In Lakewood, CO, the flooring trend is shifting. More and more homeowners are replacing their old, worn-out carpets with stylish laminate flooring that offers a fresh, modern look and practical benefits. As a flooring contractor working across the Lakewood area, I’ve had the pleasure of helping numerous clients make this transition, and the results are nothing short of impressive.
In this article, I’ll take you through the reasons why homeowners are making the switch, what the installation process looks like, and the stunning transformations that are happening all over Lakewood.
The Problem with Carpet: Why It’s Time for a Change
Carpet has long been a popular flooring choice, but it comes with its own set of challenges—especially in high-traffic areas. Over time, carpets can become stained, matted, and worn, losing their plush feel and vibrant color. They also tend to trap dust, allergens, and odors, which can be a significant downside for families with pets or allergies.
One of our recent clients in Lakewood was experiencing these exact issues. Their home’s carpet, once soft and luxurious, had become a source of frustration. Despite regular cleaning, the carpet showed visible wear, and its color had faded, making the entire room look tired and dated. They decided it was time for a flooring solution that offered both durability and easy maintenance—laminate flooring fit the bill perfectly.
Why Laminate? The Benefits of Making the Switch
Laminate flooring has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It’s designed to mimic the look of natural materials like hardwood or stone but at a fraction of the cost. Beyond affordability, laminate offers several key advantages that make it an excellent choice for Lakewood homeowners:
- Durability: Laminate is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it ideal for busy households.
- Easy Maintenance: Unlike carpet, which requires regular deep cleaning, laminate flooring is easy to maintain with just a quick sweep or mop.
- Aesthetic Versatility: With a wide range of styles, colors, and textures, laminate can complement any interior design, from rustic to modern.
- Allergen-Free Living: Laminate doesn’t trap dust or allergens, contributing to a healthier home environment.
For our Lakewood clients, these benefits were exactly what they were looking for. They chose a laminate that offered the warm, natural look of oak wood, which instantly modernized their living spaces while providing the durability they needed for their active lifestyle.
The Transformation: From Carpet to Laminate
The transformation process from carpet to laminate is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail to ensure a flawless finish. Here’s how we tackled the project for one Lakewood home:
Step 1: Carpet Removal
The first step was to remove the old carpet and padding. This can be a dusty job, but it’s a crucial part of the process. We carefully removed the carpet, taking care not to damage the subfloor underneath. Once the carpet was out, we cleaned the subfloor to prepare it for the new laminate.
Step 2: Subfloor Preparation
A smooth, even subfloor is essential for a successful laminate installation. In this case, the subfloor was in good condition, but we made sure to patch any minor imperfections and laid down an underlayment. This underlayment serves as a moisture barrier and provides a bit of cushioning, which adds to the comfort and longevity of the laminate flooring.
Step 3: Laminate Installation
With the subfloor ready, we began installing the laminate planks. Laminate is typically installed using a floating floor method, which means the planks are not glued or nailed down but instead click together over the underlayment. This method allows the floor to expand and contract with temperature changes without buckling.
For this Lakewood project, the homeowners chose wide-plank laminate in a light oak finish. The natural wood grain pattern added warmth and texture to the space, creating a seamless transition from the kitchen to the living room. As we laid each row, the room began to take on a fresh, modern feel.
The Finished Product: A Fresh, Modern Look
The final result was a complete transformation. The new laminate floors gave the home a bright, airy look that felt both modern and timeless. The light oak finish complemented the existing décor, while the durability of the laminate ensured that the floors would stand up to daily wear and tear.
The homeowners were thrilled with the change. Not only did their home look brand new, but the laminate flooring also made it feel cleaner and more inviting. The easy maintenance meant they could spend less time worrying about stains and more time enjoying their beautiful new space.
Why Lakewood Homeowners Are Loving Laminate Flooring
The project I’ve described is just one of many similar transformations happening across Lakewood. Homeowners are discovering that laminate flooring offers a cost-effective way to upgrade their homes without sacrificing style or durability. Here are a few reasons why more and more people are choosing laminate:
- Affordability: Laminate provides the look of hardwood or stone at a fraction of the cost.
- Versatility: Whether you want a sleek, modern look or a rustic, traditional feel, there’s a laminate option to suit your style.
- Durability: Laminate is built to last, standing up to the challenges of busy households with pets, kids, and high foot traffic.
- Ease of Installation: Laminate can often be installed quickly, making it a convenient choice for homeowners looking for a fast and efficient home upgrade.
Conclusion: Transform Your Home with Laminate Flooring
If your Lakewood home is in need of a flooring update, consider making the switch from carpet to laminate. As I’ve seen with many projects, this change can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your home, providing a stylish, durable, and easy-to-maintain flooring solution. Whether you’re updating a single room or your entire home, laminate flooring offers a versatile and affordable way to achieve a fresh, modern look that you’ll love for years to come.