Laminate is known for its durability, low price point, and clever imitation of natural wooden floors, but what is laminate flooring made of?
Often grouped with natural wood floors like hardwood and engineered wood, laminate is composed of four layers, each with a unique purpose:
Bottom layer – a moisture barrier, aiding the strength and stability of the flooring
- Core layer – the main structural element that supports the weight of foot traffic, composed of compressed wood material strengthened with resin
- Print layer – the visual, decorative design of the planks
- Uppermost (wear) layer – protecting the design of the planks against scratches, stains, and abrasions
The layers are fused together under high heat and pressure, creating a durable, attractive flooring solution at a lower cost than comparable natural wood alternatives.
What types of laminate flooring are there?
Laminate flooring comes in a range of different styles and sizes that have a unique impact on its characteristics. Thicker laminate boards will offer better durability and stability, and a thicker wear layer in particular will provide enhanced protection against scratches, stains, and general wear and tear. While laminate doesn’t inherently provide strong water resistance compared to other flooring options like vinyl, some laminate products have core layers designed to repel moisture and prevent warping or swelling, or are specially treated to prevent water damage.
The main designs for laminate planks are wood-look and stone-look. Both offer a great alternative to the real deal, offering an aesthetically pleasing end result at a lower initial cost. Modern technologies have made these designs more realistic than ever, with various textures and finishes available that truly mimic the look and feel of the intended material. However, it’s important to note that natural hardwood or engineered wood planks offer an extended lifespan compared to laminate, and the same applies to real stone tile floors.
How to choose the best laminate flooring
As with any flooring material, the best laminate flooring for your situation will depend on a variety of factors, such as where the flooring is for, your budget, and your preferred style.
One of the main things to look out for when choosing the best laminate flooring is the product’s AC rating. AC stands for Abrasion Class and is a standardized measure of the product’s durability, ranging from AC1 (designed for light residential use) to AC5 (ideal for heavy commercial use). On average, laminate products with a higher AC rating will also come at a higher cost.
What type of laminate flooring is best for kitchens?
The kitchen is often the busiest room of the home, so laminate flooring can be a desirable option due to its high level of durability. It also offers easy cleaning and maintenance, and can withstand small spills if cleaned promptly, which is often more than adequate moisture protection for a kitchen environment.
Since laminate flooring is a popular option for various rooms around the home, including hallways and living rooms, many homeowners opt to install laminate flooring in the kitchen to aid aesthetic continuity between all rooms. Laminate flooring is also suitable for use with underfloor heating, making it an attractive option for a kitchen environment.
When choosing a laminate flooring product for a kitchen application, prioritize factors like its level of water resistance and AC rating (a rating of AC3 would be suitable for most kitchens, but AC4 can offer more robust durability for busier households, or homes with pets).
What type of laminate flooring is best for bathrooms?
Laminate flooring isn’t the most common flooring choice for bathroom applications, mainly due to its level of water resistance. As mentioned above, laminate flooring can withstand small kitchen spills, however it may not hold up against the increased moisture levels in a bathroom. That being said, some laminate flooring products do claim to be waterproof, so prioritize these products if you’re set on bathroom laminate.
A great alternative to laminate for bathroom applications is vinyl. Vinyl products are available in similar aesthetic styles to laminate, but due to being fully-synthetic, vinyl flooring offers increased water-resistance properties.
Laminate is a great flooring material for a range of both residential and commercial applications, offering appealing aesthetics, high durability, and easy maintenance. Always have your laminate flooring installed by a professional to ensure maximum safety and longevity of the floors.
Want to compare laminate with other hard flooring options? Check out our handy guides: