Laminate flooring is one of those options that just makes sense for a lot of homes. It gives you a timber-style look, it’s generally more budget-friendly than hardwood, and it suits the day-to-day chaos of real life.
Still, like most things, it’s not all perfect, and it’s not right for every room. If you’re here because you’re weighing up the pros and cons of laminate flooring, I’ll walk you through the good, the bad, and what matters when you’re living with it.
This guide covers the real-world benefits of laminate flooring, the most common disadvantages of laminate flooring, along with a room-by-room cheat sheet so you can choose with confidence.
Quick key takeaways
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Laminate flooring is a layered product designed to mimic timber (and sometimes tile or stone looks). Most laminate planks include:
Modern laminate has come a long way. With the right colour and finish, it can look impressively close to timber, especially in wider plank styles and matte finishes.
If you want a quick “gut check” before diving into details, here it is.
You might choose another flooring type if you:
To make this more useful than the average “pros and cons” list, I spoke with Floorworld store owners about what they see in real projects, real homes, and real customer questions.
This is the number one expectation gap. Laminate flooring can definitely handle water and everyday spills, but it’s not waterproof in the same way vinyl flooring can be. If you wipe spills up quickly, you’re usually fine. If water sits, or moisture repeatedly gets into joins over time, that’s when issues can start.
Cleaning tip: With laminate, less is more. You want a well-wrung mop, not a soaking wet one. With vinyl and hybrid, you can get away with a much wetter clean. With laminate, flooding the floor during cleaning can cause long-term damage.
For a complete care and maintenance guide for your floors, check out our Floorworld Essentials Series: Flooring Care and Maintenance Guide.
One of the big positives that doesn’t get said enough is the surface toughness. Compared with other hard flooring options like vinyl, hybrid and timber, laminate generally has one of the strongest surface layers. That’s a big reason it’s a popular choice for busy homes.
This one surprises people. Even when there’s not much use, laminate floorboards can still move slightly over time. A store owner mentioned seeing examples where a property wasn’t lived in, and the laminate still shifted.
That doesn’t automatically mean something has “gone wrong”. Floating floors can respond to temperature, humidity, and installation conditions. It’s also why good prep and correct installation details matter.
Click systems make installation faster and cleaner. The downside is that if you ever need to replace a damaged board later, it can be harder than people expect. With many click systems, you often need to work back from the nearest wall or expansion point, rather than swapping a single plank in the middle.
A lot of customers assume 12mm is automatically more durable than 8mm, but thickness isn’t the main driver of durability.
Here’s the more useful way to think about it:
This one was clear, underlay is recommended for all laminate flooring. It impacts comfort, sound, and how the floor performs over time.
Wear ratings like AC3 and AC4 come up a lot. Yes, AC4 is more durable, but for customers, the point was simple: the real “need” for AC4 usually shows up at a commercial level, not most residential homes.
For households, choosing the right product for the room and installing it properly tends to matter more.
If you’re installing over a timber subfloor, choose laminate over vinyl or hybrid in many cases. The reasoning is that laminate tends to feel more solid and sturdy over timber, and can hold together better long-term, causing fewer problems down the track.
One of the biggest benefits of laminate flooring is value. If you love the look of wood flooring but don’t want the price tag (or the maintenance) of hardwood, laminate can hit a sweet spot.
Style-wise, you’ve got options. Think classic oak, modern grey, lighter “beachy” tones, and patterns that mimic herringbone looks. The range of finishes makes it easy to match your flooring to your walls, cabinetry, and overall vibe.
Most laminate is designed with a click system, which can make it quicker to lay and less disruptive than some alternatives. It also means the finish can look very clean when the prep is right.
A few installation details that make a big difference:
Laminate is a popular choice because it’s fairly low-fuss:
A small habit that pays off: treat dirt like sandpaper. The more you keep it off the floor, the longer the surface stays looking fresh.
Laminate is designed to handle foot traffic, which is why it’s common in hallways and living zones. For most households, it stands up well to the daily shuffle of kids, guests, and general wear.
If you’ve got pets, laminate can still work nicely, just be smart with prevention:
Laminate generally feels warmer than tile and can be more comfortable for daily living. Underlay choice can also reduce noise and improve that “solid underfoot” feel, especially in open-plan homes.
This is the main drawback and the reason people sometimes get caught out.
Many newer products have improved water resistance, which helps with everyday spills if you wipe them up quickly. But laminate isn’t automatically the best choice for areas that stay wet or where water frequently sits.
Also worth saying clearly, laminate can handle water, but it’s not waterproof in the same way vinyl and hybrid flooring can be.
If you’re considering laminate flooring in the kitchen, it can work well if:
For bathrooms and laundries, it’s usually smarter to consider other flooring types designed for constant moisture.
Because laminate is a floating floor it can sound “tappy” or feel slightly bouncy.
This is one of those things you don’t notice in a showroom sample, but you definitely notice once it’s installed across a whole home.
Laminate is durable, but not scratch-proof. Dragging furniture, dirt under shoes, and pets can leave marks.
Minor marks may be repaired, but significant damage often requires plank replacement rather than sanding. If you love the idea of refinishing a floor years later, laminate might not suit your long-term plan.
Laminate can’t be sanded and refinished because the “timber look” is a printed decorative layer. Timber and some engineered timber products can often be refreshed; laminate is more of a replace-when-it's-done option.
Laminate can look great on stairs, but it needs the right accessories and a proper installation. Stairs take heavy impact and safety matters, so this is not the place to rush or cut corners.
These are the laminate’s comfort zone. You get the timber look, durability, and easy cleaning. Great for high traffic.
Laminate works well in bedrooms if you want a clean, low-maintenance look. Add a rug for warmth and softness.
Laminate can suit kitchens if you choose a product built for better water resistance and keep spills under control. The biggest wins here are quick wipe-down habits and not soaking the floor when mopping.
Possible, but do it properly. Stairs need correct nosings, clean edges, and a secure finish.
These are the common ones that lead to frustration later:
When you’re choosing laminate flooring, don’t just pick the prettiest sample.
At Floorworld, you’ll see trusted brands like Quick-Step and Godfrey Hirst, Australian Select Timbers, Clever Choice, Clix, and Signature. The best choice comes down to your room type and how you actually live in the space.
Some laminate flooring is designed with improved water resistance, but not all laminate is truly waterproof. Laminate performs best when spills are wiped quickly, and it’s not always ideal for constantly wet rooms.
Usually, it’s safer to avoid steam cleaning altogether. A damp mop and the right cleaner are typically recommended for laminate flooring.
Regular vacuuming or sweeping, plus a lightly damp mop, is usually enough. Avoid soaking the surface and use a laminate-safe cleaner if needed.
It depends on product quality, thickness, and foot traffic. With correct installation and sensible care, laminate flooring can last many years in a family home.
They’re different. Timber has a natural surface and can often be refinished. Laminate is typically more budget-friendly, easier to maintain, and offers a wide range of looks. The better choice depends on your rooms and lifestyle.