Resistant to stains, fading and moisture, laminate is one of the most popular flooring choices out there. Laminate is a synthetic flooring made of multiple layers laminated together. It has a strong external layer and resin coating for enhanced durability and longevity.

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Laminate flooring is also cost-effective. Here’s a detailed guide on how much you can expect to pay for materials and installation.

Cost of Laminate Flooring

According to data from Forbes, the cost to install laminate flooring ranges from $300 to $3,900 (CAD 405 to CAD 5,267) for a full project. The price depends on the size of the area and the type of laminate used. Installing laminate in an average-sized room will cost about $2,100 (CAD 2,835) on average. This price doesn't cover removing the existing flooring, installing baseboards, moving furniture or delivery.

Cost Per Square Foot

Installing a laminate floor costs $3 to $11 (CAD 4.05 to CAD 15) per square foot for labor and material. For the flooring alone, expect to pay between $1 and $4 (CAD 1.35 and 5.40) per square foot.

Laminate floors can mimic the look of stone or tile, but most have a wood appearance. The type of wood changes the cost. Acacia-look laminate costs around $0.70 to $2 (CAD 0.95 to CAD 2.70) per square foot, based on data from HomeGuide, while elm costs roughly $1.50 to $2.50 (CAD 2.03 to CAD 3.38) per square foot — labor costs excluded.

Price per square foot can also vary based on the texture of the laminate. Flooring with a smooth finish costs $1.70 to $2.90 (CAD 2.30 to CAD 3.92) per square foot, according to HomeGuide For something that looks more like real wood, like embossed or hand-scraped laminate, expect to pay between $1.80 and $6 (CAD 2.43 and CAD 8.10) per square foot.

Labor Costs

Installing laminate flooring will cost you around $3 to $8 (CAD 4.05 to CAD 10.80) per square foot for the labor. This cost also covers the foam underlay and glue required to do the job.

Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring

The main benefit of laminate over hardwood is cost, but saving money is only worth it if you like the synthetic look. If you’re thinking about installing laminate, here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• When compared to natural wood, laminate is more scratch- and stain-resistant.
• Laminate requires minimal maintenance. It’s easy to clean and won’t get water spots.
• You can install laminate over an existing subfloor.
• Laminate often comes in snap-together planks or tiles for easy installation.

Cons

• You can’t refinish laminate floors like real wood, so when your floor starts looking worn out, you’ll have to fully replace it.
• Laminate has a lower resale value than hardwood.
• Despite its moisture resistance, it's susceptible to damage if installed in high-moisture areas like laundry rooms or areas with floor drains.

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Other Factors to Consider With Laminate Flooring

Here are some other points to think about when choosing your laminate flooring:

AC Rating

Laminate durability is measured using AC ratings. These range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the least durable laminate floor and 5 being the longest-lasting. Usually, the highest AC rating needed for residential laminate is 4.

Laminate with a rating of 1 is suitable for low-traffic areas like bedrooms. Entryways and kitchens with high traffic typically require laminate with a rating of 3 or higher.

Warranty Length

Normally, laminate manufacturers have a warranty for their products. A 10-year warranty is common. However, a well-kept laminate floor can last up to 30 years.

Underlay

It’s advisable to find laminate with an underlay already attached. You can purchase underlay separately, and it usually comes in 100-square-foot rolls. One square foot costs around $0.50 to $3.50 (CAD 0.68 to $4.73). The price varies depending on the thickness and quality of the underlay. The disadvantage of purchasing an underlay separately is that installation will take longer, which can reflect in the overall project cost.

Removal Costs

Laying a new laminate floor over an existing one will save you a lot of time and hassle during installation, but it can often lead to an uneven floor in the future. For this reason, most contractors will remove the existing subfloor before installing a new laminate floor.

Removing the existing flooring will cost you between $0.70 and $1.60 (CAD 0.95 and CAD 2.16) per square foot. Repairing or replacing damaged subflooring typically costs between $2.20 and $4.75 (CAD 2.97 and CAD 6.41) per square foot. Budget an additional $25 to $75 (CAD 34 to CAD 101) per room if you need your installation company to remove furniture before installing your new floor.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.