Buying Guide: How To Shop for Laminate

With laminate flooring, you can have the look of wood or tile that’s perfect for your lifestyle. The laminate options you'll find at Floor & Decor today are more durable and realistic than ever before. Laminate comes in a wide variety of popular trends and styles, so you’ll be able to find the perfect look for your floors at a price that suits any budget.

Pictured: AquaGuard Performance Essex Dover Waterproof Laminate

Why Buy Laminate?

Laminate floors are a wood-based flooring that's durable, affordable and easy to install. It’s the perfect flooring option if you want a hardwood look and feel - with the primary material being natural wood. Floor & Decor offers AquaGuard® Performance,  wood-based, water-proof laminate that can go in any room of your house.

Durability of Laminate

The different types of laminate vary by thickness and AC (Abrasion Class) rating. As you increase the thickness, the installation becomes easier and sound transmission decreases. 12 millimeters is the ideal thickness to be stable without becoming too thick to be a problem. You want to make sure the overall thickness of the flooring doesn’t exceed the height of your original floor so you can smoothly open your doors. The higher the AC rating the more durable the surface. Our exclusive brand, AquaGuard® Performance, is our most durable option with an AC 5 rating.

Surface Texture

Laminate floors come in a wide variety of styles and colors with many different textures. Hand scraped has an authentic, aged, appearance with a softer feel and texture. An authentic textured finish is one of the most realistic wood-look options. Other surface textures include smooth and high gloss, all are great choices for an authentic look and feel.

Installing Laminate

Laminate floors are locking installation, making for a quick and easy install. Laminate floors can also be installed on, above or below grade level, making them perfect for the entire home including basements.

Maintaining Laminate

Laminate floors are extremely durable and long-lasting. They’re also easy to maintain and relatively maintenance free. When it comes to laminate floors, we recommend cleaning regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. Stop by our installation materials department to shop our reliable laminate cleaning products, or ask one of our knowledgeable associates which product would work best for you.

Pictured: HydroShield® Hearth Oak Water-Resistant Laminate

When you choose laminate for your home, you’re selecting a durable product that doesn't sacrifice style. Floor & Decor buys direct from the source, and all of our laminate flooring is GreenGuard Gold certified for low VOCs.

Ready to choose the right laminate flooring for your home? Visit your local Floor & Decor today or contact one of our expert designers to get started.