How Much Does It Cost To Install Laminate Flooring in Ireland?
In recent years, Laminate flooring has become increasingly popular in Irish households. Laminate flooring is suitable for all areas in the home due to its durability. Some factors that influence the cost of laminate flooring include thickness, durability and finish. When renovating your floors remember to consider the full project cost as opposed to just the purchase price. In this blog, we will look at cost factors, installation, tips for cost reduction, and cost-effectiveness. It is important to be informed about the different flooring options which would be best suited to your home. Here at Des Kelly Interiors, we can help with that as we have a wide range of laminate flooring to suit everyone’s needs.
Understanding Laminate Flooring Costs in Ireland
Laminate flooring is a cost-effective solution for those who are looking to enhance their homes aesthetics. The cost of laminate flooring depends on a number of factors including materials, design and labor costs. Customers can reduce cost of laminate flooring by understanding the factors that influence it.
Price Range of Laminate flooring
The price range of flooring can vary depending on many factors.
For one, brand recognition can impact the pricing of laminate flooring. Well-known brands often have a higher perceived value among consumers compared to lesser-known brands. They often offer longer warranties and assurances of quality which is why they are marked at a higher price.
Unique styles can influence price. For example, some feature more realistic wood or stone patterns which command a higher price.
The price can vary between rural and urban areas in Ireland due to availability, transportation and labor costs. Labor costs can be higher in urban areas due to higher living expenses.
Laminate floors have ratings based on their durability. Rating levels are designated AC1 through AC6. AC6 is the most resistant to wear and tear and stains. Most residential floorings are AC3-AC4, the higher the rating, the higher the price tends to be.
Laminate flooring with longer and more thorough warranties typically come at a higher price. Longer warranties can indicate the manufacturer’s confidence in the floor’s durability, therefore coming in at a higher price point.
Factors Affecting Laminate Flooring Prices
Many factors influence laminate flooring prices:
- Material composition and manufacturing processes play a significant role in determining the cost of laminate flooring in Ireland. Laminate flooring has several layers and materials including high-density fiberboard or medium-density fiberboard cores. High-density fiberboard tends to be more durable and therefore more expensive. The quality of the decorative layer, wear layer and backing layers will impact the quality and cost of laminate flooring.
- Whether the laminate flooring is imported or manufactured locally will affect the cost price. Imported laminate flooring may have higher transportation costs, import duties and currency exchange rates which can lead to overall higher prices. Flooring manufactured in Ireland may have lower transportation costs which can reduce the overall price.
- Larger floor dimensions require more material to cover the area. Therefore laminate flooring cost tends to increase depending on how large the floor dimensions are.
- Thicker laminate flooring typically is more expensive as it offers more durability.
- Seasonal price fluctuations can affect the cost of laminate flooring in Ireland as demand may be higher during certain times of the year, for example, spring and summer. As a result, increased demand during these periods can lead to higher pricing.
- Manufacturers may offer discounts during slower seasons to attract customers.
- Environmental certifications also impact the cost of laminate flooring as manufacturers have to invest in sustainable materials and processes which can lead to price increases.
How Much Does it Cost to Lay Laminate Flooring in Ireland?
Next, we’ll look at installation prices and any extras which may lead to additional costs.
DIY vs Professional Installation Costs
When weighing up whether to install laminate floors yourself or to get a professional in there are many cost factors to look at. For DIY installation you will need to acquire/ buy the required tools- measuring tape, pencil, hammer, crowbar, taping block, jigsaw, gloves, spacers and bevel tool. In terms of materials, you will require laminate flooring, underlayment, transition pieces, baseboards and trim, adhesive (optional), tapping block, pull bar and cleaning supplies. If installing laminate flooring yourself, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before starting the project.
Although installing laminate flooring yourself will save you money, if you aren’t familiar with the process we recommend hiring a professional as it avoids common installation mistakes. Failing to remove bumps or uneven spots before installing can cause the laminate to buckle. Our fitters are all trained with the quick step master installer course, ensuring you’re left with the perfect finish. The average cost for installing laminate flooring per square meter by professionals is typically between €10-€12. Time is also another thing to weigh up when deciding whether to install the floors yourself or to get a professional. If you are installing laminate flooring for the first time it will take significantly longer than a professional.
Fitting warranties only cover laminate flooring that are installed by a professional fitter. If you install the floors incorrectly you will not be covered under the warranty, which is also something to consider when debating between DIY and professionals.
Additional Costs to Consider
When pricing laminate floors for your home it is important to consider all additional costs you may incur.
Pre-installation assessments are crucial before installing laminate flooring. Pre-installation assessments include subfloor evaluation, checking moisture levels and potential floor levelling. Here at Des Kelly Interiors, we have a free pre-assessment service.
The cost of removal and disposal of existing flooring. Here at Des Kelly Interiors, we offer a complete uplift and disposal service of old floors and carpets all of which we try to recycle to minimise the impact on the environment. The cost of disposal varies depending on size and floor type.
Delivery charges for materials can vary depending on where you are living. This is important to consider when purchasing laminate flooring as transportation costs can increase according to this. Here at Des Kelly Interiors, our delivery cost for flooring starts at €40.
Adding underlay can increase the price when installing laminate flooring. Although adding underlay can increase the price it is beneficial as it gives the floor a longer lifespan. The price to purchase underlay with us starts at as little as €1.25 per square meter. Edging and finishing materials can increase the price but ensure the floors have a polished finish.
Although laminate floors are low maintenance you may still incur cleaning and repair costs over time.
Laminate Flooring: Is it a Cost-Effective Option?
Laminate flooring has become increasingly popular in Ireland due to its cost efficiency. This section of the blog will look at the durability of laminate flooring and also look at maintenance costs compared to other types of flooring.
Longevity and Durability
Laminate flooring can last between 15-25 years depending on the quality of the floor, maintenance, foot traffic and wear and tear the floor receives. The lifespan of laminate flooring can exceed other types like vinyl and carpet if properly cared for. Alternatively, if you are looking for a floor with a longer lifespan hardwood engineered floors may be the way to go as they tend to last between 30-100 years but will cost more. Most laminate flooring has a wear layer which makes it resistant to scratches and water. Although it has this protective layer, high foot traffic, pets and moisture can impact the floor over time. We recommend cleaning up spills immediately and using rugs in high-traffic areas to help prolong the floor’s lifetime. Establishing weekly cleaning and using a damp rag with laminate floor cleaner when cleaning will help maintain the condition of your floors. The quality of flooring and the manufacturer will play a role in the length of the warranty and also whether the flooring is used in a residential or commercial setting. The average warranty length ranges from 10 to 30 years.
Maintenance Cost Compared to Other Flooring Types
Maintaining laminate floors involves both daily and occasional deep cleaning routines. Remember when deep cleaning to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the cleaning solution is suitable for laminate floors. Avoid using steam cleaners or abrasive tools as this can damage the laminate surface. You may want to invest in a microfibre mop for deep cleaning as they are gentle enough to use on laminate flooring, these can range in price starting as low as €11.99. If you are looking for a cheaper cleaning solution you can use a home remedy like white vinegar, other cleaning solutions for laminate floors include HG laminate floor cleaner. Laminate flooring is generally quite resistant to spills and stains but it is important to employ daily and deep cleaning routines to prevent any damage. Laminate floors are a cost-effective investment as with proper maintenance and care they will last you the full 15-25 year period which means you won’t need to worry about replacing your floors during this time. Laminate flooring is ideal for renovations as they are easily updated compared to other types of floors, individual planks can be replaced easily as a lot of laminate floors have a click lock installation system.
Transform Your Home With Des Kelly Interiors
Overall laminate flooring is a cost-effective option for homeowners due to its durability combined with aesthetic appeal. Laminate flooring will save Irish homeowners money in the long run due to its easy cleaning routine and resistance to spills and stains. Here at Des Kelly Interiors, we have 50+ years of experience in flooring and have a wide range of laminate flooring options which you can view here or visit us in-store. We also offer a free home consultation where we will bring our showroom to you. We are committed to providing the best quality to our customers. Contact us today to find your perfect laminate flooring.