Laminate Flooring in Helena, MT
Laminate floors are a budget-friendly alternative to natural hardwood. Modern laminate is waterproof, exceptionally durable, and incredibly authentic looking. At Finstad’s Carpet One Floor & Home, we’re your local laminate flooring experts and can help you make your perfect match. Our laminate flooring selection spans every style, so if you’re seeking an affordable new floor, you’ll want to keep reading!
Why Should I Consider Laminate Flooring?
- Durability: Helena's outdoor-oriented culture, with popular activities like hiking in the nearby Helena National Forest, skiing at Great Divide Ski Area, or mountain biking on the extensive trail system, demands flooring that can withstand heavy foot traffic and potential damage from outdoor gear. Its top layer, often infused with aluminum oxide and melamine resin, creates a highly resistant surface that can handle the scrapes and impacts from ski boots, hiking gear, and bike cleats. This durability extends to pet resistance, which is crucial for many Helena households that enjoy the company of dogs or cats, protecting against scratches from claws and accidents from muddy paws.
- Affordability: while less expensive than some larger Montana cities, Helena's real estate market still presents challenges for homeowners looking to renovate or upgrade. Laminate offers a cost-effective alternative to pricier flooring options. It's often 50-70% less expensive than hardwood, allowing homeowners to achieve a high-end look without breaking the bank. Moisture resistance: Helena's climate, characterized by cold, somewhat dry winters and warm summers with occasional thunderstorms, can pose challenges for flooring. While not completely waterproof, quality laminate flooring offers better moisture resistance than hardwood. The moisture resistance also helps protect against snow tracked during winter months.
- Variety of styles: Laminate's wide range of designs can mimic everything from rustic, reclaimed wood (perfect for a mountain cabin aesthetic) to sleek, modern tiles. This versatility allows homeowners to achieve desired looks that might be impractical or too expensive with authentic materials.
- Insulation: Helena's winters can be harsh, often dropping below freezing. Laminate flooring, especially when installed with a quality underlayment, provides an additional layer of insulation. This can keep floors warmer underfoot and contribute to overall home energy efficiency, potentially reducing heating costs during the long winter months.
- Hypoallergenic properties: Helena's location in a valley surrounded by mountains can create conditions for allergen accumulation, particularly during spring when pollen from grasses and trees is high. Laminate flooring doesn't trap allergens, dust, or pet dander, unlike carpet. This makes it easier to maintain a cleaner, more allergen-free home environment, which can be especially beneficial for residents with allergies or respiratory issues.
- UV resistance: Helena boasts an average of 189 sunny days per year. While great for outdoor activities, this abundant sunshine can cause fading and discoloration in some flooring types. Many laminate options come with a UV-resistant layer, helping to maintain color consistency even in rooms with large windows or abundant natural light.
- Eco-friendly options: Many laminate flooring options now cater to an eco-friendly mindset, using recycled materials in their core layers or sourcing from sustainably managed forests. This allows homeowners to make a stylish choice that aligns with environmental values.
- Resale value: While not typically as valuable as hardwood, quality laminate flooring can still be an attractive feature for potential buyers. It offers a fresh, modern look to help a home stand out.
- Versatility across rooms: Whether historic or modern, Helena homes benefit from flooring that can create a cohesive look throughout. Laminate works well in various spaces—from high-traffic living rooms to bedrooms and even in basements where moisture might be a concern. This versatility allows for a unified aesthetic that can make homes feel larger and more cohesive.
- Resistance to extreme temperature changes: Helena's climate can see significant temperature swings, sometimes within a day. Laminate flooring is more stable than some natural wood products when it comes to expanding and contracting with these temperature changes, reducing the risk of gaps or buckling over time.
- Adaptability to subfloor imperfections: Subfloors may not be perfectly level in older Helena homes. Laminate's floating installation method can help to smooth out minor imperfections, providing a more even final surface without extensive subfloor preparation.
Is Laminate Flooring Waterproof?
While laminate was only offered in water-resistant varieties in the past, now completely waterproof laminate collections are available.
- Waterproof laminate flooring features an innovative snap-lock installation that creates a water-tight seal between the planks. It also has the most robust finish in the industry, making it highly stain, scratch, and dent-resistant.
Caring for Laminate Floors
One of the best things about laminate floors is their ease of maintenance. They are also durable and tough, making them suitable for a busy lifestyle. Simple mopping and sweeping are the best ways to clean your laminate floor: choose a laminate-specific floor cleaner and attend to spills promptly. Avoid using heavy-duty vacuums. For the cleanest space, add sealant on your laminate floor during installation. Our Healthier Living Installation system ensures a safer space for all by eliminating the growth of common household pathogens.
Professional Laminate Flooring Installation in Helena, MT
Today, laminate floors can be installed anywhere in your home, with a high-quality laminate floor lasting up to 30 years! With the high-end looks of hardwood, you can install laminate floors everywhere, including:
- Kitchens
- Baths
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Retail Shops
Finstad’s Carpet One Floor & Home in Helena, Montana, carries the best laminate flooring brands. As members of the largest flooring cooperative in the nation, we’re locally owned and operated. That means we can maintain superior buying power with suppliers while offering lower prices. Want to learn more about our selection of laminate flooring or schedule a professional installation? Visit us today or start browsing our laminate online right now.
Contact us or visit our Helena, MT, showroom to learn more about our laminate flooring selection. We proudly serve the neighboring communities of Canyon Creek, East Helena, Montana City, Jefferson City, Marysville, Winston, Avon, Boulder, Townsend, Craig, Radersburg, Deer Lodge, Goldcreek, Garrison, Lincoln, Toston, Warm Springs, and Helmville, MT.