In 2021 alone, Americans hit over $1 billion in laminate flooring sales. Ever since its inception in the 1980s, laminate has remained a popular and practical flooring choice. It is no wonder why- laminate is durable, easy to care for, and very affordable.
Selecting the best laminate flooring for your home can be a big undertaking, but there is no need to fear. Keep reading for all you need to know about choosing the best laminate for your home.
These days, plastic laminate flooring has been designed to mimic virtually any style of hardwood flooring without the hefty price tag. Stained oak, maple, hickory, elm, or any other type of flooring can be realistically duped.
Plastic laminate layers a plastic backing layer, a medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core, the decorative layer, and a protective top coat. The fiberboard layer gives the laminate a lightweight structure, while the decorative layer gives the laminate a realistic wood-like appearance.
In addition to the low price, laminate also beats real hardwood in another category: durability. Laminate is much more water-resistant and scratch-resistant, and requires much less upkeep than hardwood flooring. The protective coating seals the laminate and gives it a low or high-gloss finish.
These subtle differences give engineered wood flooring a luxurious feel. The layer of veneer makes this laminate very realistic in both look and feel. The top layer is real wood, making it hard to tell if the plank is hardwood or laminate.
The cost of engineered wood laminate is still considerably less than hardwood, and it has the ease of care of plastic laminate. Engineered laminate is also relatively eco-friendly.
While engineered wood laminate can come with a slightly bigger cost than plastic laminate, it can also last a bit longer than plastic laminate.
Engineered wood laminate is much harder to install without the help of a professional. Plastic laminate can be installed by simply connecting the boards together, whereas engineered wood needs to be nailed or glued down.
A sleek grey smooth laminate is perfect for a modern, minimalistic home. This cool-toned laminate choice will perfectly match your modern décor.
Smooth laminate is also ideal for those with limited lighting, as the texture of the floor will not minimize any light in your space. A high-gloss smooth laminate will help keep the light moving throughout your home without disruption.
Smooth laminate can also be a breeze to keep clean, as there are no marks or textures in the plank that would capture any contaminants. Simply mop the floor and it will be left perfectly clean.
Modern laminates can come amazingly close to the real texture of natural wood. High-quality laminates can be hard to distinguish from hardwood.
While smooth laminate can be very easy to clean, textured laminate is still easy. They can be cleaned the same way as a smooth laminate, without having to worry about the delicacies of hardwood.
Not only can textured laminates look and feel just like hardwood floors, they add a classic look to any room.
Oak-style laminate is a classic choice for any space. This style of wood matches many interior design styles and can be picked in a tone that best matches your other finishes.
Rustic-looking wood choices, such as hickory or pine, are great for maximalist or mid-century modern home styles. On the other end of the spectrum, grey flooring is a great choice for minimalistic homes.
To pick your best laminate flooring, browse our full catalog!
Selecting the best laminate flooring for your home can be a big undertaking, but there is no need to fear. Keep reading for all you need to know about choosing the best laminate for your home.
Plastic Laminate Flooring
Plastic laminate flooring is an extremely affordable flooring alternative to hardwood floors. In the 1980s, plastic laminate gained a reputation for being a bit cheap looking. However, laminate flooring has come a long way since its inception.These days, plastic laminate flooring has been designed to mimic virtually any style of hardwood flooring without the hefty price tag. Stained oak, maple, hickory, elm, or any other type of flooring can be realistically duped.
Plastic laminate layers a plastic backing layer, a medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or high-density fiberboard (HDF) core, the decorative layer, and a protective top coat. The fiberboard layer gives the laminate a lightweight structure, while the decorative layer gives the laminate a realistic wood-like appearance.
In addition to the low price, laminate also beats real hardwood in another category: durability. Laminate is much more water-resistant and scratch-resistant, and requires much less upkeep than hardwood flooring. The protective coating seals the laminate and gives it a low or high-gloss finish.
Engineered Wood Laminate
Engineered wood laminate is a step up from your traditional plastic laminate. Rather than a dense fiberboard core, engineered wood laminate uses a dimensionally stable, solid plywood. Where plastic laminate uses a decorative photo, engineered hardwood uses a thin veneer layer.These subtle differences give engineered wood flooring a luxurious feel. The layer of veneer makes this laminate very realistic in both look and feel. The top layer is real wood, making it hard to tell if the plank is hardwood or laminate.
The cost of engineered wood laminate is still considerably less than hardwood, and it has the ease of care of plastic laminate. Engineered laminate is also relatively eco-friendly.
Selecting Engineered Wood Laminate or Plastic Laminate
Choosing between plastic laminate or engineered wood laminate can be difficult. Both flooring options have a lot of similarities- they are durable, low maintenance, and low-cost flooring options that are a great alternative to hardwood.While engineered wood laminate can come with a slightly bigger cost than plastic laminate, it can also last a bit longer than plastic laminate.
Engineered wood laminate is much harder to install without the help of a professional. Plastic laminate can be installed by simply connecting the boards together, whereas engineered wood needs to be nailed or glued down.
Selecting a Texture and Design
Once you have chosen your laminate type, you will move on to finishes. Both engineered wood laminate and plastic laminate come in a wide array of textures, finishes, and colors. Picking the right style for your pace will make or break your home renovation.Smooth Laminate Flooring
Smooth laminate is ideal for those looking for a modern look. With the absence of wood-grain texture, a homeowner can accomplish a sleeker, more modern look for their space.A sleek grey smooth laminate is perfect for a modern, minimalistic home. This cool-toned laminate choice will perfectly match your modern décor.
Smooth laminate is also ideal for those with limited lighting, as the texture of the floor will not minimize any light in your space. A high-gloss smooth laminate will help keep the light moving throughout your home without disruption.
Smooth laminate can also be a breeze to keep clean, as there are no marks or textures in the plank that would capture any contaminants. Simply mop the floor and it will be left perfectly clean.
Textured Laminate Flooring
Textured laminate flooring is great for those who want the feeling of hardwood floors without the cost. If you want a laminate that is as close as possible to solid hardwood floors, picking a textured laminate is essential.Modern laminates can come amazingly close to the real texture of natural wood. High-quality laminates can be hard to distinguish from hardwood.
While smooth laminate can be very easy to clean, textured laminate is still easy. They can be cleaned the same way as a smooth laminate, without having to worry about the delicacies of hardwood.
Not only can textured laminates look and feel just like hardwood floors, they add a classic look to any room.
Wood Styles
These days, it is easy to find laminate in any style. From cool-toned greys to warm oaks, nearly any stain can be mimicked in laminate.Oak-style laminate is a classic choice for any space. This style of wood matches many interior design styles and can be picked in a tone that best matches your other finishes.
Rustic-looking wood choices, such as hickory or pine, are great for maximalist or mid-century modern home styles. On the other end of the spectrum, grey flooring is a great choice for minimalistic homes.
Pick the Best Laminate Flooring for Your Home
Laminate flooring is an ideal alternative to hardwood. It is a better bang for your buck, comes in a wide array of colors, styles, and textures, and is easy to maintain. Whether you prefer the extra savings of plastic laminate or the high-end appearance of engineered wood laminate, there is sure to be a great laminate option for you.To pick your best laminate flooring, browse our full catalog!