Laminates (commonly used for flooring and countertops) are cost-effective, but they have major drawbacks:
It Can't Be Refinished, Especially if Water-Damaged
Unlike other flooring types, laminate floors cannot be sanded down and refinished when damaged. If the laminate becomes worn or cosmetically damaged, you may need to replace the flooring, which could be costly if you've recently installed it.
Healthiest Flooring Types Compared
Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring in Your Kitchen
Laminate flooring typically lasts 15 to 25 years. Premium, high-quality options installed in low-traffic areas can exceed 30 years, while lower-end planks may wear out after 10 to 15 years.
Improper Installation: If laminate wasn't acclimated before installation or seams weren't sealed properly, peeling is almost guaranteed over time. Heavy Wear and Tear: High-traffic areas like entryways or kitchens can wear faster, especially if grit and dirt aren't cleaned regularly.
Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting investment in your smile, but like all dental work, they do have a finite lifespan. After 20 years, you may start to notice signs of aging, wear, and minor issues that can affect the appearance and function of your veneers.
When it comes to durability, both laminate and vinyl flooring offer robust options for modern homes. However, vinyl flooring often takes the lead in environments prone to moisture or heavy foot traffic, thanks to its water-resistant and sometimes fully waterproof nature.
Wooden flooring – a fresh take on natural beauty
The year 2026 marks a time when wood regains its true power. Naturalness becomes the central theme in interior design, and wood tones – particularly warm, honey-coloured shades – will reign supreme in modern spaces.
Does Laminate Flooring Hurt Resale Value? Laminate flooring does not have to hurt the resale value of your home if it's intelligently placed. There's a widespread misconception that the less expensive laminate flooring category hurts resale value because it costs less than traditional hardwood.
The main challenge is choosing the best combination of materials for your purposes that suit your personal taste.
Vinyl flooring can release VOCs, especially in lower-quality products or older materials, although modern flooring options are typically lower-emitting. Laminate flooring may contain adhesives that emit formaldehyde, depending on how it's manufactured.
In 2026, flooring trends are moving toward warmth, texture, and sustainability, with warm-toned hardwoods (honey oak, walnut), wide-plank luxury vinyl (LVP), and large-format porcelain tiles leading in popularity. Matte, wire-brushed finishes that mimic natural wood grain are preferred over glossy surfaces, and patterns like herringbone are popular.
Yes, you can mop laminate floors, but you must only use a damp (not wet) mop and a pH-neutral, water-based cleaner. Laminate is essentially made of compressed wood fibers and can permanently warp, swell, or buckle if exposed to standing water.
Don't put laminate flooring in bathrooms, laundries, full ensuites, basements, sunrooms, or anywhere outdoors. The short answer comes down to two weaknesses in the product: the HDF (high-density fibreboard) core swells when it gets wet, and the click-lock joints expand and contract with temperature swings.
Best Types of Flooring to Increase Your Home Value
Not at all. In fact, carpet is making a major comeback in 2026. While hard surfaces like hardwood and LVP remain popular in open-concept spaces, interior designers are heavily utilizing carpet to add warmth, acoustic dampening, and custom textures to homes.
Yes, you can place a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring. Because the floor is highly durable and waterproof, it easily handles the weight and potential spills of a fridge. However, as with any heavy object on a floating floor, taking a few precautions prevents damaging the planks.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
The 2026 wood color trends center on rich, natural warmth and deliberate contrast. As stark, ashy, and gray tones fade out, design focuses on honey-colored oak, espresso, and deep walnut to create layered, highly textured spaces rather than perfectly matched finishes.
In the end, the best choice depends on the unique proportions of your home, the amount of natural light, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you choose dark floors to ground your space or lighter floors to lift it, color balance between walls and floors can completely transform how your home feels.
The healthiest flooring options for your home are those that are low-emitting, hypoallergenic, and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic adhesives. The absolute best choices for indoor air quality and chemical sensitivity are solid hardwood, ceramic or porcelain tile, and natural linoleum.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
What flooring never goes out of style?