Laminate Flooring Buying Guide

Upgrading the floors gives any home an instant facelift, and laminate floors are among the most economical and easiest flooring types to install.

LAMINATE FLOORING BASICS

Price

Laminate floor is an inexpensive flooring choice great for staying on budget.

Installation

Laminate floor installation is simple and straightforward.

Maintenance

Laminate is a low-maintenance and easy-care flooring.

Durability

Laminate floors offer good durability.

Water Resistance

Laminate is somewhat water resistant

Making the Right Choice: Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons

Like all flooring types, laminate floors have some unique benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Laminate Flooring Pros

Easy installation
Very affordable
Suitable for most spaces
Resistant to scratching
Numerous style options (wood imitation, concrete, tiling)

Laminate Flooring Cons

Laminate is a relatively thin material
Cheaper laminate can be of lower quality
Laminate is sensitive to humidity

Pro Tip

Its sensitivity to humidity means that laminate should not be used in the bathroom. However, it is a good choice for the basement. However, if you choose to install laminate in your basement, put a vapor barrier underlay first to control the concrete substrate humidity.

We have one laminate flooring that has been specifically engineered to be water-resistant. The new Mono Serra® Aquastop24(TM) laminate flooring is highly durable and designed to withstand against a water spill for up to 24 hours.

Thickness, Click Type, AC Rating

1 Board thickness
Thicker boards are a better option for uneven subflooring, as they will lessen obvious ground imperfections.
2 AC rating
"AC rating" refers to the durability grade of a laminate floor based on wear and tear tests. A higher AC rating indicates stronger and more durable flooring. AC3, AC4, and AC5 ratings make for durable floors.
3 Click type
There are many different options for how laminate flooring "clicks" together, but the most popular are Dropclic floors or similar systems. These click types are straightforward to install, simple to repair, and easy to remove without breakage or damage.