Laminate Flooring vs Carpet: Comparison of Costs, Pros & Cons
Written by: BuildDirect
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Time to read 3 min
Choosing between carpet vs laminate can be tough and time consuming. There are many different factors to consider. Where will you be installing your new flooring? How is the space going to be used? Who will be using the room?
Both types of flooring provide various benefits, but ultimately the decision boils down to personal taste and need. To help you make the right decision, let’s walk through a side-by-side comparison of the pros and cons and how each type of flooring impacts your bottom line.
Pros
Laminate Flooring Pros
Laminate flooring’s click lock system makes it ideal for the DIYer. Laminate goes down quickly and requires very few tools. Maintenance consists of simply sweeping or vacuuming and dust mopping regularly—no extensive maintenance required. This is good news for allergy sufferers! When damaged, laminate flooring can be replaced with a little flooring repair know-how. Some laminate is scratch- and water-resistant, making it a great option for homes with kids and pets. The protective wear layer also protects against fading and stains. Thanks to advancements in flooring technology, laminate’s wood looks have come a long way. The realism combined with affordability make laminate a tough flooring choice to beat.
Carpet Flooring Pros
Carpet, specifically carpet tile, is very easy to install. The self-adhesive tiles are quick and easy to put down. They are also easy to maintain, requiring routine vacuuming and the occasional spot cleaning. Carpet tiles are highly durable. They can withstand the rough play of kids and pets, the impact from dropped household items, and the wear associated with high foot traffic. If a carpet tile becomes damaged, simply pull it up and replace it. Carpet tile provides a higher level of comfort underfoot, insulatory benefits, and is quiet to walk on. In addition to installing indoors, carpet tile can be used outdoors as well. When it comes to variety, the sky’s the limit. Carpet tile comes in a seemingly endless range of styles, colors, patterns, and textures. Mix and match to create unique flooring designs!
Cons
Laminate Flooring Cons
Laminate flooring is a hard surface flooring and it is much harder than carpet—and colder. When walking on laminate, it tends to have a hollow sound. Extended exposure to moisture will permanently damage laminate.
Carpet Flooring Cons
Carpet tends to absorb odors and moisture as well as attract allergens. Blotting up spills is not as simple as the swipe of a dry towel. Deep cleaning is recommended once a year, which is an added cost. Carpet tile typically lasts 10 to 12 years depending on quality and where it is installed.
Carpet tile will require additional steps for installing over a concrete subfloor. For more information on installing over concrete please read our complete installation instructions.
Cost
The Cost of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring can cost anywhere from $1 per square foot to $5. Add another $1 to $3 per square foot for professional installation, or plan on doing it yourself in order to save this expense.
What about your old flooring? If you choose to remove it, you can save more; however, professional removal of old laminate flooring can cost roughly $400 for a 200-square foot area.
Something to consider is the condition of your subfloor. If it is not level or is damaged, this will certainly impact your bottom line. Should you choose to have an installer inspect and make repairs to your subfloor, it can cost an estimated $550 for 300-square feet.
The Cost of Carpet Flooring
Comparable to laminate in price, carpet tile ranges from $1 to $4 per square foot. You can certainly install carpet tiles yourself, saving on any costs associated with installation.
Depending on the type of old floor covering that needs removing, you could potentially save on the removal costs by DIYing it. Perhaps you are pulling up old carpet. On average, carpet removal runs $1 to $2 per square foot if done professionally.
Be sure to inspect your subfloor or have a professional give it a good once-over in order to avoid any future costs or disasters that can occur due to a failed subfloor.
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