Laminate is an incredibly popular flooring choice for homeowners. It’s because offering durability, low maintenance needs, ease of installation by yourself, and a wide range of style options at wallet-friendly prices. Deciding on the right is a big decision that you don’t want to get wrong. Moreover, there are several questions you need to ask yourself when purchasing laminate flooring to help you decide of would be best for your home and property, even how much you spend, how much you need, and what kind of flooring would work well for you. Here are eight best tips to help you choose laminate flooring.
Things about Laminate Flooring
Before we go to the tips, you should know a little about laminate floorings, such as type, thickness, and abrasion criteria (AC) rating.
Types of Laminate Flooring
There are two types of laminate flooring based on the materials. The below table is for your reference.
| Engineered Flooring | Laminate Flooring | |
| Top Layer | Real Wood | Photo imitation |
| Attachment to Subfloor | Nail down or glue down | It tends to look better; Smooth & splinter-free |
| Self-Installation | Difficult | Easy |
| Appearance & Comfort | Dimensionally stable Polywood | Look convincingly like actual wood from a distance; Smooth and comfortable but can be slippery under heels |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheaper |
| Life-Span | 20-50 years | 15-20 years |
| Core | Dimensionally stable polywood | Fiberboard |
AC Ratings
AC rating defines how strong and durable the laminate is. The Abrasion Criteria (AC) rating represents wear resistance on a 1 to 5 scale. The higher the AC rating, the higher the durability. AC 3 and AC 4 are the most common residential products.
- AC 1: Suitable for moderate traffic. Best suited to use in bedrooms or guest rooms.
- AC 2: Suitable for general traffic like Dining or living rooms.
- AC 3: Suitable for heavy traffic. Generally suitable for all areas, especially areas such as hallways.
- AC 4: Suitable for moderate traffic in commercial spaces. Think small offices, cafés or smaller retail outlets.
- AC 5: Suitable for heavy traffic in commercial spaces. Large department stores, public buildings, and large offices.
The thickness of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is manufactured between the thicknesses of 6mm and 12mm. Usually, a durable laminate floor is between 10mm and 12mm. However, if your subfloor is level and adequate, 7mm or 8mm is an option.
After learning about laminate flooring, you can see the tips below for choosing laminate flooring.
Tips for Choosing Laminate
1. Determine your budget
Start by determining your budget for the laminate flooring project. Laminate flooring comes at various prices, so having a budget in mind will help narrow down your options.
2. Assess your needs
Consider the specific needs of your space. For example, if you have a high-traffic area, you’ll want to choose a laminate floor that is durable and resistant to wear and tear. If you have pets or children, look for scratch-resistant laminate that is easy to clean.
3. Choose the right thickness
Laminate flooring is available in different thicknesses, typically 6mm to 12mm. Thicker laminate tends to be more durable and provides better sound insulation. Thicker options are also more moisture-resistant, which is important for kitchens or bathrooms.
4. Consider the style and design
Laminate flooring comes in various styles, designs, and finishes. Consider the overall aesthetic of your space and choose a laminate that complements your decor. Whether you prefer a traditional wood look or a more modern and unique design, there are options to suit every style.
5. Look for quality features
Pay attention to the quality features of the laminate flooring. Look for a reputable brand or manufacturer that offers warranties on their products. Check for features like a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core for stability, a durable protective wear layer, and an easy-to-install click-lock system.
6. Research maintenance requirements
Different laminates may have specific maintenance requirements. Consider how much time and effort you will invest in maintaining the flooring. Some laminates may require regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping, while others may have additional maintenance instructions.
7. Read reviews and seek professional advice
Before making a final decision, read customer reviews and seek advice from professionals or knowledgeable individuals. Hearing about other people’s experiences can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed choice. If you need help choosing the best laminate flooring for your home, you can contact us.
8. Request samples
If possible, request samples of the laminate flooring you’re interested in. This will allow you to see and feel the material in person and visualize how it will look in your space. Viewing samples under different lighting conditions can also help you more accurately assess the color and texture.
By considering these tips, you can choose laminate flooring that fits your budget, meets your needs, matches your style, and provides long-lasting beauty to your space.
Please find more articles about laminate flooring here:
9 Steps for Installing Laminate Flooring by Yourself
How to Make Laminate Floor Shine
Repairing Chipped Laminate Flooring
How to Repair Damaged Laminate Flooring
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