The Best Affordable Alternatives To Unforgiving Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring has established a reputation for being a strong, hard surface that does not cost an arm and a leg. It replicates the esteemed look of hardwood without bearing the price tag of an authentic wood product. But laminate does not do the best job at hiding its imperfections, and if the floor has been lived on for several years, the proof could be evident in its appearance. Luckily, there are several flooring types that can be chosen as high-performing and eye-pleasing alternatives to laminate. Vinyl floors offer a number of cost conscious choices, while stylish materials like tile and even rugs could spruce up any space and add a chic touch.  

During an exclusive interview with House Digest, real estate professional Shaun Martin, founder of Sell My Home Fast, cautioned that laminate flooring can hurt resale value. “These options are often seen as low-quality and can easily get damaged and worn out. They don’t have the durability and longevity that other flooring types like hardwood or tile provide,” he shared. Unless you’re willing to put in the work to maintain them, it’s likely you’ll run into laminate flooring issues, so it’s wise to consider other flooring types that can deliver on the needs of your home. 

Vinyl has become a heavily trusted flooring option. In recent years, luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, has progressed into one of the most popular choices for homes across the country. The product includes a durable vinyl composition with an attractive texture on the surface. LVT is long-lasting and is made to stand up to scuffs and other damage that could come from heavy foot traffic. These floors are thick and can recreate the look of hardwood planks without the need for an intricate installation or the high price associated with real wood. Generally speaking, LVT will cost between $2 and $5 per square foot, while the cost of hardwood could range from $8 to $25 per square foot, depending on the type of hardwood that is purchased.

LVT can handle water droplets and spills, and evolving technology is working on making vinyl flooring more resistant to water than ever before. This means that if water is properly cleaned once it hits the floor’s surface, it will not need to be replaced. (While laminate flooring has water-resistant qualities, technology is progressing so that the latest vinyl floors can be deemed waterproof, while laminate floors cannot.) With all of its performance benefits, LVT makes a great substitution for wood and laminate floors as it can withstand more than hardwood and laminate can without needing heavy maintenance. And, LVT can realistically replicate the look of real wood without the high price point that hardwood typically goes for.

Laminate is often chosen for homes because it provides a realistic wood visual atop a flooring material that can handle more of the elements than hardwood can. But one of the most impervious types of flooring and wall material is tile. Selecting a tile product with a realistic wood visual is a great way to bring a trendy rustic look to any space while also installing a product that is strong enough for moisture of any kind. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are strong and can naturally stand up to water, meaning they will not be damaged or warped like laminate flooring would be if it gets wet. 

With modern printing technology, a variety of artistic visuals can be added to a tile surface — including those of other types of flooring. Many tile products on the market today look nearly identical to wood or laminate visually but can be installed to a space where other hard surface flooring may not be suitable, such as bathrooms and other spaces that see a lot of wetness. Ceramic tile is a low-cost option for a premium visual, typically costing between $2 and $8 per square foot. Porcelain, a slightly more durable option, is a bit pricier at $4 to $12 per square foot, not including the cost of installation. Is wood-look tile for you? Check out these tips for how to clean and maintain wood-look tile floors to keep them in tip-top shape.

With so many hard surface flooring options, many of them being of vinyl composition, sheet vinyl often gets overlooked. But the well-established floor product shouldn’t be left out of the flooring conversation. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers, plus it is strong, water-resistant, and easy to care for. Sheet vinyl can deliver on any style that a homeowner could be looking for by offering visuals that are modern, classic, and artistic. According to Lowes, the least expensive sheet vinyl can be purchased for as low as 64 cents per square foot.

But be aware, sheet vinyl is thin and should not be installed in an area of the home that has too much activity. It is better suited for areas that only see one or two people at a time, like bathrooms and pantries, rather than a space that many people will be running through at once. Spaces like a guest bathroom would be the ideal room for sheet vinyl, especially considering how easy it is to keep clean.

If you’re looking for a temporary solution to make laminate a better fit in the home, consider placing an area rug over your floors. Laminate is not the best sound absorber, meaning that a laminate floor in an active household won’t do much to muffle noise that travels through the home. An area rug would help absorb the sound and be more quiet underfoot with its soft loom. There is such a large variety of area rugs on the market with an endless range of different sizes and styles, so it’s still possible to find a small area rug for under $100 that can add softness to any floor in a pinch.  

Plus, adding an area rug atop a laminate floor could help preserve the laminate’s integrity. For example, if a laminate floor is installed in a room that sees a lot of foot traffic, it is likely to get dented or scuffed. The addition of an area rug will keep damage such as water and dirt off of the laminate, keeping it in pristine condition for an extended period of time. Also, laminate can get cold in the winter months. An area rug can add some warmth to any room, which is especially nice for households that have young children or pets. Keep in mind that an area rug should not be considered a permanent solution for a laminate floor, as rugs typically require their own maintenance needs. It is, however, an easy, low-cost way to improve the look and feel of laminate without a major renovation.