What to look out for when buying laminate flooring?
- Quality laminate has thick boards. ...
- Know your goals for the space you are installing your laminate flooring. ...
- Consider the type of traffic that your floor will endure. ...
- Pay attention to the rooms around the space where your laminate is going.
Thicker laminate flooring doesn't mean it's more durable. It will, however, be more resistant to warping and other conditions. A thickness of 8 to 12 mm is one of the most advised thickness levels for laminate flooring.
Good-quality laminate has an ISO rating of 9001.
AC4 – laminate flooring is designed for commercial applications with moderately intense traffic. Ideal for small shops and offices. AC5 – laminate flooring is designed for high-traffic commercial areas like department stores, shopping centres and office buildings.
- Look at the flooring up close by requesting a sample. ...
- Good-quality laminate floorboards should lock together seamlessly and create a flat surface – if the edges seem rough or uneven it may cause installation issues, so look for a precision-machined edge.
Best Overall: Pergo
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.
Well, it depends on your needs. If you have kids and pets and you're installing over a cement subfloor, the 8mm with AC4 rating is the better option. If you don't get much foot traffic in your home and you're installing over a creaky wooden subfloor, the 12mm with AC3 rating is the best option.
Residential projects with foot traffic in an entryway or households with pets should stay in the 12-mil to 20-mil range, while lesser-used areas could handle a lower wear layer. For commercial projects, stick with a 20-mil to 40-mil wear layer for the best protection possible.
Thicker laminate floors are easier to lay, quieter to walk on and are better to hide small irregularities in the subfloor. We find that most people prefer to lay a 12mm thick laminate in high-traffic areas.
Gloss level varies in laminate floors. You can purchase high gloss for a shiny look or low gloss if you prefer a matte look. There is no difference in durability between the two finishes, but matte floors tend to do a better job of hiding small scratches.
What is better Luxury vinyl plank or laminate?
Neither type of flooring is better than the other across all categories. Vinyl flooring is best in high-moisture areas and it's easy to keep clean. Yet laminate flooring offers a wider variety of style choices and has a higher resale value.
Generally, the thicker the board, the greater the advantages. Thicker laminate flooring feels closer to a solid wood floor underfoot. It is easier to install and this makes it ideal for DIY projects.
Average Total Project Cost: $3.80 - $4.80 per sq. ft. Installation: $2.00 - $3.00 per sq. ft.