Are you looking to install new flooring in your home? Laminate floors are not only some of the easiest floors to install but some of the cheapest as well.
If you are looking to replace or cover old, worn-out flooring, laminate has become a very popular option. It can look like wood or tile and is also very durable.
It’s the perfect floor for investment properties as well as for homes you plan to live in for a few years. But what is the average cost of laminate flooring? And why should you consider it over other flooring options? We cover that and more below.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate has always been an inexpensive flooring option, primarily installed for functionality as opposed to beauty. However, advances in technology lead to improvements in the look of laminate flooring options.
As such, you are starting to see laminate flooring appear in higher-end homes. But it’s still a much more affordable option than wood or tile.
The underside of laminate is made of particleboard, originally designed to use up waste wood in the 1970s. On top of that is the design, or image layer, which usually looks like wood. And on top of that is the seal; a transparent covering that protects the flooring from moisture and damage.
Laminate flooring is a floating floor. That is, it sits right on top of existing flooring or subfloor. The floor is not permanently secured into place.
When installing laminate, you’ll also need to install an underlayment. This is a soft, cheap layer that acts to cushion the laminate, holding it in place, and preventing movement and noise.
So what are the average laminate flooring prices, and how much does laminate flooring cost to install?
Cost of Laminate Flooring
When you are planning a flooring project in your home, the first thing you’ll need to do is measure the rooms you plan to refloor. Measure the length and width of each room or hallway and use a square footage calculator to determine how much flooring you need.
When buying laminate, you’ll also have to factor in the cost of underlayment, a cheap but separate cost. So how much is laminate flooring?
The average cost of laminate flooring is about $1.50 per square foot. The average cost of the underlayment is $0.30 per square foot.
Most laminate flooring options range between $0.70 and $3.00 per square foot. Some higher-end options are much more.
If you plan to have the flooring installed by a professional, you can expect to pay $2.00 to $3.00 per square foot on top of the materials cost.
If the existing flooring needs to be removed first, which is recommended, this can be an additional expense. Your subfloor may also need to be repaired or adjusted before installing new flooring.
Those completing the project themselves can decide to lay the new floor right on top of their existing floor. You can check out this cheap laminate flooring to get started today.
Easy, Affordable Flooring
Laminate flooring is a great budget flooring option that is designed to last a long time. It is durable, easy to clean, and easy to install since it’s a floating floor.
Now that you know the cost of laminate flooring, you can get started on your next home improvement project. If you need additional home renovation tips, be sure to visit our other blog posts today.
