Factors to Consider in Laminate Flooring Pricing

A home remodeling project with laminate flooring requires you to research laminate flooring pricing. Some people just grab the first laminate floor materials they come across without comparing costs. However, there are many differences in laminate flooring choices. To make the best selection, it is imperative to understand the relationship of features to laminate flooring pricing.

HPL vs. DPL Laminates

The layers of laminate floors are manufactured in two different ways. In HPL, or High Pressure Laminate, a core is made. Then, there are layers that are made and treated separately before being fused around the core for a total of 5 layers. The High Pressure Laminate has a very hard surface.
DPL, or Direct Pressure Laminate, also is made the same way, but has one less layer. It is still strong enough for most residential uses. The DPL laminate flooring pricing is usually less expensive, and it should be more than adequate in your home.

Abrasion Class Rating

Another factor that figures into laminate flooring pricing is the Abrasion Class Rating, or AC Rating. This is a measurement of impact-resistance determined by an organization outside the laminate flooring manufacturers. The ratings go from AC1, which is moderate residential, to AC5, which is heavy commercial. While the laminate flooring pricing in this area goes from lowest to highest here, that is not necessarily an indication of quality. It is partly a sign of the type of application the particular laminate flooring is best suited for.

Installation Types

The way a laminate floor is meant to be installed also affects the laminate flooring pricing. There is one type of laminate that is installed by clicking it into place with your hands. This is a very inexpensive type of laminate. The glue-down type is not only more expensive, it is also messier. If you purchase laminate flooring with built-in underlayment or padding, it will cost more, but without it you may have to consider the cost of buying these flooring supplies separately.

Embossing vs. Smooth

The laminate flooring pricing of embossed surfaces vs. smooth surfaces is not exactly clear cut. Some laminates have embossing that makes them look like they have a natural wood grain, a distressed wood look, or a simple texturing that gives the appearance of a natural flooring type. Others are simply smooth and rely on their photographic layer to convey the appearance desired. Sometimes the cost difference is a matter of availability, and sometimes the plain is cheaper because it is easier to manufacture. In any case, consider the laminate flooring pricing before you make your decision about purchasing your laminate flooring.