Affordable, good looking and easy to maintain, laminate flooring is a great choice for many households. To select a long-lasting, high-quality option, you need to know what features to look for. Depending on your particular needs and style preferences, the exact signs of good laminate flooring will differ, such as colour or effect. However, there are a few common factors, including thickness, AC rating and warranty, to consider.
Which laminate flooring is best?
The best laminate flooring has been manufactured to a high quality, meaning it will have a realistic appearance, last for a long time and be easy to install. You might have heard that laminate from a specific brand or within a particular price range is the best. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Instead, when you’re selecting your laminate floor, look for the following features.
Thicker planks
The highest quality laminate planks are thicker. Choosing flooring that’s between 8mm and 12mm in depth will offer better durability, sound insulation and be more comfortable underfoot. Usually, laminate is thicker due to a denser backer layer which supports and protects the floor. So if you have a subfloor that isn’t completely flat and dry, then getting a thicker laminate is even more important.
Good composition
Laminate is made up of several layers. This includes a core made from a combination of fibreboard and resin which gives the flooring its strength, stability and moisture resistance. Some laminate will have cores made from medium-density fibreboard (MDF) while others will use high-density fibreboard (HDF). Choosing planks with HDF construction will offer better durability, increased stability and moisture resistance.
High AC rating
Abrasion Criteria (AC) ratings indicate how hard-wearing a particular laminate floor is. The ratings range between one and five, with one being suitable for low traffic domestic use and five able to withstand busy commercial spaces. Depending on which room your flooring will be installed in, choose options between AC3 and AC5. That way, you’ll know it’ll withstand the wear and tear of a busy household.
Water resistance
Not all laminate flooring is completely waterproof. If you’re planning on installing your floor in a bathroom, kitchen or utility room, then checking this feature is key. Otherwise, you could end up with laminate that warps and bends and will need replacing sooner than you expect. Similarly, you should check if a floor is suitable for installing over underfloor heating before buying.
Long warranty
Choosing the right type of laminate, installing it correctly and caring for it well will extend its lifespan. However, to get extra reassurance on a floor’s durability, make sure you choose an option with a long warranty. Typically, a manufacturer will cover laminate for domestic use for between 10 and 30 years. This will guarantee the floor against general wear and tear for this length of time, though not for any accidental damage.
Easy installation
Straightforward installation is one of the main benefits of laminate flooring. With just a few tools and a bit of DIY knowledge, homeowners can easily lay laminate floors themselves. However, it’s important to check the installation method before you buy so you know what tools and processes you need to follow. For example, some might have a click or drop lock system, while others will need to be glued down.
Natural look
The main benefit of laminate is that it looks like real wood or stone but doesn’t require the same high cost or level of care. However, you still want it to look as realistic and natural as possible. The design layer is what gives laminate its appearance, so make sure you inspect planks carefully to see how high-quality the printing is. The type of edge a laminate floor has (bevelled, straight, micro-bevelled) will also affect the overall look.
Choosing The Right Laminate For Each Room
When you’re selecting your laminate, figuring out which shades and effects will work best in your room will be top priority. Choosing a colour that suits both your decor and your lifestyle is essential. For example, a white or light laminate might not be suitable alongside white walls or households with pets and children.
However, there are a few other factors you need to think about when choosing a laminate floor for your room.
Moisture
If your flooring will be installed in a bathroom, utility space or shower room, then you need a laminate that’s waterproof. Not all laminates are resistant to moisture and will start to warp when it comes into contact with water or steam. Even in kitchens and living rooms, it’s worth finding a floor that’s water-resistant. This will minimise the likelihood of damage from mopping or food and drink spillages.
Footfall
Some parts of your house, like your hallway, kitchen and living room, get high amounts of traffic every day. Although all laminate is fairly durable, certain types are resistant to more wear and tear than others. This is indicated by a floor’s AC rating. In busy rooms, opt for floors with a rating between AC3 and AC5. These are heavy duty floors and will last longer, even in high footfall areas.
Noise levels
If a laminate isn’t fitted correctly or is too thin, then it will rattle against the subfloor when people walk over it. This can be particularly noticeable on upstairs floors or stairs. As such, if you have an uneven subfloor, then choosing thicker laminate planks is recommended. This will have higher amounts of cushioning and soften footsteps, preventing the floor movements that lead to clattering or creaking noises.
Extreme temperatures
Household appliances like tumble dryers, ovens, washing machines and refrigerators all generate heat. Laminate expands and contracts when exposed to changing temperatures of humidity levels. To avoid shifts and warpage in your laminate floor, it’s important to choose options with heat resistance for rooms with these appliances. Installing planks with expansion gaps and following manufacturer acclimatisation instructions will also help.
Does high cost mean high quality?
Laminate that’s more expensive isn’t necessarily a higher quality product. Regardless of the cost, you should check laminate flooring against the factors above to determine if it’s a top-class product that’s right for your needs. Considering how durable a product is and the length of a manufacturer’s warranty will also help you determine if a laminate floor will offer you value for money or not.
It’s also worth noting that some retailers add extra costs to their products to cover their purchasing margins. FDF buys laminate directly from manufacturers and sends it straight to customers. By cutting out the middleman, we can offer high-quality products without the increased costs. This means, when you buy from us, you can get first-class laminate flooring that meets your requirements at a competitive price.
Find the best laminate flooring for you
With so much choice available, it can be difficult to find a high quality laminate floor that suits your style and needs. Our experts can advise you on which product will have the best features for your room, so you can get the most from your investment. Get in touch to find a quality floor from our laminate range.