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When it comes to frequently asked questions about laminate flooring, the most common one by far is “how long will it last?”.
The first thing that we want to look at is the definition of “how long it will last”. The truth is that the floor will almost always last longer than the manufacturers guarantee. However, if you’re expecting it to look exactly the same as when you first got it installed after 15 years then that’s a different story.
In this article when we talk about the maximum lifespan of laminate flooring, we mean that the condition won’t be as good as when it was first installed, but it also shouldn’t be damaged or severely worn down. Basically it should still look pretty good.
Obviously the lifespan of laminate floors depends on a few factors that we’ll go over in this article. If you don’t have time to read and just want a quick answer then read our summary below.
Average Laminate Floor Lifespan
The average lifespan of laminate flooring is 15 to 25 years. It can be as long as 30 years, or as short as 10 years though depending on a few things. The main factors are the quality of the flooring, whether it was properly installed, amount of foot traffic it gets, and how well it is maintained.
Factors that Affect Laminate Flooring Lifespan
Here are the top things that will affect how long your laminate flooring lasts.
Quality of the Flooring
This is the most important thing that will affect the lifespan of your laminate flooring. Not all laminate is created equal. The old saying “you get what you pay for” applies here. Going with a cheap brand is not the right move if you want it to last.
Related: Our top laminate flooring brands
Proper Installation
Almost as important as the quality of the flooring itself is the quality of the installation job. Since laminate uses a glue less system for installation it must be perfectly fitted.
Yes, it is possible to DIY with this. However, we would only recommend this if you are a seasoned handyman. It’s not quite as easy as it looks.
A safer option is to hire a reputable company that will do the job right. You can get a quote from reputable companies across the USA here.
Proper Maintenance
This is another important factor to consider. While it’s not that hard to maintain laminate, failing to clean up spills and using harsh chemical cleaners can all contribute to it not lasting as long. Make sure to read about proper laminate cleaning for more info on how to do this right.
Amount of Use
Laminate flooring is known to be pretty strong and resistant to damage. Despite this fact, excessive foot traffic can still wear it down faster. It will be a very slow process but after 10 years it might start to show. Some basic preventative measures to protect it can slow this process.
Conclusion
When it comes to the lifespan of laminate flooring there are a few factors to consider. If you follow the tips in this article you’ll keep your laminate looking good for years to come.
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