What’s Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a synthetic product made of several layers that are sealed together in the lamination process. Designed to be affordable and durable, laminate flooring consists of four distinct components:
Wear Layer
The wear layer helps resist scratches from daily wear, creates an easy-to-clean surface and maintains a fade- and stain-resistant appearance.
Décor Layer
The décor layer is a printed image that recreates the natural look of wood, tile or stone.
Core Layer
The core layer gives laminate its structure and dent-resistant properties. Laminate flooring is much more resistant to dents than real hardwood flooring.
Backer Layer
The final backer layer provides additional support and stability.
Where Can I Install Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is very durable making it a great choice for high traffic areas, such as living rooms or foyers. But today’s laminate floors aren't limited to specific rooms. The detail and style make it a visually appealing flooring option. Waterproof materials and installation allow it to be used in kitchens and even bathrooms. Laminate is also a great choice for basements. Just be sure to read the product information on underlayment and installation requirements.
Using Laminate Flooring on Walls
Most laminate floor planks can be applied to interior walls (not ceilings or countertops). Make sure your wall is clean and dry, plumb (vertical) and stable. Follow the product instructions for preparing the substrate. You'll probably need to prime the wall before installing.
Waterproof and Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring
Waterproof Laminate Flooring
In order to be waterproof, you'll need to follow installation instructions carefully. Installation requires 100% silicone sealant and a 3/8-inch foam backer rod around the perimeter of the room. Waterproof laminate flooring works best in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and kid's rooms. They're also a great idea if you have pets.
Water-resistant Laminate Flooring
Water-resistant usually means moisture needs to be cleaned up within 30 minutes. Check the product information and warranty for details. Water-resistant laminate flooring is ideal for dining rooms, living rooms and accent walls.
Things to Know About Laminate Flooring
Consider these key features to help you choose the right laminate for your home.
Thickness
Laminate flooring is typically available in 7-millimeter to 12-millimeter thicknesses. When you compare laminate, keep in mind that some manufacturers include the thickness of the product including the core and attached pad. All laminates provide a similar level of dent resistance. Thicker laminate is better suited to resist bending caused by uneven areas in your subfloor and reducing noise.
Width
Laminate planks come in three basic sizes:
- Strips are the thinnest planks and are up to three inches in width.
- Medium planks vary in width from 5-7 inches.
- Wide planks are the most popular choice and are more than seven inches in width.
Colors & Color Shades
Colors
Laminate flooring is available in a wide array of colors. The most popular choices are brown, gray, off-white, white and multi-color. Multi-color typically consists of boards in various shades of brown or gray.
Shades
The shade of the laminate flooring is also important. If you want to keep things light and bright, opt for a light shade. A medium shade is the most popular choice and looks good in most households. If you prefer something dramatic, opt for a dark shade. Keep in mind that the darker the shade, the more it will show dirt and pet hair.
AC Rating
The Abrasion Criteria (AC) rating represents wear resistance on a 1 to 5 scale. The higher the AC rating, the higher the durability. AC 3 and AC 4 are the most common residential products.
AC 1: Designed for home use with little foot traffic such as in bedrooms.
AC 2: Designed for home use with medium foot traffic.
AC 3: Designed for home use in all foot traffic areas, including high foot traffic areas, like the foyer or kitchen.
AC 4: Designed for home use in all traffic areas and can meet some commercial standards if warranted.
AC 5: Designed to withstand heavy commercial traffic.
Texture
Laminate flooring is available in many types of textures and finishes to simulate the look of real hardwood flooring.
Embossed or Embossed in Register (EIR): A general, all-over texture, EIR better simulates the natural look of real hardwood flooring by adding depth and texture in alignment with the design of the décor layer.
Handscraped: Though not actually handscraped, the laminate is pressed to look just like a real handscraped hardwood floor.
High Gloss: This smooth, high-gloss laminate features a mirror finish and resists scratches and dents.
Underfloor Heating
Not all underfloor heating can be used with laminate flooring. For laminate-compatible systems, you many need to embed the mesh in thin-set or self-leveler before installing the flooring. Read the product specifications and instructions carefully before proceeding.
Tools and Materials to Install Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a floating installation, meaning it isn’t fastened to the subfloor by glue, nails or staples. That makes installation very DIY-friendly, but there are some things you need to do.
Underlayment
Some products already have an acoustical pad attached to make installation easier. If not, you’ll need to install underlayment first. Underlayment provides moisture protection, thermal insulation and reduces sound minor subfloor imperfections. Underlayment with a moisture barrier is required when installing laminate over concrete subfloors, as moisture passing through the subfloor can cause your floor to expand. Always follow the flooring manufacturer’s instructions for moisture protection.
Some laminate floors have acoustical pads already attached to the product. Although the attached pad can make installation easier, these pads aren't moisture barriers.
Watch our video on preparing your subfloor for laminate flooring installation.
Moulding
Matching and coordinating moulding/millwork pieces are available, including quarter rounds, T-mouldings, thresholds, reducers and wall base.
Laminate Flooring Tools
You'll need the right laminate flooring tools for installation. We recommend the following:
- Pull bar
- Tapping block
- Spacers
- Silicone sealant
- 3/8-inch foam backer rod for any waterproof floor to work in moist rooms.
Laminate Flooring Installation and Costs
Before you get quotes from installers, you’ll need to take these factors into account.
Laminate Flooring Price Ranges
Laminate flooring can range anywhere from 70 cents to $6 per square foot. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of underlayment and trim.
Laminate Flooring Price Ranges
Contractors typically quote based on the square footage of your project. For example, a 20-foot-by-20-foot living room is 400 square feet. If a contractor charges $5 per square foot, a 400-square-foot room would cost $2,000 to install. This cost should include putting down the underlayment, but double-check with contractors when reviewing quotes.
Installation Time
It’s important to let the laminate sit in your house for a couple of days before installing it. This allows it time to acclimate to the humidity levels and temperature in your home. Line up the boxes side by side while the laminate is acclimating; don’t stack them. Professionals can usually install up to 1,000 square feet of laminate in a day or two.
Other Factors
- Purchase 10% more laminate than you need to account for waste.
- It’s always a good idea to get multiple contractor quotes.
- Labor costs can vary depending on where you live.
Do It Yourself
If you’d like to learn more about how to install laminate flooring, read:
Let Us Install It
If you’d prefer to leave laminate flooring installation to the pros, reach out to us. We’re happy to help.