If you are in the market for a new floor covering you may want to consider laminate. Unlike tile and wood, a new laminate floor can be had without breaking the bank. Unlike carpeting, laminates wear well and are easy to maintain. Anyone who has ever done dishes while standing on a tiled kitchen floor knows exactly how hard it can be on your back. Well with laminate you will not have that problem.
It’s exactly this reason that makes laminate a very popular type of residential floor. It is durable, gives off a clean open modern look, is easy to maintain and does not cost a fortune. While laminate used to be glued together, today they are snap in place which makes installation a breeze. In fact, you can even install them yourself.
The History of Laminates
Originally developed in Europe, laminate flooring was introduces in the U.S. over 20 years ago and continues to gain market share. Yet, even today many people still call laminate by the generic name of Pergo although laminate is available from literally hundreds of manufacturers. Although laminate comes in many design patterns, there are two basic styles, tiles which are made to resemble stone or ceramic tile and the more common wood planks.
How to Choose The Right One For You
So with so many laminate floor brands and styles available, how do you know which laminate floor is right for you? Well, like anything else you get what you pay for and flooring is no different. When it comes to deciding on flooring the most important thing is determining exactly how much use the floor is going to get.
Laminate flooring is divided into two types – direct pressure and high pressure. Although high pressure is more durable, most residential laminate sold is direct pressure and is more than durable enough for the traffic that it can receive.
Laminate is produced by combining several layers of various materials. The top layer, which is the wear layer, the design layer, the core layer and the stabilizing layer. It’s the width and the composition of the core and stabilizing layers that make the difference in quality.
Most laminate floors have an AC (Abrasion Class) rating from AC1 through AC5 with AC5 being the highest. Laminate with at least a rating of AC3 is suitable for any residential installation.
Another way to determine which laminate is right for you is to take a look at the warranty. Make sure that the manufacturer is willing to stand behind their his product. Most laminates come with at least a 15year warranty and it is not uncommon to see the a warranty for up to 30 years, but make sure that you comply with the terms of the agreement.
One last thing to keep in mind when choosing a laminate floor is to do your homework. See if you can get a recommendation from someone who has a laminate floor. Ask how they like it. You can also do research by reading articles similar to this one.
Laminate flooring is beautiful, wears well and is easy to maintain. However choosing the right one can be quite a daunting task considering how many are on the market today. Take your time, do your homework and you will enjoy your beautiful new floor for many years to come.
Now if you have come over from Hooked on Houses or even if you haven’t head on back over and see what everyone else is talking about this Friday.
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What accounts for the price difference between laminate floorings in the various brands? Are there really any difference in quality?
Hey Katy,
First, I just wanted to say thanks for being a reader. The difference really is just the amount and quality of materials used. Heavier floor equals better quality. What brands are you considering?
Scott
Your Online Handyman
Hi Scott! Yet another great informative post! Thanks! Timing couldn’t be more perfect as I have been considering redoing my kitchen floor, just couldn’t decide which way to go, laminate yes, but trying to find the right kind that also fits the budget!
Hey Brenda,
Glad that I could be helpful! Combining something that will work for you with something that fits your budget can sometimes be a challenge, but not usually with laminate. AND IT DOES MAKE A GREAT FLOOR IN A KITCHEN. Feel free to run any questions by me before you make any decisions.
Scott
Your Online Handyman
I am not redoing my floor now, but I did a room (the office) a few years ago and faced this decision. There was Pergo and people said their quality is not good, and then there were different grades of Pergo. Rather confusing.
You are right Katy, with so many available to choose from the decision can be very challenging. What king did you pick?
I have to say, I could not agree with you in 100%, but it’s just my IMHO, which indeed could be wrong.
p.s. You have an awesome template . Where did you find it?
Hey hydraulic floor jacks, I want to thank you first for stopping at my blog and taking the time to comment. I sincerely appreciate my readers. You don’t say however what it is that you do not agree with – I would love to know. Your Online Handyman can most certainly be wrong, it has happened before. It’s only by sharing information that we learn.
As far as my template, I designed it and then had it built – I am glad that you like it, thank you!
We put it in the kids rooms. Only thing I don’t like is the plasticy sound it makes when you walk on it or tap it…any that don’t sound as cheap??Or could it be because we put it over concrete???
Nice article!
Our local grocery store put down laminate flooring a couple of years ago. I was concerned about the durability but it’s holding up really well.
This is a very helpful article. I enjoyed looking through your blog today and seeing all the great topics you’ve covered here. Thanks!
Hi Julia, I very much appreciate hearing that. Coming from someone with such a beautiful blog as yours I especially appreciate it! I also want to thank you for the Hooked On Blog Party. Scott Your Online Handyman
Hi Linda, thanks for stopping by. I doubt that any sound that the floor is making when you walk on it is coming from being over concrete. It’s probably more due to the kind of pad that you put between the floor and the concrete. And yes, just like anything else some are of better quality than others! What brand did you purchase?
Hi Jane, Like I just mentioned to Linda, some are better than others. Any floor being used in a commercial setting is usually of higher quality. Scott
We have laminate throughout our home as wooden floors are so expensive here in the UK. Love it, it’s easy to clean and looks fabulous.
We just had Wilsonart Red label flooring installed in our kitchen and dining room a month ago and we love it! My only frustration so far is that it shows water spots/streaks easily (probably more due to the dark tone we went with). I’m still searching for the best thing to keep it clean. Our flooring guy said he would always vote for nice laminate over lower-quality wood flooring and I think I’m a believer now. This stuff is nearly indestructible! And our variety is wide planed, distressed and beveled on all edges. It’s a perfect option in terms of durability and affordability.
Dear Mr. Handyman,
I know that laminate floors have come a long way, but I have bamboo flooring and I love it.
I love my old wood floors, but I’m thrilled there’s laminate in the kitchen where the dogs are
Great article!
rue
Liz, the wood is expensive here in the US too. Laminate is a great alternative. Thanks for stopping by!
Shannan, you are right, it is probably due to the color being I don’t hear that problem often and almost everyone that I know that has installed laminate flooring has the same feelings about it as you – they love it. As far as cleaning it have you tried the Swiffer Wet Jet?
Thanks Rue!
Puna – Bamboo makes a beautiful floor!