On the positive side laminate doesn t need any buffing or re finishing at any point during its lifespan which is a main reason why it s an attractive alternative to hardwood flooring.
Carpet or laminate.
Installation cost ranges from 0 50 to 3 00.
Compare costs of laminate and carpet over the time you expect to be in the house.
With carpet a traffic pattern can become well defined within a short period of time.
Carpet unless brand new can raise questions about its cleanliness and durability and these days just feels dated.
Laminate flooring will last much longer than carpet.
When laminate flooring is installed this pattern is never seen.
In general installing laminate flooring is an easier task than installing carpet for the do it yourself homeowner.
For decent quality carpet or laminate expect to pay 4 to 8 per square foot for the complete job materials and labor.
Laminate flooring tends to be easier to clean than carpet and is thus considered more hygienic and hypoallergenic.
The savings made by installing laminate yourself may reduce the cost of laminate flooring to a comparable level with professionally installed carpet.
Laminate flooring requires at least weekly vacuuming and some sweeping here and there depending on the mess that has been created in the room.
High end quality carpet can last about 10 to 15 years while high quality hardwood floors are long lasting even.
Most carpeting will have to be replaced in five or 10 years while laminates typically can last up to 30 years.
Unlike carpeting laminate flooring offers absolutely zero soundproofing and insulation benefits.
Actually laminate can increase the sounds coming from outside by echoing the vibrations in a way that is often described as hollow because of this laminate is often not preferred for a baby s bedroom or nursery.
Laminate flooring cost tends to be higher than the cost of carpet installation.
Keep in mind you will find.
Laminate can run you between 1 and 10 per foot which is relatively similar to mid range broadloom carpeting.
The rug doctor s study of carpets showed high levels of dangerous bacteria hidden dirt pollen and dust mites suggesting consumers are unable or unwilling to properly clean their carpets.
Laminate has the look and feel of real wood as many laminate flooring companies have gotten really good as to how they.
A more expensive laminate floor may throughout time be a better investment but carpet may be a.
Laminate flooring never shows footprints or a path like carpet would.
Laminate may be slightly more expensive to install.
Expect most carpet and laminate floors to cost between 1 7 per square foot for materials.