There’s something about wood flooring that gives your space a luxurious feel. Unfortunately, that luxury comes at a pretty high cost.
However, you don’t have to settle for a low-quality flooring product. Instead, you can enhance your home or business affordably with Hampton Bay laminate flooring.
Laminate flooring like the products offered by Hampton Bay are growing in popularity because they provide the look of expensive solid hardwoods at a fraction of the price. However, as with any other type of flooring, some look and perform better than others. Is Hampton Bay a leader in the industry … or do its flooring products fall flat?
In this guide, we’re going to break down different features about this flooring to help you make the smartest purchasing decision. We’ll look at average price when compared to similar brands, ease of installation, and available styles and colors. By taking this deep dive into this brand of flooring, you can see if it’s a product that can last a lifetime in your home, or one that falls short.
Is Hampton Bay Laminate Flooring Durable?
Sure, your flooring may look great now, but how will it look in a year … or ten years? Even if the price seem right for your new laminate, you’ll find that costs quickly add up if the flooring has to be replaced every few years. Is Hampton Bay laminate durable, or will you be picking out new flooring again in the near future?
Hampton Bay laminate flooring is fairly durable. However, there are a few drawbacks pointed out by customers that have purchased this brand. One common complaint was that when the flooring was received, it was already chipped. If this occurs, you can send the flooring back for replacement, but some people don’t want to deal with the hassle.
Other people complained that while the floor held up very well after installation, it was quite difficult to install, and some of the planks were damaged during installation. Several customers have stated that adjusting the planks resulted in chips to the flooring.
All of this aside, though, the flooring is very durable once it’s properly in place. Some customers have stated that their flooring has retained its beauty and has been undamaged for over ten years.
As with other laminate products, there are a few precautions you can take to get the most out of your Hampton Bay flooring. Keeping pet nails trimmed, not sliding heavy furniture, and using felt pads and leg protectors can help prevent scratching that may occur. It is important to note, however, that laminate is more resistant to scratching than other types of bare flooring, such as hardwoods.
You should also avoid getting your laminate wet, as this can cause your floors to warp, buckle, or stain. For that reason, Hampton Bay laminate isn’t suitable for installation in bathrooms or other rooms with high levels of moisture or humidity. All spills should be promptly cleaned, and you should avoid the use of wet mops or steam mops.
Laminate may also fade over time, especially when exposed to UV light. Protect your floors using area rugs or by using window treatments in areas with excessive sunlight.
To ensure that your floors are of the highest quality, the manufacturer offers a 25-year residential warranty. Please note that like other warranties for flooring, this does not cover damage due to misuse or improper installation.
How Much Does It Cost?
Laminate flooring is usually one of the most cost-effective flooring solutions, particularly when compared to hardwood – which can cost $10 or more per square foot. Although laminate pricing varies, expect to pay between $1 and $5 per square foot. Where does Hampton Bay’s flooring products fall in this range?
You’ll find that Hampton Bay laminate is extremely affordable. Though the pricing varies based on a number of factors, including the style you purchase, you will pay approximately $1 to $3 per square foot for your new flooring. This is on the lower end when compared to other flooring brands.
One thing to remember is that there will be additional costs with your project. This includes professional installation costs, or – if you choose to install it yourself – the cost of tools and materials.
One last thing to note is that you should never purchase new flooring solely based on the price. You should consider all other factors in this guide before making your decision.
How Do I Maintain My Floors?
Many households love laminate due to how easy it is to clean and maintain, and the products from Hampton Bay are no exception. Keeping your flooring looking its best takes just a few minutes each day.
To clean your laminate floors, you’ll use a broom or laminate vacuum to get up daily dirt, dust, and debris. If using a vacuum, make sure to use one without a beater bar that’s specifically for bare floor use, as other types may damage your flooring. You can also place doormats at your entrances to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked on your floors.
If your floors become very dirty or sticky, you can use a cleaning product specifically for use on laminate floors. Simply spray small areas with your floor and follow with a dry cloth or dry mop. Never use a wet mop, which can damage your laminates.
What Styles & Colors Are Available?
One of the areas where Hampton Bay laminate flooring falls short is its lack of color and style selections. If you’re looking for the latest trendy colors and styles in flooring, consider shopping another brand. Hampton Bay has a limited number of colors and styles, and most are on the more traditional side.
There are quite a few classic styles to choose from. Perry Hickory, Keller Cherry, and Alexander Oak are among the available selections. If you’re looking for very light or very dark flooring, you won’t find it here.
However, if you do prefer the classic look of woods like oak and maple, the choices from Hampton Bay may be enough for you. You can also purchase floor samples for just a few bucks so that you can compare colors and find the shade that best fits your home.
Is Professional Installation Required?
You do not have to get professional installation of your Hampton Bay laminate floors. However, one of the most common complaints about this flooring is that it is more difficult to install than other brands. Even professionals had some trouble installing this flooring, so that is something to take into consideration before tackling the job yourself.
Hampton Bay laminate has a tongue-and-groove design that allows you to install it as a floating floor. Normally, this is one of the easiest ways to install flooring. However, customers have complained that the grooves are difficult to align, some gaping occurred, and the planks chipped when trying to realign them.
This doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to install these floors yourself, though. But it is important to be aware of these factors. You must also set aside plenty of time to do the job correctly, as improper installation can result in damage to your floors.
You will also need a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, tape measure, and power saw to do the job properly. You’ll also need to purchase additional supplies, such as underlayment and trim piece. You can, of course, skip over this by hiring a professional, but this will add more money to the total cost of your project.
Final Verdict
There are some benefits of Hampton Bay laminate flooring, but there are a few drawbacks worth noting as well. Let’s start off with the positive features of this flooring.
Hampton Bay laminate is extremely affordable, so it’s great for those on a budget. Compared to other laminate – especially flooring at the same price point – it is extremely durable. It also comes backed with a 25-year warranty. Cleaning and maintenance is also easy, so you won’t spend hours cleaning your floors.
On the downside, though, there have been several complaints about how difficult installing this flooring can be. Even consumers with prior experience installing laminate found that Hampton Bay was more difficult to install than other brands, and some planks ended up damaged during the installation process.
There is also a lack of colors and styles. If you like the classic look of oak, maple, and hickory, you’ll be happy. However, if you want unique colors or floors that mimic exotic wood species, consider purchasing another brand.
Overall, Hampton Bay laminate is a good choice for anyone who wants low-maintenance floors that look like solid hardwood at an affordable price.
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