Everything You Need to Know About Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has become a favourite for homeowners and businesses, and it’s no surprise why. It’s durable, affordable, and makes upgrading your space quick and easy. With designs that look just like natural wood or stone, laminate gives you the beauty you want without the upkeep. It’s a practical choice for busy homes and workplaces, standing up to the realities of everyday life.

But what exactly is laminate flooring? How is it made, and will it hold up in your space? Don't worry, we’re here to help. Whether you’re sprucing up a cozy living room or tackling a busy workspace, we’ll guide you every step of the way to find a floor you’ll truly love.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a stylish alternative to natural hardwood or tile flooring. Made from multiple layers pressed together under high heat and pressure, it’s designed to replicate the beauty of wood or stone at a fraction of the cost. With a protective top layer that resists scratches and wear, laminate is a great choice for busy homes or high-traffic areas. Easy to install and maintain, it’s perfect for anyone upgrading their space without breaking the bank.

What is Laminate Flooring Made Of?

Laminate flooring is constructed to handle real life while keeping your space looking great. It’s made up of four layers that work together to bring you both durability and style:

1. Back Layer - This sturdy base keeps your floors stable and protects against moisture, so you don’t have to worry about what’s underneath.
2. Core Layer - A strong, dense board that stands up to dents and adds an extra layer of moisture protection, perfect for busy households.
3. Design Layer - This layer gives laminate its beautiful, realistic look, whether you love the warmth of wood, the feel of stone, or the clean lines of tile.
4. Wear Layer - The hardworking top layer protects against scratches, spills, stains, and fading, keeping your floors looking fresh through all of life’s little messes.

With its thoughtful design and durability, laminate flooring is a reliable choice ready to take on whatever your day brings, whether it’s muddy boots, playful pets, or everyday life. It is often compared to vinyl flooring, but there are key differences that set them apart. Learn more about what sets vinyl and laminate flooring apart so that you can make the best decision for you and your family.

Is Laminate Flooring Plastic?

Is laminate flooring plastic? Not at all. It might have that sleek, modern finish, but laminate is made from high-density fiberboard with a durable top layer coated in melamine resin. It’s not natural wood or tile but thoughtfully crafted to look like hardwood or stone. Older laminate floors might have felt a little plastic-like, but today’s options are a whole new game. Thanks to modern design, laminate now offers stunningly realistic looks at a price that works for real families. It's a smart, stylish choice for anyone wanting to create a warm, inviting home without overspending.

Types of Laminate Flooring

With impressive design improvements, laminate flooring can beautifully mimic the look of wood, tile, or stone, giving you that natural, stylish feel without breaking the bank. Plus, they’re built to handle the ups and downs of everyday life with ease.

When it comes to laminate, there are usually two main types to choose from:

Wood-Look Laminate Flooring

Wood-look laminate flooring is an excellent choice for busy households, ideal for families with kids, pets, or just the daily hustle and bustle of life. It gives you the beauty of real wood, with options like oak, mahogany, cherry, and pine, but without the hefty price tag or the worry of constant maintenance. Laminate is simple to care for, water-resistant, and tough enough to handle life’s little (and big) messes. It’s flooring made to keep up with you and your home, no matter what the day brings.

Tile-Look Laminate Flooring

Love the look of tile but not the hassle or price that comes with it? Tile-look laminate flooring is here to make life easier. Laminate flooring brings the charm of ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone without the cold, hard feel. Warm and comfortable underfoot, it’s tough enough to handle the busiest households and a breeze to maintain. Whether for your kitchen, bathroom, or any room in your home, this flooring gives you the timeless beauty of tile without the stress of expensive installations. It’s a practical, welcoming choice that fits your lifestyle and budget.

As your local flooring store, we’re here to help you create the perfect space. Whether you’re after a specific plank size, colour, grain, or texture, we’ve got it. Our laminate flooring offers the timeless beauty of wood and stone tile to fit your lifestyle and budget. Use our Room Visualizer tool to see how your favourites look before deciding. Let’s find the perfect floor to make your home warm, inviting, and ready for everyday life.

How Durable is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is built to handle real life, making it a perfect choice for busy homes with kids, pets, or plenty of foot traffic. Its tough wear layer stands up to scratches, fading, and everyday mishaps, keeping it looking great no matter what life throws its way. While water-resistant, taking a few extra steps in areas like kitchens and bathrooms is a good idea. Options like adding a moisture barrier will keep everything protected. With care, laminate flooring keeps up with your daily hustle and does it in style while staying easy on your budget. It’s a practical, dependable option that fits right into your home and life.

Take a look at our collection of waterproof and durable laminate flooring, perfect for those spots in your home that could use a little extra care and protection. We also offer pet-friendly laminate flooring for homes with furry friends. Designed to handle life’s everyday messes, our flooring is here to help you create a practical and welcoming space.

Where Can You Install Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a practical, stylish choice that fits seamlessly into just about any room in your home, like:

• Bedrooms
• Living Rooms
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Entryways
• Hallways
• Laundry Rooms
• Basements
• Mudrooms
• Playrooms

Laminate flooring is made for real life, messy moments, busy days, and everything in between. It brings comfort and character to your home. Explore our options and create a space where you can feel at home.

How to Install Laminate Flooring

Installing laminate flooring can completely transform your space, but getting it right requires careful planning and precision. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

1. Prepare the Subfloor: Make sure it’s clean, dry, and level for a smooth installation.
2. Add Underlayment: This creates a sound barrier and ensures a solid, even surface for your flooring.
3. Install the Planks: Use the click-lock system to secure the planks, ensuring a snug fit. Don’t forget to leave expansion gaps around the edges to prevent buckling with temperature changes.

Installing laminate flooring might seem like a fun DIY project, but even small missteps, like uneven planks or gaps, can lead to headaches down the road. That’s where we come in. 

We know how important it is for your home to feel just right, and with our professional installation services, you’ll get a flawless finish built to last. Plus, we’ll ensure your flooring is set up for top performance and keeps its warranty intact. Ready to create a space you’ll love coming home to? Schedule your free at-home consultation and pre-measure today.

Laminate Flooring Maintenance Tips

Like anything in a home full of life, laminate flooring needs a little love to keep it looking its best. With regular cleaning and simple maintenance, you can keep those floors shining, even in the busiest areas of your home. We’ve gathered some easy, practical tips to help you care for your laminate floors, so they stay beautiful and ready for all of life’s moments, year after year.

How to Care for Your Laminate Flooring

Keep your laminate floors looking their best with these easy and down-to-earth cleaning tips:

• Sweep or Vacuum Daily: Life gets messy, but a quick daily sweep or vacuum helps keep dirt and grit from scratching up your beautiful floors.
• Use a Damp Mop: A lightly damp, well-wrung mop works wonders for regular cleaning. Just remember, less is more; there is no need for a soaking mop.
• Skip the Steam Mop: We know it’s tempting, but the heat and moisture can be tough on laminate. Stick to gentler methods to keep that shine going strong.

With these simple steps, your floors will stay clean, cozy, and ready for all of life’s little moments.

Tips for Preventing Damage to Your Laminate Floors

Laminate floors are made to keep up with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, whether it’s pets racing around the house or kids playing their hearts out. And with just a little TLC, your floors can stay as stunning as the day they were installed. Here are a few easy tips to help keep them looking their best:

• Save the high heels for outside: Spiked shoes and high heels might look great, but they’re not so kind to laminate floors. They can leave behind dents or scratches, so it’s best to slip them off at the door.
• Welcome mats are your best friend: Placing doormats at entrances is a simple way to catch dirt, sand, and grit before it makes its way inside. This small step can make a big difference in preventing scratches and wear.
• Keep it simple with cleaners: Stick to gentle, laminate-friendly cleaners. Avoid detergents, waxes, polishes, or steam cleaners. These can slowly wear down the protective layer and remove its beautiful finish over time.

Your laminate floors are built to handle real life, and with these little habits, you can keep them looking their best for years to come. After all, they’re part of the home where so many memories are made.

Can You Clean Laminate Floors with Vinegar?

Yes, you can. Mix three parts water with one part white vinegar, and you’ve got an easy, affordable cleaner that gets the job done. Spray a small section of your floor, wipe it down with a damp cloth or mop, and dry it right away with a soft cloth to keep things streak-free. Vinegar is a natural, effective way to clean, but remember, less is more when it comes to water or the mixture. It’s all about keeping those floors looking their best while protecting them for the long haul.

Want to keep your floors looking their best? Check out our Hard Surface Floor Care and Warranty Guide for expert tips and tricks on cleaning and maintenance. It's your go-to resource for keeping your floors beautiful and protected.

How to Choose the Right Laminate Flooring

Thinking about laminate flooring for your home? We’ve got you covered. Here’s how to find the perfect fit:

1. Take a Look Around: Consider the spaces you want to update. Are they high-traffic areas? Do they deal with a lot of moisture, like kitchens or bathrooms?
2. Find Your Style: Picture the colours, textures, and finishes that match your home’s vibe. Whether it’s sleek and modern or warm and rustic, there’s a style for you. Order flooring samples straight to your door and see which you like best.
3. Choose Quality You Can Count On: Durable, long-lasting floors make all the difference. That’s why we recommend our trusted flooring options. Life happens, and you need floors that can keep up.
4. Check the Warranty: Life with kids or pets? Look for a warranty that gives you peace of mind, even when life gets messy.

At Flooring America, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Stop by your local store to explore styles, grab a few samples, or chat with our flooring experts. We’ll help you find the perfect laminate flooring that feels just right for your home and your life. Let’s make your space something special. Contact us now!