Ready to see if LAMINATE is THE perfect CHOICE?
Laminate flooring is one of the most popular flooring choices today, and for good reason. It was created to solve a common problem: people loved the look of hardwood, but real wood was expensive, high-maintenance, and not always practical for busy households. So manufacturers came up with a clever solution: layer durable materials together, add a tough protective surface, and print ultra-realistic wood (or even stone) designs on top. Boom, laminate was born.
It gives you the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost, while being scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and simple to install. Stylish, durable, and budget-friendly!
What is Laminate?
Laminate flooring is a layered product made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) with a decorative print layer on top, protected by a tough wear layer. Many laminate products also come with an attached underlayment pad for sound reduction and easier installation.
Laminate is usually a floating floor, which means it isn’t glued or nailed to the subfloor. Instead, it clicks together with either a drop-lock or angle-lock system, allowing the floor to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.
Laminate thickness is measured in millimeters, while durability is rated using an Abrasion Class (AC rating), which ranges from AC1 (light residential use) up to AC5 (heavy commercial use). Cheaper products are typically thinner and have a lower AC rating, making them more prone to wear or failure. For most homes, an AC3 or AC4 is recommended for long-term durability.
FLOORING PRO TIP – “Laminate also needs to go under your baseboards or at least be finished with quarter round molding to cover expansion gaps. If you want the cleanest look, be prepared to remove and reinstall baseboards, along with some touch-up work in your budget planning!”
Laminate vs. LVP?
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) with a decorative print layer and a tough wear layer on top. Some products include an attached underlayment for sound reduction and easier install.
Installation: Floating floor, usually angle-lock or drop-lock.
Durability: Rated by AC rating (AC1–AC5). For homes, AC3 or AC4 is best.
Moisture Resistance: More resistant than real wood, but not fully waterproof — prolonged moisture can cause swelling.
Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and other dry areas.
Look & Feel: Realistic visuals, but feels a little harder underfoot compared to vinyl.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is an extruded polymer plank with a vinyl print layer, a wear layer, and often an attached pad underneath.
Installation: Floating floor with drop-lock or angle-lock systems.
Durability: Thickness is measured in millimeters (mm) and wear layer in Mils. Look for 6mm+ with at least a 20-mil wear layer for durability.
Moisture Resistance: 100% waterproof, great for bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
Best For: Any area of the home, especially high moisture spaces.
Look & Feel: Extremely realistic wood visuals, softer and quieter underfoot than laminate.
Cheap vs. Good?
Ok, so what’s cheap and what’s good? Let’s keep this brief! Better laminate floors come with details like beveled edges, realistic textures, and higher AC ratings. But here’s what manufacturers don’t always share: the plank repeat rate (how often the printed pattern repeats) and how far the floor can be installed before requiring a transition strip. More unique prints mean a more natural look, and more stable products can span longer distances without needing a break.
Here’s what you want: AC4 or AC5 rating for residential durability, 12mm thickness for stability and a solid feel underfoot, and plank sizes around 9″ x 72″ for a more modern look. If you can, choose a laminate with an attached underlayment made of high-density foam rather than cheap EVA, as it will provide better sound absorption and last longer.
Scratch Resistance
Scratches are measured on a hardness scale. The hardest thing you probably have in your house is sandpaper and yes, that can scratch almost anything. Laminate flooring comes with a protective aluminum oxide wear layer, which is one of the hardest coatings available, giving it an extremely high scratch resistance. This is where the AC rating comes into play: the higher the rating (AC3–AC5), the better it resists scratching and wear.
That said, no floor is completely scratch-proof. Just like with LVP, dragging something heavy with a sharp edge (say, a chair with a rock under the leg) can still leave a mark. Think of it like using a knife, it’s not about pressing straight down, but dragging across the surface that causes the cut. Laminate’s wear layer is there to take that abuse before it ever reaches the decorative print, but dragging objects across it can still leave scratches.
What it Requires?
The answer is floor prep. STOP DISCOUNTING FLOOR PREP! You wouldn’t ignore prep work for paint, so don’t skip it for floors! Proper prep is critical for long lasting laminate. If you’re installing over concrete, you’ll need a quality underlayment with a built-in vapor barrier to protect against moisture.
What about that hollow or “click-clack” sound people sometimes complain about? Again, that’s why you go with a sturdy 12mm laminate with a high-quality attached pad. It makes the floor feel heavier, more solid, and much longer lasting underfoot.
When To USe Laminate?
Generally, the best time to use laminate is when you buy it from me! Just kidding laminate works great in a lot of places. Always read the installation specs for your specific product so you know exactly what’s covered under warranty. While laminate isn’t meant for outdoor use or consistently wet areas, newer water resistant and waterproof laminates have opened up more options, including kitchens and entryways.
Some companies even design laminate that can be used for accent walls or ceilings so get creative, just make sure you’re following the install guidelines for a long lasting result!
Want Professional Planning for your next Project?
From product selection to prep and installation, I’ll help you choose the right floor for your space, your style, and your budget. Let’s make your project stress-free and done right the first time.
Email me to get started!