Cons of Laminate Flooring
Stigma – Some homeowners and contractors tend to view laminate flooring as “fake” flooring since it is made of synthetic materials but designed to look like natural ones. IT also has a stigma of simply being a “cheap” option, though the market for laminate flooring has increased greatly over the years.
Appearance – While many may appreciate the uniformity that comes with laminate boards, that uniformity can make the floor appear “fake” to some who compare it to the irregularities from natural building materials. Some panels may look impressive or attractive, while some may not appear quite “realistic” to suit the taste of every homeowner.
No Added Resale Value – Laminate flooring will not increase your selling price compared to a home with hardwood flooring, all else being equal.
If you’re a homeowner who only likes to use natural materials in their home, laminate flooring may not be a suitable choice.
Laminate flooring boards will need to be replaced if damaged. There really is no way to repair a laminate flooring tile if it has worn down or become damaged. Unlike hardwood floors which could be sanded and refinished to get them looking new again, laminate simply needs to be replaced. Thankfully, it takes a lot to damage a laminate board. And due to laminate flooring’s lower costs, even replacing a few boards will keep total expenses below the cost of a hardwood floor. Make sure to purchase a few extra panels when ordering your floor to replace any damaged panels in the future. This will keep you from having to find a matching panel design later on.
Laminate’s stigma has lessened a lot over the years, slowly becoming more widely accepted. If you are not planning to sell your home for many years, there is a chance that laminate will be considered valuable enough to offer an increase in property value, though there is no guarantee what the trends in interior design will be in the future. Any prospective buyer will bring their own preferences into the homes they consider purchasing, and your taste now won’t please everyone later, and that is okay.