Know the Factors Affecting the Laminate Flooring Installation Cost
Laminate floorings are engineered planks that get manufactured from pressed wood. Wooden blocks are compressed to form panels, which are laid over a foam surface. It gives the soft feel characteristics. They are a cost-effective, convenient, and durable option for residential use.
Getting quotes from the installer is easy. Check floordomain.com for a database to start searching for a reputable laminate flooring installer around your locality in Australia. To determine the laminate flooring installation cost,you will need to consider several aspects.
Square footage – Measure your floors to find out the square footage needed. Add an extra 10% to the number for trimmed and waste pieces.
Laminate types – The panels designed from the trees they came from determines the cost. Acacia laminates are affordable and walnut planks are costly. Other options are elm, maple, and oak. Every laminate has its personal tone and design that adds uniqueness.
Laminate texture and finishes – There are a variety of textures & finishes, which can offer the flooring a genuine hardwood appearance. The finishes can impact the laminate flooring installation charges. The popular textures are –
- The embossed look resembles hardwood infused between laminate panel layers.
- Handscraped laminate panels use a special pressing technique and are costly than the embossed planks.
Laminate quality – The laminate’s overall thickness, wear layer, and bottom layer type impacts flooring quality. For example, the attached underlayment or a vapor barrier in the laminate flooring increases the cost but saves money down the road.
Laminate brand – Besides, quality even brands differ in prices. Several brands price their basic collection around $1 to $3 per sq. foot whereas a few charges their basic collection around $1.55 to $3.70 per sq. foot.
Who installs it – Who will do the installation – professional or you? The floating floor option is a great DIY option, which allows for significant savings. If you are not a DIY type then professional installer’s charges will need to get covered in your budget.
Job complexity – The installer’s charges will increase if the job is complex. If laminates need to be installed around electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, then the cost will rise. If the flooring has to get fitted in small and tight places there will be a need for cutting, which can add to the cost.
Subfloor condition – Floating floor laminates can be installed on any kind of existing flooring. However, the flooring condition will affect the final installation expense. There may be a need to prepare the subfloor like removing old nails or dried glue or have it leveled.
Extra material needed – You may need to buy extra material like underlayment for laminate flooring that doesn’t have any attached. Baseboards, transition pieces, or caulking also cost extra.
Where you reside – If installers need to drive more miles to your home in a remote location, then expect extra on trip charges.