When we’re working on a project and need to add flooring, we’re very aware that budget matters. Hardwood flooring may be the most popular, but it’s also the most expensive, and so many people are looking for inexpensive options that provide them with a new floor without the sizeable costs.
Typically Recommended Cheap Flooring
Typically, when someone does decide to get cheap flooring, they are provided with two primary options:
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
- Laminate
Those are the two most budget conscious flooring options out there. There are a few cheaper forms of flooring, like sheet vinyl and peal and stick tile, but ignore those. They are so low quality they are not worth considering.
Still, most people feel like these cheaper options – LVP and laminate – are also low quality. There is a concern that they’re going to feel cheap under the feet or break easily.
We will talk about luxury vinyl plank at a later time, but when it comes to laminate, you should know that if it was 25 or so years ago, you’d be absolutely right. Laminate of that era was not very good.
But times have changed. The laminate now is considerably better, so much so that there is even reason to consider it *over* hardwood flooring *regardless of cost*.
Let’s elaborate.
What Makes Modern Laminate So Good?
Laminate flooring has advanced significantly in both design and performance. Today’s products are manufactured with high-density fiberboard cores and protective wear layers that make them stronger, more realistic, and far more durable than the laminate of decades past. It has benefits that include:
- Durability – Laminate flooring is designed with a strong wear layer that resists scratches, dents, and stains better than many natural wood floors. This makes it especially appealing for households with pets, children, or high foot traffic.
- Moisture Resistance – While traditional laminate was vulnerable to water damage, newer products often feature water-resistant or even waterproof technology, allowing them to be used in kitchens, entryways, and some basements.
- Ease of Installation – Click-lock installation systems make laminate faster and less expensive to install compared to hardwood. Many homeowners and contractors can complete a room with minimal tools.
- Aesthetic Quality – Advances in printing and embossing have made laminate visually indistinguishable from hardwood for many people. Textured finishes can even replicate the grain and feel of natural wood.
- Cost Savings – Laminate remains one of the most affordable flooring choices, not only in material cost but also in maintenance and installation.
It’s especially important to understand that laminate is much, much different than it was 20 some odd years ago.
Laminate flooring from two decades ago was built with a thinner core, minimal moisture protection, and simpler finishes. Back then, if it got wet or scratched, it often showed immediately, and many homeowners treated it as a short-term, budget solution.
Today’s laminate uses denser fiberboards or even specialty composite cores that are much more stable and less prone to swelling or warping when exposed to moisture. It includes tougher, multi-layer wear coatings that resist scratching, staining, and fading much more effectively than older laminates.
Twenty years ago, and in some cases 10 years ago, even a spill could ruin a laminate floor. Now, many options are engineered to be water-resistant or waterproof, with sealed edges or protective layers that block water intrusion.
Early laminates often had repetitive patterns, flat gloss, or artificial look. The print technology now replicates natural wood grain, knots, texture, and variation. Embossed surfaces that mimic the feel of real wood are common.
So, when we talk about laminate, we are not talking about the same material that you once knew. We are talking about something much, much better that still retains the lower price points.
When to Consider Laminate Instead of Hardwood
There are situations where laminate may actually be the better choice than hardwood. If the project involves a high-traffic space, a rental property, or an environment where moisture is a concern, laminate can offer a combination of resilience and affordability that hardwood cannot always match. Consider the following chart:
| Feature | Laminate Flooring | Hardwood Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Highly resistant to scratches, dents, and stains; suitable for pets and heavy traffic | Softer surface; can dent or scratch more easily, especially softer woods |
| Moisture Resistance | Many options are water-resistant or waterproof | Susceptible to water damage, warping, and swelling if exposed to moisture |
| Appearance | Advanced printing and texturing closely resemble wood; consistent patterns | Natural variation in grain and color; often considered more authentic and prestigious |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean with sweeping and damp mopping; no refinishing required | Requires periodic refinishing; more sensitive to cleaning methods |
| Installation | Click-lock systems allow quick, often adhesive-free, DIY-friendly installation | Typically nailed or glued; professional installation recommended |
| Cost | Generally among the lowest-cost flooring options, including installation | Among the most expensive options in both material and installation |
| Longevity | Approximately 15–25 years, depending on quality and care | 50+ years with proper care and refinishing |
| Resale Value | Adds value, but typically less than real hardwood | High resale appeal; often considered a premium home feature |
If you love hardwood, you should get hardwood. It definitely has value and it is one of the most popular long term flooring options available. Still, it is important to understand that laminate is a great option as well. If you are on a budget, there is nothing wrong with laminate.
Choosing Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring no longer deserves its outdated reputation as “cheap flooring.” It is inexpensive compared to other flooring, yes, but while it was once considered a poor substitute for hardwood, today’s laminate is engineered to perform at a high level and can often provide a better balance of appearance, cost, and long-term durability. For many projects, laminate is not only a budget-conscious solution but a practical one as well.
If you are looking for flooring in Staten Island, reach out to Christian Construction, today.
