Whether you are planning to revamp your kitchen floors or design them from scratch, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of different flooring options is paramount. Not all cooking areas are built equally. So, do your homework before investing in a kitchen flooring solution.

One of the most popular kitchen flooring options among many Aussies is laminate flooring. It has seen an increase in popularity as it is a more affordable alternative to costly European oak timber flooring.

Despite its durability and aesthetics, many homeowners have concerns about installing a laminate floor in the cooking area. This is mainly because of the possibility of water damage. So, let’s weigh the pros and cons of laminate flooring to help you make the right decision.

The pros of using laminate flooring in the kitchen

Laminate is a synthetic floor covering that consists of a wood base topped by a transparent wear layer. It is a popular flooring choice for kitchens due to its durability, affordability, and easy maintenance. Below are some major pros of laminate:

1. Cheaper than wood

Thanks to the printed design layer of laminate flooring, you can achieve the look of natural wood without the higher price tag of timber flooring.

Laminate creates a good bang for its buck, so you can spruce up your kitchen at a lower price while providing scratch resistance against heavy foot traffic. It’s a viable alternative to expensive timber floors, offering realistic wood finishes in a range of designs.

2. Aesthetics appeal

Advancements in flooring technology continue to minimise the difference between natural wood and laminate. For example, laminate floorboards often feature unique embossing, which can mimic the appearance and texture of natural wood.

This actually makes them a great option for anyone who wants the look of natural wood but without the hard and tedious work. On top of that, laminate is available in a wide range of styles, colours and patterns to fit any kitchen décor.

3. Extremely resilient

Laminate comes with an extra-strong top layer, offering scratch and stain resistance properties. The top layer is also water-resistant, which is a must for any kitchen flooring. This level of resilience makes it an ideal solution for areas with high foot traffic. Additionally, UV resistance ensures that the colour of your floor is less likely to fade over time.

4. Easy to clean and maintain

The stain-resistant, hard-sealed surface makes laminate floors easy to clean and maintain. Stubborn food stains and spills can be easily cleaned up using a damp mop and a mild cleaner. Furthermore, the dirt-repellent melamine resin surface creates a barrier against the growth of germs, contributing to a healthier kitchen environment.

5. Simple installation

Since laminate is a type of floating floor, it doesn’t require to be nailed or glued to a subfloor. It typically features a simple lock-together system which is easy and fast to install. This locking system allows a smooth installation, offering to choose the best installation solution for your space, whether plank-by-plan or row-by-row.

The cons of using laminate flooring in the kitchen

Among all flooring solutions, laminate stands out for its affordability, resilience and versatility. However, before jumping on the laminate bandwagon, be sure to understand the potential drawbacks. Below are the cons of using laminate flooring in your kitchen:

1. Susceptible to water damage

When water seeps through the seams into the core layer, the laminate floor will potentially buckle. This can cause irreversible damage. To prevent water from seeping through the floor, laminate needs extra precautions in the kitchen. Light surface water for cleaning won’t cause any problems, but avoid saturation.

2. Difficult to refinish and repair

If your laminate flooring suffers water damage, it can be daunting to repair or replace. This is because finding laminate floorboards of the exact match is difficult. Furthermore, it can be challenging to refinish the laminate floor to renew its appearance.

3. Not environmentally friendly

Are you committed to choosing environmentally friendly flooring materials for your kitchen? Then laminate might not be the best flooring solution for you. It won’t degrade effectively in landfills, especially due to the wear layer consisting of plastic.

4. Low resale value

Compared to hardwood and natural stone tiles, laminate floors are often perceived as a lower-quality flooring solution. Some homebuyers often view it as a sign of cost-cutting. Therefore, laminate isn’t one of the best flooring solutions to add value to your home.

Ending notes

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about laminate flooring in Melbourne. All these pros and cons will help you decide if laminate is the right flooring option for your kitchen. To make this decision even better, feel free to contact us at Western Distributors or visit one of our showrooms to see our flooring collections in person.