Laminate Flooring in the Lehigh Valley: What Homeowners Need to Know

traverserenovation
Sep 25
3 min read

**Project completed by Traverse Renovations LLC**

Laminate flooring remains one of the most popular choices for homeowners across the Lehigh Valley. It offers the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost, while being easier to install and maintain. But not all laminate floors are created equal, and the real cost can sometimes be higher than what you see on a store price tag. At Traverse Renovations LLC, we believe in educating homeowners about what to expect so there are no surprises when it comes to flooring projects.

Understanding Lehigh Valley Laminate Flooring Prices

In our area, the average laminate flooring job ranges between $6–$10 per square foot installed depending on product quality, trim needs, and prep work. Big box stores may advertise low “per-square-foot” numbers, but those prices rarely include all the details. That’s where the hidden costs come in.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For:

3/4 Round or Quarter Round Trim: Always an extra charge. While the flooring may be priced attractively, trim is needed for a finished look around baseboards. Many homeowners don’t realize this isn’t included in base pricing.
Underlayment: Not always necessary, but often added by default. Some laminate products already include an attached pad; others require underlayment to reduce sound or provide moisture protection. It’s important to know what your flooring actually requires.
Removal of Old Flooring: If your existing floor needs to be removed, disposal fees and labor can add significantly to your final cost.
Transitions & Stairs: Thresholds, stair noses, and transitions to other flooring materials are always separate line items.

When comparing flooring estimates, make sure you’re looking at the complete picture, not just the advertised square foot cost.

LVP vs. Traditional Laminate Flooring

One of the biggest decisions homeowners face is whether to go with traditional laminate or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). Both are popular, both can look great, but they have key differences:

Laminate Flooring

Core Material: Fiberboard core with a printed image layer and protective wear layer.
Water Resistance: Standard laminate is not waterproof. If exposed to moisture, the core can swell. Newer “water-resistant laminates” exist, but they still aren’t fully waterproof.
Scratch Resistance: Generally good, though lower-quality laminates may wear faster.
Thickness: Typically 7–12 mm. Thicker laminates tend to feel more like hardwood underfoot and help with sound absorption.
Cost: Usually more affordable than LVP.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Core Material: Vinyl-based, making it waterproof from top to bottom.
Water Resistance: 100% waterproof — great for basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Scratch Resistance: High-end LVP is highly durable and often rated for commercial use.
Thickness: Typically 5–8 mm, but with denser cores that give strength and stability.
Cost: Slightly higher than laminate, but often worth it for durability and waterproofing.

At Traverse Renovations LLC, we typically recommend LVP for areas prone to moisture, like basements and kitchens, and laminate for dry living spaces where cost control matters.

Waterproof & Scratch Resistance

Today’s homeowners want flooring that can keep up with busy lives. Pets, kids, and everyday spills are realities that your floor needs to handle.

Waterproof: If your space has any risk of moisture — basements, kitchens, bathrooms — LVP is the safest choice. Traditional laminate, even when labeled “water-resistant,” should be used cautiously in those areas.
Scratch Resistance: Both laminate and LVP can handle foot traffic, but higher-quality products always outperform budget lines. Thicker wear layers = better resistance to scratches and dents.

Thickness Matters

Floor thickness plays a big role in comfort and sound. Standard laminates range from 7 mm to 12 mm, while LVP usually falls between 5 mm and 8 mm.

Thicker laminates (10–12 mm): Feel more solid underfoot, reduce echo, and improve soundproofing.
Thinner options (7–8 mm): Budget-friendly but may feel hollow or less durable.
LVP with attached padding: Provides comfort and sound absorption even at thinner dimensions.

In the Lehigh Valley, many homeowners opt for at least 10 mm laminate or 6 mm+ LVP with a built-in pad for the best balance of comfort and value.

Our Thoughts

Laminate and luxury vinyl plank floors both offer style, durability, and affordability. But the right choice depends on your home’s needs, your budget, and your expectations. Remember to look beyond the “sticker price” and ask about extras like trim, underlayment, and prep work.

At Traverse Renovations LLC, we provide clear, detailed flooring estimates with no hidden surprises. Whether you choose traditional laminate or waterproof LVP, our team will guide you through every step so you get the right floor at the right price — and enjoy it for years to come.