Laminate Flooring

Laminate is an affordable flooring option for homeowners who prefer an alternative to carpet but want to avoid the cost of hardwood or tiles.

The floors consist of a particleboard wood base topped by wood or tile photo beneath a clear plastic protective layer. This flooring is very DIY-friendly, and laminate offers a multitude of texture and color options. The average cost for installed laminate flooring is $3 to $7 per square foot.

Pros

  • Inexpensive compared to wood
  • Easy to clean
  • Scratch-resistant
  • DIY-friendly
  • Many styles and colors available

Cons

  • Susceptible to moisture damage
  • Chips easily
  • Does not look and feel like wood
  • Has a hollow sound underfoot