The average lifespan of laminate flooring ranges from 15 to 25 years. Several factors influence its longevity: Quality: High-quality laminate with a thicker wear layer will outlast budget-friendly options. Installation: Proper installation on a level subfloor ensures greater stability and wear resistance.
When should laminate flooring be replaced instead of repaired? Replace laminate flooring if it has severe damage, extensive water damage, broken boards, or widespread fading and wear.
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.
Buckling or Warping – Laminate flooring is not waterproof. If you fit laminate in wet or moisture-rich areas, the floor can become damaged, often beyond repair.
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.
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 flooring, with an ROI that almost breaks even, is a quality choice for new floors.
Vinyl has come a long way when it comes to style choices in recent years, though. You can find vinyl flooring that realistically mimics not only the look but also the feel of stone, tile, and even wood floors. Vinyl also has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate.
Moisture Concerns
Being comprised of wood fiberboard, laminate flooring is susceptible to permanent damage if it comes into contact with water for a considerable amount of time. When the proper precautions are taken, however, it can deliver long last performance.
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.
Moisture can easily warp laminate flooring.
Particleboard is highly susceptible to damage from moisture and water exposure. Without an additional step to seal laminate floors and quick cleanups of spilled liquids, individual pieces of a laminate floor may warp, causing gaps and other visual defects.
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.
Labor. Labor accounts for a substantial portion of the overall cost to install laminate flooring, which runs $4 to $8 per square foot. For a typical 200-square-foot project, which costs between $1,500 and $3,500, you could expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,000 for the installers.
Daily sweeping and spot cleaning can help keep your laminate floors free of particles that could cause scratches and scuffs that can leave the surface looking dull. Consider deep cleaning your laminate floors with a soft microfiber mop every two weeks to disinfect, protect, and shine.
The Best Time of Year to Buy Flooring
In fact, it's usually right around the New Year. Unlike cars, boats, and appliances that change models every year, flooring prices drop around the New Year because that is when demand is at its lowest and warehouses are willing to make deals to move product.
Natural wood tones continue to be a favorite in 2024. These shades provide a timeless and versatile foundation for any room. From light, airy hues like white oak and maple to deeper, richer shades like walnut and mahogany, natural wood tones offer a warm and inviting feel.
The primary culprit behind laminate floor buckling is often moisture damage. When exposed to water or excessive humidity, laminate planks may absorb moisture, leading to swelling and subsequent lifting from the subfloor.
Yes, you can use a wet Swiffer or Swiffer WetJet on laminate floors. "The wet Swiffer is best for quickly cleaning small spaces," Forte says.
Termites can damage the underlying flooring of laminate. Damage caused to laminate flooring by termite infestations can appear similar to typical water damage. Laminate will blister and sag in affected areas. If inspected more closely, a hollow network of tunnels will be discovered beneath buckled areas.
Using undiluted vinegar on laminate floors can damage the finish and leave floors looking dull. Use no more than one cup of distilled white vinegar or 1/4 cup of cleaning vinegar per gallon of hot water.
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.
Please don't. Steam mops will almost certainly void any warranty you have on your laminate flooring. Most manufacturers understand that steam and heat seeps into your laminate (and those unsealed seams) a lot easier than plain water and a laminate cleaning solution. That seepage causes buckling and warping over time.
Pergo laminate floors are created to be tougher than most other laminate options. These incur minimum scratches and are also very much close to being waterproof. You get around 30 minutes window to clean up any spillage and maintain the finish. Pergo laminates come with some of the best warranty plans.