installing hardwood floors is about 70% to 80%, and wood floors can boost the sales price of your home as much as 2.5%.
From warm, comforting earthy neutrals to bold, nostalgic prints, refresh your floors with this year's most luxurious carpet trends. Luxury carpet, once thought to be a relic of the past, is experiencing a dazzling resurgence in 2024.
Both carpeting and hardwood flooring with large area rugs are in style for bedrooms.
Choose a light, neutral color carpet.
You are not choosing a carpet that you have to live with or love. Remember, you are preparing your home so it appears move in ready for your buyer. Choose carpet that is cream, tan, beige, pale gold, caramel or cafe au lait.