Different Types of Laminate Flooring: Best Options for Your Home & Lifestyle

Are you considering laminate flooring for your home and want to know more about the different types of laminate flooring? A great choice for active families, laminate floors are durable and closely resemble wood and tile flooring at a fraction of the cost. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also water-resistant, making it ideal for those who want the look of hardwood in spaces that are prone to water. Before you narrow down your flooring search, consider the following:

What is Laminate Flooring?
Different Types of Laminate Flooring
Is Laminate Flooring Safe?
Different Finishes and Textures for Laminate Flooring
Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring
Installing Laminate Flooring
Best Laminate Flooring for Homes with Pets 
 

What is Laminate Flooring

Laminate is a multi-layered product made of natural materials like wood and stone. It is composed of a high density fiberboard core topped with an image layer to mimic the look of real hardwood or tile flooring. This makes it much more cost-effective than real hardwood and it can made to be water-resistant, unlike traditional hardwood flooring. Laminate floor planks and laminate floor tiles can also give the appearance of ceramic or porcelain tile flooring. This is construction is beneficial as laminate flooring is a durable, budget-friendly flooring option that is easy to install.

Types of Laminate Flooring

 

1. Thickness Variation

Laminate flooring comes in different thicknesses ranging from 6 mm to 12 mm. Thicker laminate flooring can handle more foot traffic, gives better sound resistance, and is more forgiving over uneven subfloors.

2. Surface Textures and Finishes
Laminate offers a variety of textures and finishes. Smooth Laminate Flooing has a polished appearance and is ideal for modern interiors. Embossed Laminate Flooring realistically features a textured surfaces that mimics natural wood grain. Aditionally, Hand-Scraped, Wirebrush, and Distressed Laminate Flooring provide a vintage, rustic look that adds character to any room.

3. Water Resistance Levels

When considering Laminate Flooring there are varying degrees of water resistance. Standard Laminate is suitable for minmal moisture exposure applications. Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring can withstand spills and humidty, making it ideal for kitchens and batch. Waterproof Laminate Flooring can offer superior protection againsts water damage and can be used for moisture-prone areas like basements. Consulting your local professional on selecting the correct laminate is critical. 

4. High Impact Resistance
Another important to consideration is the AC rating which notes how dent and stain resistant the laminate is. AC rating range from AC1 to AC5, and the higher the AC rating, the more scratch and stain resistant the laminate is. Twenty & Oak’s Beauflor Oterra Water Resistant Collection, Hearthwood's Living Tree Collection and Palmetto Road laminate are an AC4. 

Take our Flooring Genius Quiz to see what flooring works best for your design and lifestyle! 

Take Our Flooring Quiz

Is Laminate Flooring Safe? 

Safety is a top priority for any materials we bring in our home and that includes flooring. Laminate flooring is not only a beautiful and economical option for flooring, but it is also safe for families. It is always important to check the specifications from the manufacturer, but at Twenty & Oak, we pride ourselves on carrying high quality, safe flooring that meets and exceeds environmental standards. For instance, Hearthwood's Living Tree Collection is GreenGuard Gold Certified. 

Expanding on your options: Finishes and Textures for Laminate Flooring

There are many options for finishes and textures with laminate flooring. A smooth laminate flooring that has no texture is designed to resemble polished hardwood, marble, or ceramic tile flooring. Wire brushed laminate flooring mimics the popular distressed hardwood flooring trend that gives the laminate an antique feel and helps disguise minor scuffs and scratches. Laminate flooring also comes in a variety of gloss finishes from high gloss to matte, with the matte hiding imperfections better. Overall, if the space you are considering installing laminate flooring is a high-traffic area, you may want to consider an embossed-in-register texture with a matte finish like Oterra Water Resistant Laminate Flooring by Beauflor in color Highland Oak (below). On the contrary, if you desire a polished and clean aesthetic, a smooth, high gloss laminate flooring option can help you achieve your design.

More on Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring 

Water-resistant laminate flooring is great for areas where spills and messes inevitably occur like kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms. Advancements in technology have allowed for laminate flooring to be able to withstand everyday accidents like spilled wine or juice. Simply wipe up liquids and you are good to go! Be sure to check the specifications on the particular laminate flooring you are interested in to see how water-resistant it is, but overall, laminate flooring is a far more appropriate choice to handle moisture and humid conditions than traditional hardwood flooring. 

Installing Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is typically a floating floor which means it doesn’t have to be nailed or glued down to the subfloor. Instead, the planks or tiles click together and “float” on top of the subfloor. It is important to use an underlayment when installing laminate flooring to provide stability and support as well as reduce noise when walking on laminate flooring. While laminate flooring can be a good DIY option, it does require certain tools and skills that may be best suited for professional flooring installation. 
 

Choosing the Right Laminate Flooring For Your Home

When selecting your Laminate Flooring, consider the following:
Room Usage: High traffic areas or homes with pets look for AC4 ratings and above.
Moisture Level: For bathrooms and basements choose water resistant or waterproof laminates.
Style Preferences: Selecting the right texture and finish is important whether your style pallete is contemporary, rustic, or traditional.
Budget: Once knowing your budget, consider laminate knowing that the thicker or more textured may come at a higher price.

Laminate Takeaways

Laminate flooring offers a versatile and practical solution for homeowners seeking the look of natural materials without the associated cost and maintenance. By understanding the different types available and considering your specific needs, you can select the perfect laminate flooring to enhance your home’s beauty and functionality.

If you would like to know more about our top-rated laminate flooring brands and would like the help of a Twenty & Oak flooring professional, talk to one of our experts today!