How to Choose the Perfect Laminate Flooring for Your Space
Choosing new laminate flooring can seem like a daunting task. With so many options to pick from, it's hard to know where to start. But with a bit of planning and research, you can find the perfect laminate floors for your home. Here's an in-depth guide to help make the process easy.
Determine Your Needs
Before you start shopping, think about how you want to use the space and your lifestyle. This will help narrow down what type of laminate flooring is best for you. Here are a few things to consider:
Room Function: Is this a high-traffic area like a kitchen or entryway? Or a low-traffic space like a bedroom? High-traffic areas do best with more durable, scratch-resistant laminate.
Moisture Level: Bathrooms and laundry rooms need water-resistant laminate. Most other rooms do fine with standard laminate.
Household Size: Large families with kids and pets should look for extra durable and scratch-resistant options.
Style: Do you want a natural wood look? Modern stone or tile patterns? Choose a style you love since you'll be living with it for years.
Thinking about these factors will help you pick flooring suited for your unique needs.
Pick the Right Type of Laminate
Once you know your needs, it's time to narrow down the specific type of laminate flooring. There are a few main options:
Wood-Looking Laminate
This type aims to mimic the look of real hardwood with textures and grains printed on the surface. The most realistic wood laminates use high definition imaging to capture all the natural wood variations. Wood-look laminate comes in every color from light oak to dark walnut.
Stone/Tile Laminate
For a unique look, go with stone-effect laminate made to replicate tile, slate, marble or travertine. The printing techniques allow for remarkably realistic textures and veining. Tile laminate works well in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
Rustic & Distressed Laminate
Distressed wood laminate has an antiqued, worn finish that adds cozy cottage vibes to a space. Rustic styles work well in living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms. Mixing distressed and sleek modern laminates creates an eclectic blend.
High Gloss/Matte Finish
Laminate floors come in glossy or matte surfaces. Glossy laminate has a reflective sheen that brightens up any room. It can highlight scuffs and scratches though. For a subtle look, go with a matte finish. Consider which aesthetic suits your style.
Choosing the type of look you want will make shopping easier. Next, focus on finding the right quality level in your preferred style.
Evaluate Quality, Durability & Warranties
All laminate flooring is not made the same. As you shop, look closely at these factors to gauge quality:
Abrasion Class Rating
The AC rating measures how well laminate resists scratches, stains, and fading. AC1 is residential standard while AC2 is light commercial and AC3 is heavy commercial. AC3 or AC2 are best for households with pets and active kids.
Durability Score
Water-resistant laminate gets a 1 to 3 durability score. 1 is good for 10+ years. 2 is 15+ years. And 3 is 25+ years. Durability improves water damage resistance.
Warranty Length
Quality laminate should have at least a 15 to 25 year residential warranty. Lifetime structural warranties offer the best protection. Make sure you read the warranty's fine print though.
Core Density
Denser core layers prevent warping, buckling and denting. Look for laminate with a high density fiberboard core of 800 kg/m3 or more. Low density core means lower quality.
Number of Layers
Quality laminate has 4 to 12 layers fused together under heat and pressure. More layers add stability, impact protection and longevity.
Don't compromise on quality to save money. High durability ratings and warranties ensure your floors last decades, not years.
Match Your Subfloor Type
Laminate can be installed over most subfloors, but some work better than others. Here are the best options:
Concrete Slab
Laminate lays nicely over concrete after proper moisture testing. Use a quality vapor barrier underlayment to prevent moisture seeping through cracks.
Plywood
Plywood subfloors are ideal for laminate installation. The panels are stable and provide a smooth, seamless surface. Just nail down any creaking boards first.
OSB (Oriented Strand Board)
OSB is fine for laminate but the ridges may telegraph through over time. Using floor patching compound smoothes out the ridges before install.
Existing Flooring
Laminate can be installed over old vinyl, wood or tile with proper prep. But asbestos vinyl requires abatement first. Save money by laying new floors over old.
Always have the subfloor checked for moisture first. Excess humidity under laminate causes bubbling and cupping fast.
Order Extra Planks for Future Repairs
It's smart to order 5-10% extra flooring than you need for the initial install. Having spare planks makes it easy to swap out damaged boards in the future. Manufacturers may change laminate styles or colors down the road. Ordering extra now ensures you have matching planks later for repairs.
Store spare laminate flat and safe from moisture. Don't stand boards on end for long periods as it can cause warping.
Hire a Professional Installer
You can DIY laminate installation to save money, but hiring a pro ensures it's done right. Look for installers approved by the manufacturer. Here are the benefits of professional installation:
Proper moisture testing & prep work
Reduced risk of damage during install
Materials are acclimated properly before laying
Flooring is assembled according to manufacturer standards
Installer can spot potential subfloor issues beforehand
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) offers certifications for installers after testing their skills. Choose an NWFA certified pro for best results.
Acclimate the Laminate Before Installation
Laminate flooring needs time to acclimate to your home's temperature and humidity before install. Let the boards sit in the room for 48 hours unopened. Then open the packages and spread out the planks for another 3-4 days before installing.
Rushing the acclimation process can lead to shrinkage, gaps, or buckling later on. It's a tedious but essential step.
Choose the Right Underlayment
A quality underlayment underneath the laminate helps reduce noise, smooth minor subfloor imperfections, and provide moisture protection. Here are the most common types:
Foam
Basic foam is inexpensive but compresses over time. Look for high-density LDPE foam with anti-microbial treatment.
Cork
Cork naturally absorbs sound and has antimicrobial properties. Choose thick cork for maximum noise reduction and comfort underfoot.
Felt
Felt or fiber underlayments are affordable and easy to install. Use thick 15-pound felt for spaces that need sound insulation.
Rubber
Rubber underlayments excel at sound absorption and insulation against cold subfloors. They provide cushioning too.
3-in-1 Pad
3-in-1 pads combine a moisture barrier film with an attached foam or cork layer. The all-in-one system streamlines installation.
Choosing the right underlay boosts your laminate's performance. Don't skip this important step.
Transition Strips Are Crucial
Flexible transition strips between rooms help minimize gaps from floor movement. They also conceal the height difference between adjacent floor types.
Here are three types of transition strips to consider:
T-Moldings: Connect two floors of similar height. The "T" shape covers expansion gaps.
Reducers: Transition between floors of different heights such as laminate to tile. They taper the floor down gently.
End Caps: Finish the exposed edge of flooring meeting carpet or sliding doors.
Having the right transitions installed along with the floor prevents future headaches.
Mix Up Plank Direction in Each Row
Laying all the laminate boards in the same direction can cause gaping over time. Instead, start each new row with the leftover piece from the last row. This makes the planks alternate back and forth for better structural integrity.
Changing plank direction also enhances the overall look. Don't be afraid to get creative with the patterns. You can lay boards diagonally or at angles too.
Give Flooring Adequate Expansion Space
Wood and laminate expand and contract slightly with temperature and humidity changes. Allowing proper expansion space gives floors room to move without buckling.
Leave 1/4 inch expansion gaps between flooring and all walls and fixed objects like cabinets. Undercut door jambs and casings to provide enough space too. Using spacers when installing ensures consistent expansion gaps.
Caring for Laminate is Simple
The resilient construction of quality laminate makes it easy to care for. Here are some laminate floor cleaning tips:
Sweep, dust mop or vacuum weekly to remove grit that can scratch.
Damp mop with laminate-safe cleaner when needed. Avoid excessive water.
Use felt pads under furniture legs and area rugs in high traffic zones.
Reapply sealer annually in kitchens and baths for moisture protection.
Fix scratches or dents with colored putty sticks that blend with flooring.
Refrain from walking on floors with spiked heels that can damage surfaces.
Follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines to keep your floors looking like new for decades. With a quality install and proper care, laminate flooring can last 30 years or longer.