Laminate Flooring by Carpet Services Incorporated (CSI)

Laminate flooring typically costs between $2 and $5 per square foot for materials, with installation adding $2 to $4 per square foot for a total range of $4 to $9 per square foot installed. Entry-level laminates with basic wood-look prints start at the lower end, while premium products with embossed-in-register textures, beveled edges, and waterproof cores run toward the higher end. Carpet Services Incorporated offers competitive direct-to-consumer pricing at their Addison showroom, where you receive an itemized estimate covering materials, underlayment, transitions, and installation labor with no hidden fees.

Waterproof laminate features a dense core made from materials such as stone-plastic composite or high-density fiberboard treated with water-repellent resins, and its locking joints are sealed with hydrophobic wax coatings. This construction means spills can sit on the surface for up to 72 hours without causing swelling or warping — a significant improvement over traditional laminate, which can swell within hours of exposure. However, no laminate is truly submersible, and standing water should always be wiped up promptly. Carpet Services Incorporated carries waterproof laminate options ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements common in Chicagoland homes.

Yes, laminate flooring can be installed over many existing hard surfaces including vinyl, tile, and hardwood, provided the substrate is flat, dry, and structurally sound. Laminate is a floating floor — the planks lock together and are not glued or nailed to the subfloor — so the existing surface simply needs to meet flatness tolerances of roughly 3/16 inch in 10 feet. Carpet must always be removed before laminate installation. Carpet Services Incorporated evaluates your existing floor during the free measurement visit and handles any necessary removal or subfloor preparation as part of the project.

Quality laminate flooring typically lasts 15 to 25 years in residential settings, depending on the AC abrasion rating, household traffic, and maintenance practices. AC3-rated laminate is suitable for moderate residential traffic and lasts 15 to 20 years, while AC4 and AC5 ratings are designed for heavy residential and commercial traffic respectively and can exceed 25 years with proper care. The key to longevity is keeping the floor dry, using furniture pads, and maintaining the underlayment in good condition. Carpet Services Incorporated stocks AC3 through AC5 laminates and recommends the right rating based on your specific traffic level and household needs.

Laminate flooring uses a high-density fiberboard core topped with a photographic image layer and a protective aluminum-oxide wear coat, while luxury vinyl plank uses a waterproof PVC core with a vinyl film layer and urethane wear surface. The primary differences are water resistance and feel underfoot: luxury vinyl is fully waterproof and has a slightly softer, warmer feel, while laminate offers a harder surface that more closely mimics the tap and density of real hardwood. Laminate generally costs less than luxury vinyl at comparable quality levels. Both are available at CSI's Addison showroom, and their consultants can help you decide which suits your home and budget.

Laminate flooring can increase a home's appeal to buyers and typically offers a return on investment of 50 to 70 percent of the installation cost, though it does not command the same premium as real hardwood. It is an especially smart investment for homes preparing for sale in the Chicagoland market, where outdated flooring is one of the top reasons buyers reduce their offer. Waterproof laminate in kitchens and basements can be a strong selling point. Carpet Services Incorporated's design consultants can recommend laminate styles and colors that appeal to broad buyer preferences in the greater Chicago area.