What Is Laminate Flooring?

While many types of laminate flooring closely resemble a favorite variety of wood plank, or even seem to have the distinct character of stone, laminate is actually a synthetic flooring. Multiple layers of protective resin are combined with fiberboard and an authentic-looking, photographic paper layer to capture the look, all fused into a single plank. Each plank is edged in a tongue and groove, click-together cut so that the pieces lock snugly when they are assembled across a prepared floor, making laminate a popular choice for the seasoned DIY homeowner.

Also known as floating wood tile, laminate planks are usually the more affordable choice, while still remaining durable and easily maintained on residential or commercial floors. They can be found in high to low gloss or matte, with strong, scratch resistant finishes, in a variety of colors and textures, and can be installed in most areas of the home.

**What Is Laminate Flooring Not?**

Laminate is not hardwood or vinyl. Engineered hardwood flooring is made using sheets of wood and resin to add weight and strength, while vinyl is a multilayered, plastic-based roll or tile. They can be found in similar patterns, but the materials are made differently and must be cared for differently. For instance, it is not a good idea to use soapy, harsh cleaners that might be acceptable for vinyl on laminate flooring. They are composed of different materials and certain chemicals can strip, etch, or stain laminate or hardwood that wouldn’t harm vinyl. To keep a laminate floor looking clean, all that is needed is a soft broom, a damp mop, or brush-tipped vacuum wand.

Laminate flooring is simple to keep clean and can handle regular foot traffic with ease, but laminate planks are not waterproof. High humidity or moisture-prone areas can lead to permanent damage of a laminate floor. Spot cleaning should be done promptly using a damp towel. Unfortunately, this means that laminate floors are not a good choice for most bathrooms. Look to vinyl or tile as good alternative flooring options for bathrooms.

Is Laminate for You?

With the proper care, laminate flooring can be used in dens, hallways, bedrooms, offices, dining rooms, or even the foyer. It can even be used in the kitchen, provided the floor is kept clean and dry every day. It is a low-cost, beautiful flooring option, that can survive the most demanding family and pet traffic.

Messy pets are easy to clean up after without leaving behind problematic stains.
The click-lock seams between planks create a reliable barrier, preventing dust and other allergens from embedding themselves into the floor as they would with carpet.
No waxing, scouring, steam-cleaning, or wet mopping is required to keep the floor shining and sturdy.

Worried about a busy foyer in winter or spring? A strong, rubber-backed floor mat will take care of the worst of it and your floor will be fine. Just clean up any accidents, spills, or excess water promptly so that the floor stays dry. Simple as that!

What to Look For:

Are you looking for a whole new floor color, or a quick repair? Or maybe it’s time to create a trendy accent wall with a ship-lap style. Whatever the project, there are a few important considerations to tackle first.

Measurements

With flooring projects, it is especially important to measure before you browse to ensure you know the amount of flooring you’ll need for the entire project. The best way to guarantee a match throughout the home is to buy a lot large enough to cover the square footage of the intended area all at once, preventing any potential surprises should the color or pattern not be available when it comes time to refloor the next room.

AC Rating

The endurance and performance of the laminate will be largely dependent on the Abrasion Class, or AC, Rating of the planks. The AC testing process is used to measure the stress a laminate can withstand and the ratings help guide where best to use the different types, either residential, commercial, or both. The higher the AC rating number, the stronger the laminate finish.

AC1 - Moderate Residential - AC1 rated laminates are most reliable in little-used areas like residential closets or bedrooms.

AC2 - General Residential - AC2 rated laminates can take more regular traffic, like a hallway or living room.

AC3 - Heavy Residential/Moderate Commercial - AC3 rated laminates can be used in high traffic areas, from the predictable home environment, to the hectic office breakroom or popular hotel room.

AC4 - General Commercial - AC4 rated laminates are tested for any residential use or busy storefront.

AC5 - Heavy Commercial - AC5 rated laminates are capable of withstanding the stress and demands of everything from an office building to a department store.

AC rating is a good indication of quality, but it’s important to also look at the thickness of the laminate plank. A dense core layer and backing can help prevent warping or shredding, adding to the stability of the floor, and can help protect against moisture damage.

Color

Laminate is available in many colors, from cedar and birch, lemon, brown, or tan to gray. It can be textured to replicate wood, tile, or stone, without the hassles of those individual flooring types. Rustic, modern, adobe, or corporate, there’s a style to match your space. Look for laminate that has been treated against ultraviolet damage to protect the decorative top layer from fading, surface scuffing, or discoloration from exposure to UV light and temperature variations.

Samples

You can also look before you buy. Compare samples of your favorite laminate design to the furniture and colors in your own space to be sure you like the way the patterns and styles fit together.

Considering DIY Installation?

Installing a new laminate floor requires more than a few boxes of laminate planks. Make sure you have the following materials on hand or buy them ahead of installation:

Laminate flooring
Underlayment
Plastic vapor barrier
Molding
Coping saw
Safety goggles
Measuring tape
Straight edge
Wedges or spacers
Tapping block
Hammer
Circular saw
Straight edge