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