Wood Flooring Alternatives Part 2: The Lowdown on Laminate
In Part 1 (Vinyl), we explored why wood alternatives are a smart investment. Today, we’re looking at laminate flooring—the durable, affordable, and beautiful alternative that has come a long way since the 1970s.
What is Modern Laminate?
Forget the “cheap” look of the past. Today’s laminate uses a photorealistic image layer and High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) to mimic the look and feel of real wood. Its three-layer construction—base, image, and a hard plastic wear layer—protects against fading and damage.
Laminate vs. Vinyl: Why Choose Laminate?
While both are excellent hardwood alternatives, laminate holds a few key advantages:
Eco-Friendly: Laminate typically uses fewer toxins and is easier to find in low-VOC, sustainable options compared to synthetic vinyl.
Quieter Performance: Thanks to its HDF core, laminate absorbs sound better—perfect for busy households with kids or pets.
Natural Feel: Many homeowners prefer the “solid” underfoot feel of HDF over the plastic feel of some vinyl.
DIY-Friendly Installation & Maintenance
Both laminate and vinyl are ideal for DIYers. They usually feature “floating floor” click-together installation, snapping like Legos over your subfloor.
Pro Tip: Ensure your subfloor is level to avoid squeaky footsteps!
Maintenance: While vinyl is 100% waterproof, laminate requires a bit more care to keep dry. Both are highly durable and range from $3 to $8 per square foot.
The Verdict: Which is Right for You?
Choose Vinyl for bathrooms, kitchens, or high-moisture areas.
Choose Laminate for eco-conscious living, better acoustics, and a more natural wood feel.
Shop Factory Direct & Save
At Redeemed Flooring, we are a Factory Direct Retailer. We import our own materials to guarantee prices cheaper than any other retailer.
Shop around, then check us out! Have questions? Email us at hello@redeemedflooring.com.