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Laminate Flooring - Bestlaminate
Laminate flooring comes in various beautiful colors and styles. It offers unmatched durability and is much more affordable than hardwood. Explore our best laminate selection, and order free samples today!
Laminate Flooring is the Ultimate Flooring Solution!
Bestlaminate offers the best laminate wood flooring for your style and your budget! With stunning looks and unbeatable durability, laminate floors are an outstanding option. The benefits of laminate flooring will include fade, wear, stain, burn, scratch, and moisture resistance - laminate flooring will uphold even the busiest spaces! Laminate floors are an affordable alternative to hardwood floors.
Laminate Flooring is an Affordable Option for Hardwood!
Although laminate and hardwood floors look very similar, laminate flooring does not contain solid wood in its construction. You probably wonder how laminate flooring is made? Laminate floors are made up of wood particles bonded together under high pressure to create a laminate flooring core fiberboard. This high-density fiberboard is bonded with special paper, carrying an image of various wood or ceramic tile types to create a unique design and pattern. A clear coat of UV-cured resin bonded on the top layer of laminate flooring, making it durable and robust. This flooring type makes it a cost-effective alternative to hardwood and provides the same style at an affordable price point.
Like hardwood, laminate floors come in various types, colors, and wood-look species, including oak, hickory, maple, and more. The finish of laminate flooring is unique and can meet the needs of each style, from hand-scraped texture to whitewashed styles, 7mm to 12mm in thickness, and square to beveled edges; the options are vast.
Waterproof and Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring
From scratch-resistant to wear-resistant, your household will be kid- and family-friendly. Simple and easy to care for, your laminate flooring will be enjoyed for years, even with an active family in the house.
The new generation of laminate flooring has a water-resistant construction. Kronoswiss Liberty, Quick-Step, and Mannington offer waterproof construction of laminate flooring. That means that, unlike hardwood floors, you can install waterproof laminate flooring in any indoor space, including bathrooms, mudrooms, and basements, and you don’t have to worry about water spills and moisture anymore.
Made in the USA, the Quick-Step laminate uses a combination of proprietary features to create waterproof protection for their floors. The Uniclic tight joint system, GenuEdge pressed bevel edge, and Hydroseal perimeter coating created the NatureTek Plus waterproof system technology. NatureTEK Plus protects against pet accidents and is covered by Quick-Step Limited Lifetime Full Pet Stain Warranty, including urine, feces, vomit, plus scratches by all domestic pets!
We invite you to explore the waterproof laminate flooring options and the water-resistant selection available at Bestlaminate.
Laminate Flooring Installation is Easier Than You Think
Although it might seem intimidating to lay your laminate flooring, it’s easier than you think! The glueless, easy-lock installation system makes the process DIY-friendly. If you can pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and find someone to help, you can install laminate flooring yourself. Our Laminate Flooring Installation Guide is here to help you during the process.
Thousands of homeowners, including many Bestlaminate customers, have taken on the process of installing laminate flooring. Installing laminate flooring can be tricky, but if you follow directions and take your time, you will be proud of your flooring for years to come. We offer laminate flooring resources to guide you through the process, the necessary tools and supplies, tips on subfloor preparation, avoiding mistakes, and comprehensive guides with step-by-step instructions. The Bestlaminate team is always here to help to the best of our abilities.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out the many styles, patterns, and colors here at Bestlaminate and find the perfect look for your home. Once your laminate flooring is installed, you will be proud of it for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Bestlaminate, we know that a great way to simplify your flooring decision is to compare laminate and vinyl flooring, both of which come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly to high-end luxury. Whichever type you choose, you'll find good value. When it comes to appearance, laminate tends to more closely mimic the look of real hardwood, though both options can add a touch of style to your space. In terms of durability, vinyl has the upper hand in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways, since it’s waterproof, unlike laminate. This makes vinyl a better choice for rooms that see frequent moisture exposure.
In summary, both flooring types offer great options for various needs, but vinyl stands out in moisture-prone areas, while laminate shines in achieving a realistic wood look.
To explore more about these options, visit Bestlaminate’s Learning Center for detailed comparisons of laminate flooring with vinyl floors.
New technologies have brought waterproof and water-resistant laminate flooring options, which can be installed in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Always check the product description for water resistance before purchasing.
Explore waterproof laminate flooring options at BestLaminate.
Laminate is very durable, especially with its tough wear layer, which has an AC rating of AC3 and up. It resists scratches, dents, and fading, making it an excellent option for high-traffic areas. However, it would help if you remembered that it's not indestructible, and heavy impacts, abuse, wrong installation, or prolonged water exposure can damage the floor.
For more on laminate durability, check out the Learning Center at BestLaminate.
Laminate flooring consists of four layers: a backing layer, a core layer, an image layer, and a wear layer. The core is usually high-density fiberboard, while the image layer provides the wood or stone look. The top layer is a transparent wear layer that protects the surface from scratches and damage. You might be surprised at the many laminate flooring types and options when shopping for new flooring.
Learn more about different types of laminate flooring at BestLaminate.
Maintaining laminate flooring is simple. Regular sweeping or vacuuming and damp mopping with a mild cleaner is sufficient. It is important to know how to protect, maintain, and repair your floor before purchasing. Laminate is very easy to take care of with proper care and regular cleaning. Avoid wet mopping, steamers, and using abrasive cleaning tools that could damage the wear layer.
Learn how to clean laminate flooring at BestLaminate Learning Center.
We advocate against installing laminate flooring on existing floors. Laminate should be installed on a flat, clean, and dry subfloor. In most cases, other floor types, including any type of floating floor, carpet, and padding, should be removed before installation, as they can affect the stability of the laminate. We cannot stress enough the importance of subfloor preparation, as this is a leading cause of problems with laminate flooring performance.
Learn more about subfloor preparation at BestLaminate'd Learning Center.
Yes, many modern laminate floors are designed to be water-resistant. While traditional laminate floors can handle occasional spills, they are not waterproof and can be damaged if moisture seeps into the joints. For added protection, some brands offer water-resistant coatings or waterproof options that can resist spills for up to 72 hours.
Laminate flooring is ideal for indoor, climate-controlled residential spaces. If you're considering installing it in commercial areas, it's essential to review the manufacturer's specific warranty and installation guidelines. In most cases, laminate warranties do not cover abnormal use, such as moisture damage from plumbing issues, floods, storms, or damage from fire, smoke, or negligence. It’s also essential to avoid exposing laminate flooring to extreme heat, dryness, or harsh chemicals, which can result in damage.
Additionally, you should avoid installing laminate under kitchen cabinets, islands, or built-in cabinets. Laminate is a floating floor that requires an expansion gap around the edges to allow for natural movement due to temperature and humidity changes. Failing to leave this gap can result in buckling or warping of the floor over time. For moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, it's better to use water-resistant or waterproof laminate or opt for vinyl flooring.
Learn more about laminate flooring warranty from Bestlaminate Learning Center.
The AC (Abrasion Class) Rating measures the durability of laminate flooring based on tests for wear, impact, stain resistance, and moisture exposure. It ranges from AC1 to AC5. Higher AC numbers indicate more durable flooring:
- AC1: Suitable for low-traffic areas like guest rooms.
- AC2: Good for moderate traffic, such as bedrooms or dining rooms.
- AC3: Ideal for heavy residential use, like living rooms or kitchens.
- AC4: Used in light commercial spaces.
- AC5: Best for high-traffic commercial areas
Learn more about laminate flooring durability at Bestlaminate Learning Center
The primary downside is its sensitivity to water. Although laminate is durable and resistant to wear and scratches, it can be damaged by standing water or excessive moisture, causing the planks to warp or delaminate. Additionally, laminate cannot be refinished like hardwood floors.
Read laminate flooring comparison with other flooring types at Bestlaminate Learning Center
The cost of installing laminate flooring depends on factors like the type of flooring and labor costs. On average, you can expect to pay between $3 to $8 per square foot, including materials and labor, which means a 100-square-foot installation could cost between $300 and $800. Typically, moving the furniture, removing the old flooring, subfloor preparation, cost of the moldings, and underlayment are quoted separately.
Read our insider tips on what to consider when hiring a flooring installer.
Yes, you can mop laminate flooring, but using a damp (not wet) mop is essential to avoid excess water. Using too much water or a steam mop can damage the laminate's surface and joints. We recommend using a microfiber mop and a mixture of vinegar and water to keep your laminate floors clean. Stay away from mop-an-glo and any type of wax, as they leave a sticky film that is very hard to remove later.
Read Bestlaminate tips on how to clean laminate flooring properly.
Heavy furniture, including grand pianos or billiards, can be placed on laminate flooring. Still, it's recommended to use protective pads under the legs of furniture to disperse the weight and avoid scratching or denting the floor. The biggest concern with a heavy object is pinning your laminate on the subfloor. Direct pressure on the joints and planks can cause buckling if expansion and contraction are blocked. As every home (and the furniture) is unique, we suggest consulting your situation with an experienced flooring installer or contacting your flooring supplier for advice.
Read our tips on using piano and heavy furniture on laminate flooring.
Yes, laminate flooring is designed for DIY installation. Most modern laminate floors have a click-lock system that makes installation easy without needing nails or glue. Before any work begins, you must prepare for your laminate flooring installation. Your time investment in this part will pay off, and most of the issues related to the laminate flooring performance are due to an incorrectly prepared subfloor. It’s important to prepare and plan everything and follow installation guidelines.
Read out tips on how to avoid the biggest laminate flooring installation mistakes.
You should never install kitchen cabinets or an island on top of laminate flooring. Since laminate is a floating floor that expands and contracts with temperature changes, placing heavy cabinets on top could restrict this movement and lead to buckling or damaging the floor's locking system. Don’t forget to add an appropriate expansion gap between your flooring and the cabinets.
You can read more about kitchen installation here.
It depends. Flooring underlayment is essential under laminate flooring. It provides moisture protection, sound reduction, and a smooth surface for the laminate to float on. The type of underlayment depends on your floor, subfloor type, and specific needs. If your floor has a pre-attached underlayment, you only need a vapor block (visqeen) to install it over concrete or slab. The laminate without pre-attached underlayment must be installed over the appropriate underlayment.
Learn how to select laminate flooring underlayment from Bestlaminate Learning Center.