Laminate flooring is an alternative to wood flooring that consists of a multi-layer composite of organic and synthetic materials that make it durable and affordable. Most laminate floors are made of three main layers, though some products may incorporate the fourth layer. From the bottom up, these layers are:
Pergo is the brand name for Perstorp, the inventor of laminate flooring. At the moment, they offer four laminate collections with over 100 different colors and wood-like finishes. Their products are excellent for all-around laminate flooring with an AC4 rating, which means it’s suitable for residential and even light commercial use.
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Shaw is the second-largest flooring company globally, and it’s another staple in the laminate flooring market. They offer over 200 styles and colors. Shaw focuses on differentiating their products by plank size, which helps them get longer durability and better quality. They’re the perfect choice for high-traffic areas like the kitchen or the living room.
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Mannington Mills offers American-made laminate flooring options that are water-resistant and made from 70% recycled content. For homeowners who are looking for environmentally-friendly options, Mannington’s laminate offerings are a perfect choice.
Though they only offer one laminate flooring collection, they have over 60 different styles to choose from. Most of their products carry a strong AC4 rating, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.
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Tecwood is a flooring brand by Mohawk, by far the world’s largest company. Mohawk also owns Perfo and RevWood, along with other flooring brands. Interestingly, TecWood isn’t an actual laminate flooring as it mixes a fiberboard core and protective layer with a natural wood veneer, so you get a hybrid with the best of both worlds. The fusion of these qualities makes it super realistic and much stronger, but at a cheaper price point than traditional hardwood. With over 200 colors and designs, it’s perfect for the entire home.
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Exclusively sold by Floor & Decor, the AquaGuard laminate collection is an excellent water-resistant choice for most homes. Most styles are primarily conventional plank shapes in wood-look styles, except for a tile look that’s perfect for mudrooms and bathrooms. Nearly all AquaGuard products carry an AC5 rating, making them one of the most durable on this list.
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When choosing laminate flooring for your home, there are a few factors to keep in mind that will help you determine the type of laminate flooring to get.
More than the way the flooring will look, consider your lifestyle and the wear and tear the laminate flooring will be subject to. If you have kids, pets and lots of visitors, you’ll want to find a low-gloss finish or a distressed finish that will hide some of the scratches. Opt for laminate flooring planks with scratch-resistant protective layers that can withstand use.
All laminate flooring needs underlayment. Some laminate floor products already have this layer attached, while others don’t. Underlayment prevents the floor from clicking on the subfloor as you walk, making it feel softer and more comfortable. It also makes the planks easier to install if you’re choosing the DIY route. Check with your local laminate flooring company to determine the best type of underlayment for your laminate flooring choice.
AC stands for abrasion criteria and it’s the rating system used to test for durability, abrasion and impact resistance of most laminated flooring options. It ranges from AC1 to AC5, but there are some AC6 products in the market as well. The higher the number, the more resistant to wear it is:
Laminate flooring can be a more affordable alternative to hardwood floors that still provides the same look and feel. Laminate flooring can be as durable as wood. Many laminate flooring options can be self-installed, saving you even more money.
If you decide laminate flooring is the way to go for your home improvement project, don’t forget to look at factors such as AC ratings, water resistance, style variations and so on. With hundreds of styles to choose from, it won’t be challenging to find the best laminate flooring for your home.