As you consider flooring that is going to cover your showroom, your retail space, or even your offices, it’s important to consider the lifespan of the materials. After all, if you’re going to make an investment in new flooring, you should know what you’re getting.
How long does laminate flooring last? The reality is that there are various factors that help to determine this. At S& R Carpet and Floors, we have been working with laminate flooring for years and can ensure that you get the long-lasting floors that you’re looking for.
Average Lifespan
In most instances, laminate flooring will last between 15 and 25 years. There are instances where it can last less or even longer.
You’ll want to carefully choose your flooring so that it is durable enough to fit the environment.
Understanding the Basics of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has been created to be extremely durable. Additionally, there is a waterproof laminate that is capable of upholding wetter environments, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Laminate is thicker than vinyl just as it is available in more colors and patterns. There’s also a protective coating on the flooring so that it won’t fade and so that it can endure water damage.
There are multiple layers of laminate flooring and each layer services its own purpose. The first layer protects against moisture, the second layer is the core that offers durability and stability. The third layer features the aesthetic that you are buying the flooring for, and the final layer is the wear layer that protects against scratches, stains, and more.
Each layer can vary in thickness – and the thicker the layers, the longer the lifespan of your flooring will often be.
Laminate is more affordable than hardwood and it has much of the same durability. However, laminate flooring doesn’t have the same lifespan.
Hardwood may have 75+ years because it can be sanded and refinished.
That being said, 15+ years for laminate is great – and we’ll show you how to make sure you get the full life out of your floors.
Factors That Can Add to the Lifespan
Whether you have a significant amount of foot traffic occurring on your floors or you’re installing the floors in wet areas, there are factors that will affect the lifespan. Knowing how to choose the right flooring will ensure that they can withstand everything that you put them through.
Quality
The quality of the flooring will vary dramatically. You’ll notice quite a few price points, and it’s not solely because of the aesthetic. Often, the higher price points are because of the higher-quality laminate that is used. They’re capable of withstanding higher levels of water, foot traffic, and more.
Thickness
The thickness should be carefully considered, especially when there is a lot of traffic that will be passing across the floors. You’ll also want to consider the treatment of the wear layer – glossier finishes are ideal for showrooms while matte and wire-whipped finishes are ideal when you don’t want to show scratches and scuffs that accumulate over time.
Installation
Proper and professional installation will prevent the floor from buckling over time. Additionally, you want to make sure that the subfloor is in good condition so that there are no issues with the way in which the laminate flooring sits.
Maintenance
Maintenance is critical to ensure you take good care of the flooring. This includes making sure that you use cleaning products that won’t destroy the protective coating. Depending on the actual laminate flooring you use, the cleaning instructions will vary. We’ll review the best cleaning tips upon installation, though it’s always best to use a damp mop instead of a wet one.
Cost
You’ll want to review the cost of the flooring. While many higher-cost laminate flooring types will offer a longer lifespan, sometimes the cost is due to a luxury brand or a particular treatment.
One of the best ways to achieve the lifespan that you need is to let us walk you through the many options. With so many different types of laminate flooring on the market, the entire process can be overwhelming.
We’ll get to know your space so that we can look at whether you’ll have kids or pets to worry about. We’ll help you achieve a premium aesthetic that can be easily maintained based on all that will transpire across the floors throughout the years.
When you’re ready to explore laminate flooring for your commercial or residential space, contact us. We’ll make sure that we go over the various options to give you the best possible lifespan.