Cheap Laminate Flooring: A Guide to Affordable Options

Check out this guide to discover stylish, budget-friendly laminate flooring solutions that won’t break the bank! From a variety of colours and textures to easy installation methods, explore all your options for creating an attractive space without compromising on quality.

The Benefits of Choosing Laminate Flooring for Your Home

1. Affordable

• One of the primary benefits of choosing laminate flooring for your home is that it is more affordable than other types of flooring.
• Laminate flooring is made from a composite material that is designed to look like real wood, but it costs much less.
• Additionally, laminate flooring is easy to install, saving you money on installation costs.

2. Easy to Install

• Laminate flooring comes in interlocking pieces that can be snapped together without the need for nails or glue.
• This makes it a great do-it-yourself project for homeowners who want to save money on installation costs.

3. Durable

• Despite its low cost, laminate flooring is quite durable.
• Laminate floors are designed to resist scratches, dents, and stains, making them a great choice for busy households with pets or small children.

4. Easy to Clean

• Laminate floors also have low maintenance requirements.
• Unlike hardwood floors, which require special cleaners and treatments, laminate floors can be cleaned with a damp mop and standard household cleaners.

5. Available in a wide variety

• Laminate floors are available in a wide range of colours, textures, and patterns, so you can find an option that fits your style.

6. Hypoallergenic

• Laminate floors are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for homes with allergies or asthma.
• Unlike carpeted floors, which can harbour dust mites and other allergens, laminate floors can be kept clean and allergen-free with regular vacuuming and mopping.

7. Fire-Resistant

• Laminate floors are made with a fire-retardant resin that helps to protect against fire damage.
• This makes laminate floors a great choice for homes in areas at risk for wildfires or other natural disasters.

8. Doesn’t Fade in Sunlight

• Laminate floors are also less likely to fade in sunlight than other types of flooring, such as hardwood or carpeting.
• This makes them a great choice for rooms that get a lot of sunlight, such as sunrooms or kitchens.

How to Find Affordable Laminate Flooring Options

• Many people think that laminate flooring is a cheap alternative to hardwood floors. However, the prices of laminate floors vary depending on quality and other factors.
• If you are looking for affordable laminate flooring options, you can do a few things.

1. Shop Around:

• Look for local shops that sell laminate flooring.
• You can find it at big box stores, home improvement stores, and even some furniture stores.
• It is helpful to visit a few shops so that you can compare prices and find the best deal.
• Be sure to ask about any sales or promotions that may be going on so that you can save even more money.

2. Consider Generic Brands:

• Just like with anything else, there are name-brand laminate floors and generic brands.
• The name-brand floors will usually be more expensive than the generic brands, but often, there are only minor differences in quality.
• If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, consider choosing a generic brand.

3. Look For Discounts:

• Many stores offer coupons and discounts on laminate flooring.
• Be sure to check the store’s website or sign up for their email list so that you can stay up-to-date on the latest deals and promotions.
• You may also want to ask the store if they offer any discounts for cash or for using a certain credit card.

4. Purchase During Off Season:

• The demand for laminate flooring is usually high in the spring and summer months, which means that the prices will also be higher during these times of the year.

Tips for Installing Cheap Laminate Flooring Like a Pro

Many people think that installing laminate flooring is a difficult and expensive proposition. However, with pre-planning and the right tools, you can install laminate flooring yourself and save a lot of money. Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Plan Ahead

• Before you start tearing up your old flooring: Take some time to plan out the installation of your new laminate flooring.
• Measure the area where you will install the flooring and calculate the square feet you will need to purchase.
• Head to your local home improvement store or search online for cheap laminate flooring options.

2. Gather Your Tools

• Once you have purchased your laminate flooring, it’s time to gather the tools you will need for the installation.
• You will need a hammer, saw, measuring tape, level, utility knife, and adhesive (if required)

3. Prepare The Area

• Remove all furniture from the room where you will be installing the laminate flooring and clear out any loose debris or dirt from the surface of the existing floor.
• If your old flooring is in good condition, you can lay the new laminate directly on top of it.
• However, if there are any damaged areas or if you need clarification on the condition of the old flooring, it is best to remove it altogether before proceeding.

4. Install A Moisture Barrier

• Some types of laminate flooring require the use of an underlayment or moisture barrier between the new flooring and the subfloor.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when installing this type of product.

5. Start Laying Down Your Own Floor

• Once you have prepared the area and installed any necessary moisture barriers, it’s time to start laying down your new laminate flooring.
• Begin by laying down a row of boards along one wall and working your way across the room towards the opposite wall.
• Use a level to ensure that each row of boards is level as you go; otherwise, your finished product will not look its best.

6. Finish Up

• Once all the boards have been laid down, use a utility knife to trim off any excess material around the room’s edges. Then sit back and enjoy your new laminate floor!

Stylish and Cheap Laminate Flooring Ideas for Every Room

1. Wide Plank Laminate Flooring

Wide plank laminate flooring is a great way to make a small room look bigger. The wide boards create the illusion of more space, which is ideal if you have a small room that you want it appear more prominent.

2. Rustic Laminate Flooring

Rustic laminate flooring is the perfect way to add some country charm to your home. This type of laminate flooring typically has a distressed or weathered look, which can give your home a cosy and inviting feel.

3. Dark Laminate Flooring

If you want to make a bold statement with your floors, dark laminate flooring is the way to go. Dark floors are ideal for homes with an open floor plan as they can help define each space while allowing the rooms to flow seamlessly.

4. Light Laminate Flooring

Light laminate flooring is perfect for creating a bright and airy feel in your home. This type of flooring is ideal for small spaces as it can help make the room feel larger and more open.

5. Grey Laminate Flooring

Grey laminate floors are incredibly popular, and it’s easy to see why. Grey floors are versatile and can be used in just about any home décor style, from traditional to contemporary.

6. Wood Laminate Flooring

Wood laminate floors are a great way to add some natural beauty to your home without breaking the bank. Wood laminate floors come in a variety of wood species so that you can choose the perfect one for your home.

7. Stone Laminate Flooring

Stone laminate floors are a great alternative to traditional stone floors such as marble or limestone. Stone laminate floors are budget-friendly and easier to install than traditional stone floors.

8. Herringbone Laminate Flooring

Herringbone laminate floors have a unique and stylish pattern that is sure to make a statement in any room. Herringbone floors are typically made with wide plank boards, which can help make a small room look bigger.

9. Chevron Laminate Flooring

Chevron laminated floors have a zig-zag pattern that adds visual interest to any room. Chevron floors are available in various colours and styles so that you can find the perfect one for your home.

The Pros of Cheap Laminate Flooring

• Durability:

Laminate floors are extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear for a long time. They’re also resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, so they’ll continue to look great for years to come.

• Affordability:

Laminate floors are very affordable, especially compared to other flooring types, such as hardwood or stone.

• Easy to Maintain:

Laminate floors are very easy to keep clean – all you need is a damp mop or cloth and some mild detergent. You won’t have to worry about sanding or refinishing your laminate floors like you would with hardwood floors.

• Installation:

Laminate floors can be installed relatively easily, even by do-it-yourselfers. Most types of laminate flooring snap together without the need for nails or glue, making installation a quick and easy process.

• Variety:

Laminate floors come in a wide variety of colours and styles to suit any taste. Whether you’re looking for a traditional wood grain look or something more modern, you’re sure to find a laminate floor that’s perfect for your home.

• Environmentally Friendly:

Many types of laminate flooring are made from recycled materials, making them a more environmentally-friendly choice than other flooring options.

• Soundproof:

Laminate floors can reduce noise levels in your home by absorbing sound rather than amplifying it like hardwood floors do.

Cons of Laminate Flooring:

• Not As Warm As Hardwood Floors:

One downside of laminate floors is that they can feel cold and impersonal underfoot. Hardwood floors may be a better choice if you’re looking for a warm and inviting feeling in your home.

• Not as Durable as Hardwood Floors:

Although laminate floors are very durable, hardwood floors are tougher. Hardwood may be the better choice if you have pets or small children who are likely to drop things on your floors.

• Limited Repair Options:

Once a piece of laminate flooring is damaged, it’s generally impossible to repair it without replacing the entire plank. With hardwood floors, however, it’s often possible to sand down and refinish damaged boards.

• Can’t Be Refinished:

Unlike hardwood floors, which can be sanded down and refinished multiple times over their lifetime, laminate floors cannot be refinished. Once the top layer is damaged or scratched, replacing the entire plank is the only practical option.

• Not Suitable For Wet Areas:

Unlike tile or vinyl flooring, laminate flooring is unsuitable for wet areas such as bathrooms or laundry rooms. If your home has any rooms where water is likely to be present on the floor, another type of flooring would be a better choice.

Comparing the Durability of Cheap Laminate Flooring with Other Flooring Options:

• Laminate flooring comprises several layers of material that are fused together with heat and pressure.
• The top layer is a clear protective coating that helps resist scratches, stains, and fading from sunlight.
• Beneath that is a decorative layer that gives the laminate its colour and pattern.
• The core layer is made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) for stability, and the bottom layer is usually a backing material like cork or foam.
• This makes it more susceptible to damage from things like pets, high heels, and dropped objects.
• However, it’s still more durable than other cheap floorings options like vinyl or carpet.
• And, thanks to advances in manufacturing, even the cheapest laminate floors can look quite realistic these days.

Expensive Laminate Flooring: An Overview

• More expensive laminate floors usually have thicker HDF cores (8 to 12 millimetres) and overall thicknesses (12 to 14 millimetres).
• This makes them more resistant to damage and wears over time. They also tend to have more realistic finishes thanks to higher-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes.
• As you might expect, the increased durability of expensive laminate floors comes at a price.
• But it’s worth the investment if you’re looking for a floor that will last for years—or even decades—without showing too much wear and tear.
• Plus, with proper care and maintenance, an expensive laminate floor can retain its beauty for many years to come.

So, which type of laminate flooring is the better investment—cheap or expensive?

The answer depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a temporary solution or you’re on a tight budget, cheap laminate flooring can be a good option. Just keep in mind that it may only last for a short time as its more expensive counterpart.

Whichever route you choose, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and care so you can get the most out of your new floors!

Maximising Your Budget with Discount Laminate Flooring

You may get a discount on placing bulk orders from certain companies.

You should plan on doing multiple home improvement projects within a certain time frame (such as installing new windows or updating your kitchen appliances).

It might be worth investing in additional supplies so that you have everything ready when needed.

Finding the Right Balance: Cheap Laminate Flooring vs. Quality

Cheap Laminate Flooring vs Quality Laminate Flooring

• Now that we know what laminate flooring is, let’s look closer at cheap laminate flooring vs. quality. It’s often made of lower-quality materials, making it less durable than quality laminate flooring.
• Cheap laminate floors are also more likely to fade in direct sunlight and may be more susceptible to scratches and dents.
• While quality laminate floors are made of higher-quality materials, which makes them more durable than their cheaper counterparts, they also tend to be more resistant to fading, scratches, and dents.
• Quality floors also have realistic finishes that can fool even the trained eye. The main downside of quality floors is that they come with a bigger price tag.
• Another potential downside is that they can be more challenging to install since they require precise cuts and measurements.

You Get What You Pay For

The old saying “you get what you pay for” is certainly true regarding laminate flooring.

Cheap laminate flooring may be more tempting, but it will likely be of lower quality and won’t last long.

On the other hand, an expensive laminate flooring option brings its own perks, but it isn’t necessarily the best option for you. It’s important to balance price and quality when choosing laminate flooring.

Consider Your Needs

Before making a decision, it’s important to consider your needs. How much traffic will the floor be subject to?

Do you have children or pets?

Will you need to replace the flooring sooner rather than later? Answering these questions will help you specify your options and make a more informed decision.

Compare Brands

There are many different brands of laminate flooring on the market, so it’s important to do your research and compare them before making a purchase. Pay attention to reviews from experts and consumers to get an idea about the most suitable option for you.

Ask for Samples

Before making a final decision, be sure to ask for samples of the laminate flooring you’re considering so that you can see and feel it in person. This will help you determine whether it’s really the right choice for your needs.

• Also, one of the essential things to look for when choosing laminate flooring is the thickness of the wear layer.
• The wear layer is the clear protective coating applied to the top of the laminate plank, protecting the plank from scratches, scuffs, and stains.
• The thicker the wear layer, the more durable the flooring will be.

Mikes Carpets Flooring & Blinds Centre – Your Go To Place For Laminate FLooring Solutions

Mike’s Carpets Flooring & Blinds Centre is the perfect place to find your ideal laminate flooring solution. With a vast selection of styles and affordable options available, you can easily upgrade any space with quality floors! For queries, reach us at contactus@mikescarpets.com.au or call us at 1300 365 887