Laminate flooring is an affordable, scratch-resistant alternative to hardwood. However, its primary drawbacks are its vulnerability to moisture damage, the inability to refinish it when damaged, and a hollow, unnatural feel underfoot.
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
Vinyl flooring is perfect for high-traffic, moisture-prone areas. Its water-resistant, stain-resistant surface and easy maintenance make it ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Laminate works better in dry spaces, offering durability and a realistic wood look at a great price.
Moisture and Water Damage
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.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on laminate floors, but use it sparingly. Because dish soap is highly concentrated, just 1 teaspoon mixed with a gallon of warm water is enough to cut through grease. Using too much will leave behind a dull, sticky film.
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.
When it comes to the longest-lasting flooring, Natural Stone and Porcelain/Ceramic Tile take the top spot, often lasting 50 to 100+ years. For high-traffic, busy areas, Hardwood and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) offer the best balance of longevity and everyday durability.
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.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
The main challenge is choosing the best combination of materials for your purposes that suit your personal taste.
Popular laminate flooring colors are shifting toward warm, earthy neutrals and high-definition natural grains, moving away from flat, cool grays. Top choices include Natural Oak, Greige (gray-beige), Warm Honey, and Rich Browns, which provide cozy, inviting, and timeless foundations for modern and traditional spaces.
What flooring never goes out of style?
Modern laminate flooring does not look cheap if you buy premium options. Today's high-end laminates feature advanced manufacturing, embossed textures, and micro-beveled edges that closely mimic real hardwood. However, ultra-cheap laminates often look artificial and plastic.
Labor to install laminate flooring typically ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot. For a standard 500-square-foot room, installation alone costs between $1,000 and $2,500.
The "best" thickness for laminate flooring depends on your space and budget, but 10 mm to 12 mm is widely considered the overall sweet spot for residential use. Thicker planks provide a more authentic hardwood feel, better sound dampening, and superior durability.
Does Laminate Flooring Increase Home Value? To go easy on the budget, laminate flooring is another option. It may have a lower resale value than solid or engineered wood, but high-quality laminate flooring can bring a higher resale value than cheaper vinyl flooring or leaving bad flooring in place.
Hardwood Flooring: The Timeless Favorite
Hardwood remains a classic choice that adds lasting value to any home. It accounts for 28% of flooring projects nationwide. With proper care, hardwood floors can last 30 to 100 years—often outliving the homeowners who install them.
The "Rule of 3" in flooring is a design principle that recommends using no more than three distinct flooring materials or color variations throughout your entire home. Limiting your design to three elements creates visual cohesion, prevents a chopped-up layout, and ensures smooth, intentional transitions from room to room.
Twenty & Oak breaks down the top four durable flooring options for your home.
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.
More design options: Not installing flooring under cabinets provides more design options. For example, you can choose a flooring material that requires an expansion gap and install the cabinets over the gap. Cons: Unfinished appearance: Not installing flooring under cabinets can result in an unfinished appearance.
Top 10 Things That Can Damage Your Laminate Flooring (And How to Avoid Them)