High gloss laminate flooring has rapidly become a go-to choice for homeowners, interior designers, and business owners alike. The appeal of its sleek, shiny, mirror-like finish combined with the practicality of laminate makes it an ideal option for those who want to elevate the aesthetics of their space without the high cost associated with hardwood or marble. Its versatility and affordability make it a popular alternative to traditional flooring materials, but as with any flooring solution, it comes with its own set of pros and cons.
This type of flooring is specifically designed to mimic the appearance of more expensive materials, providing a sophisticated and polished look at a fraction of the price. It’s particularly favored in modern homes, open-plan offices, and contemporary spaces where a clean, reflective surface is desired. However, while the high gloss finish can brighten up a room and make smaller spaces feel more expansive, it also has its drawbacks, such as being more prone to showing scratches, dust, and imperfections.
In this detailed exploration, we will examine 10 pros and 10 cons of high gloss laminate flooring to help you weigh whether this stylish option fits your needs. From the benefits of easy maintenance and affordability to potential downsides like its slipperiness and vulnerability to water damage, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of what to expect with high gloss laminate flooring. By the end of the article, you’ll have all the insights needed to make an informed choice that suits both your design preferences and practical considerations.
Pros Of High Gloss Laminate Flooring
1. Stunning Visual Appeal
High gloss laminate flooring delivers an unmistakable visual impact with its sleek and polished finish. The reflective quality of the surface creates a sense of sophistication and elegance, transforming a standard room into a high-end space. The shine can give your home a modern, luxurious feel, similar to the effect of polished hardwood or marble, without the high maintenance or cost.
2. Cost-Effective Alternative To Hardwood
One of the main reasons many choose high gloss laminate flooring is its affordability. Compared to traditional hardwood, high gloss laminate is significantly cheaper while still providing a similar aesthetic. For homeowners on a budget, this offers the perfect opportunity to achieve a high-end look without the financial strain. In addition, the installation costs are often lower due to its user-friendly click-and-lock installation system, which can even be done as a DIY project.
3. Ease Of Cleaning
High gloss laminate flooring is incredibly easy to clean. Its smooth, non-porous surface means dirt, dust, and spills can be wiped away quickly with little effort. This makes it ideal for households with children, pets, or heavy foot traffic. Regular sweeping or vacuuming, along with occasional mopping, will keep the floor looking shiny and new. The reflective surface also ensures that dust and dirt are easily spotted, prompting quick clean-ups.
4. Scratch Resistance
Though not immune to damage, high gloss laminate flooring typically features a protective wear layer that makes it more resistant to scratches and scuffs than traditional wood flooring. This added durability makes it suitable for areas of the home that experience heavy foot traffic, such as living rooms, hallways, and kitchens. While real hardwood can easily show signs of wear over time, high gloss laminate provides a more resilient surface that maintains its shine longer.
5. Enhances Light And Space
One unique benefit of high gloss laminate flooring is its ability to reflect light. The glossy surface helps to bounce natural and artificial light around the room, creating a brighter, more open feel. This is particularly beneficial in smaller rooms or spaces that lack windows or natural light. The reflective nature of the floor can make the room feel larger and more inviting, which is especially useful in compact apartments or rooms with limited lighting.
6. Stain Resistance
High gloss laminate flooring is often resistant to staining due to its protective finish. Spills, food, and other potential staining agents are less likely to seep into the surface, making them easier to clean up without leaving lasting marks. Whether it’s a spilled cup of coffee or a pet accident, you can simply wipe it away, maintaining the pristine look of your flooring.
7. Quick And Simple Installation
Laminate flooring is known for its easy and quick installation, and high gloss versions are no exception. Most high gloss laminate products come with a user-friendly click-and-lock system, which makes the installation process significantly faster and easier compared to traditional wood flooring. For DIY enthusiasts, this can be a major advantage, reducing labor costs and allowing for a smooth, hassle-free installation process.
8. Hypoallergenic Properties
High gloss laminate flooring is an excellent option for people with allergies. Unlike carpets, which can trap dust, allergens, and pet dander, laminate flooring has a smooth surface that can be easily cleaned. This helps to reduce the number of allergens in the home, improving air quality and making it a great option for those with respiratory issues like asthma or allergies.
9. Moderate Moisture Resistance
Although not fully waterproof, high gloss laminate flooring can handle small amounts of moisture better than some other types of flooring, particularly in high-quality products. Spills or minor water exposure won’t immediately damage the floor if they’re cleaned up promptly. This makes high gloss laminate suitable for areas like kitchens, mudrooms, or entryways where occasional moisture may be present, though it is not recommended for rooms with constant moisture, like bathrooms.
10. Wide Variety Of Designs
High gloss laminate flooring is available in an extensive range of designs, textures, and colors. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional wood look, a modern sleek finish, or even a bold, exotic pattern, high gloss laminate provides a wide array of choices to suit your home’s interior design. This allows you to tailor the flooring to your personal style, ensuring that it complements the rest of your decor seamlessly.
Cons Of High Gloss Laminate Flooring
1. Shows Scratches And Imperfections Easily
One of the primary disadvantages of high gloss laminate flooring is its tendency to show scratches and imperfections more visibly than other types of flooring. Although it is scratch-resistant, it’s not scratch-proof. Small scuffs, dents, or scratches from furniture, pets, or foot traffic may stand out more on a shiny surface. Over time, this can detract from the floor’s pristine appearance, particularly in areas with heavy use.
2. Slippery Surface
High gloss laminate flooring can be slippery, especially when wet. This creates a potential hazard, particularly in homes with young children, elderly residents, or pets. The smooth, polished surface doesn’t provide much traction, increasing the risk of slips and falls. If you’re considering this flooring for areas like kitchens or bathrooms, where moisture is common, you may need to add rugs or mats to reduce the risk of accidents.
3. Requires Frequent Cleaning
While the glossy surface is easy to clean, it also tends to show dirt, dust, and smudges more easily than other types of flooring. Footprints, pet paw prints, and dust can become quickly visible, especially in bright lighting. As a result, high gloss laminate floors may require more frequent cleaning to maintain their sleek, polished appearance. In homes with children or pets, daily cleaning might be necessary to keep the floor looking spotless.
4. Not Ideal For High Humidity Areas
High gloss laminate flooring is not recommended for high-humidity areas, such as bathrooms or basements. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause the laminate to warp, swell, or buckle, especially if the flooring is not specifically designed for moisture resistance. If water seeps into the seams between the planks, it can cause irreversible damage. In humid climates or rooms where moisture is a concern, it may be better to opt for tile or vinyl flooring instead.
5. Cannot Be Refinished
Unlike hardwood flooring, which can be sanded and refinished to restore its original look, high gloss laminate cannot be refinished once it’s damaged. If the flooring becomes scratched, dented, or worn, the only option is to replace the damaged planks. This limitation reduces the overall lifespan of laminate compared to hardwood, as any significant wear or damage requires replacement rather than restoration.
6. Artificial Feel Underfoot
While high gloss laminate is designed to mimic the look of real wood, it can still feel artificial underfoot. The synthetic nature of the material may not provide the same warmth or texture that natural wood flooring offers. Some people find the plastic-like feel of laminate flooring less appealing than the tactile experience of walking on natural materials like hardwood or stone.
7. Noisy When Walked On
Laminate flooring, including high gloss varieties, can be noisy when walked on, particularly if no underlayment is used. Footsteps can create a hollow or echoing sound, which can be distracting in open-concept living spaces or homes with high ceilings. Installing a sound-absorbing underlayment can help mitigate this issue, but it’s something to keep in mind if noise is a concern in your home.
8. Vulnerable To Water Damage
While high gloss laminate is resistant to small spills, it is not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to water or standing moisture can cause the flooring to warp, swell, or develop bubbles. This makes it a less-than-ideal choice for rooms with constant moisture, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements. If water damage occurs, the affected planks may need to be replaced entirely, which can be costly and time-consuming.
9. Lower Resale Value
Compared to hardwood, high gloss laminate flooring doesn’t add as much resale value to your home. While it offers a polished, high-end look, potential buyers may perceive it as less desirable than natural materials. If you plan to sell your home in the future, it’s worth considering whether laminate flooring will provide the return on investment you’re hoping for.
10. Sensitive To Sunlight
High gloss laminate flooring can be sensitive to direct sunlight, causing it to fade or discolor over time. Rooms with large windows or constant sun exposure may see their floors lose some of their original shine and color. To prevent UV damage, you may need to use curtains, blinds, or UV-protective window treatments. Regularly rearranging furniture and using area rugs can also help reduce sun exposure to certain areas of the floor.
Conclusion
High gloss laminate flooring is a versatile, stylish, and cost-effective option that can transform any space with its modern, polished finish. Its ability to mimic the look of expensive hardwood or marble at a fraction of the cost makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious homeowners. Additionally, its easy maintenance and wide variety of design options make it a practical choice for many spaces.
However, it’s essential to consider its potential downsides, such as its susceptibility to scratches, slipperiness, and water damage. While it offers excellent visual appeal and durability in many cases, it may not be the best choice for every room, particularly in areas with high humidity or constant moisture. By weighing the pros and cons outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs, lifestyle, and design preferences.