In today’s world the word “cheap” is hard to trust, it has become synonymous with shoddy, low-quality products. Cheap laminate flooring is still a low priced product, but an excellent value for a durable and long lasting product. Laminate has become more popular since 1996, with some companies even boasting that it is the “most popular” flooring sold today.

A variety of companies, including Mohawk Laminates, Armstrong Laminates, Alloc Laminates, Berry Laminates, and Wilsonart Laminates, manufacture a wide range of laminate flooring patterns and styles to meet customer needs. These companies are not the only companies, there are many companies around the world that specialize in different types of laminates.

Laminate floors are durable, low-maintenance, and affordable. I was surprised to see that prices start at $2.49 per square foot. The variety of patterns that simulate wood and earth and the variety of colors available are astounding, there are even floors that have been texture-enhanced to give a more realistic wood or stone look and feel.

Cheap laminate flooring is easy to install, appealing to many people who prefer to do their own home improvement projects rather than pay professionals to install their flooring. It can be water repellent and can be used in wet areas, and is popular for indoor and outdoor flooring. It’s an attractive option for outdoor projects, less expensive than wood or stone, and easier to install and care for. Few other low-cost flooring options are made for outdoor settings.

There are other types of flooring that are also low-maintenance and inexpensive, such as laminate vinyl flooring or vinyl tile and plank; each has its advantages. Laminate flooring can be easier to install since it doesn’t come in a large roll like laminate vinyl does. Laminate comes in planks that either snap together like puzzle pieces or are glued together as they are assembled. Laminate flooring provides the beauty of hardwood flooring without the high maintenance that hardwood flooring typically entails, and it’s also more attractively priced.

When buying your laminate flooring, it’s important to consider what your needs are for the area you plan to use it in, whether it should be waterproof or repellent; Does it have a high-quality coating to minimize potential damage from high traffic or scratches? Price should not be the only consideration in your choice.

When laminate flooring was first developed, the coating that protected the tiles was easily worn and the tiles were easily damaged or discolored. Over the years, laminate companies have changed the materials they use to increase the durability and beauty of their floors to make them competitive with other types of flooring, without their old drawbacks. Adding an underlayment under the laminate can increase comfort and decrease sound, as well as improve the longevity of the floor.