QA

Quick Answer: How To Pick Laminate Flooring

How do I choose laminate flooring?

Thickness Of Laminate Flooring It is better to choose a thicker laminate, which means that it is going to withstand wear and tear. It can also resist bending and can reduce noise. Take a look at the AC rating of the laminate flooring to decide which one is best for your needs.

What is the best thickness for laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring should be between 6-12mm thick. If you find thicker than 12mm, it’s an inaccurate measurement–possibly including attached padding. If you want the highest-quality, hardwood feel, you’ll want 10 or 12mm. If cost is a concern and you have a smooth subfloor, you can get by with 7 or 8mm.

Which is best laminate flooring?

The Best Laminate Flooring of 2022 Pergo Outlast + Laminate. Best Overall. Pergo TimberCraft + WetProtect Laminate Flooring. Runner Up. Mannington Restoration Collection. Best Budget. TrafficMaster Laminate Flooring. Best For Kitchens. Mohawk RevWood Plus Flooring. Best For Living Rooms. Best For Bedrooms. Best For Offices.

Does laminate flooring have to match from room to room?

There is absolutely no need to change flooring from room to room. We often work with homeowners who feel the urge to pick a different flooring for every room of their home, but there is absolutely no need to do this. Your home will look best if you create one consistent look that travels from room to room.

What is better 8mm or 12mm laminate?

Impact Resistance 12mm is much more impact resistant than 8mm. Sharp items that accidentally fall on a thicker base will have very little effect on it. That’s the reason why people prefer 12mm laminate in high traffic areas.

Is 12mm laminate flooring better than 8mm?

8mm is standard thickness, good quality, good price, durable enough, environmentally. 12mm is thicker flooring, same quality as 8mm, good walk-feeling, not so much noisy, high price. If you like the laminate flooring to look and walk similarly with hardwood flooring, you can take 12mm.

How much should I pay for laminate flooring installation?

Installing a laminate floor costs $8 to $15 per square foot for labor and material. For the flooring alone, expect to pay between $2 and $6 per square foot.

Is 10 mm laminate flooring good?

The thickness of laminate flooring usually starts at about 6mm, and can run up to 15mm and more. The thicker your laminate flooring, the more it will look like real wood, generally speaking. 10mm laminate flooring is a good middle ground between too thin and cheap and too thick and unnessarily expensive.

What does AC3 mean in laminate flooring?

AC3 rated laminate flooring represents the highest rating for homeowners, so it’s intended to be used in any domestic areas that get heavy foot traffic. These include living rooms, hallways, conservatories, stairs, kitchen, etc.

What are the disadvantages of laminate flooring?

Cons of laminate flooring Can’t be Refinished. Unlike some other types of flooring, laminate can’t be sanded down and refinished. Not as quiet as carpet. Laminate flooring is quite rigid and installed directly on the subfloor, which means walking on laminate can be noisy underfoot. Can be a slippery surface.

Does laminate flooring look cheap?

It will help prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. The laminate floor products at Greatmats are made of top notch materials and are designed to last. They look anything but cheap, and instead, present the look of wood or stone at a fraction of the price of the real thing.

What is better vinyl or laminate?

Vinyl stands up the best against excess moisture and spills, and it can be less expensive than laminate. However, laminate gives a more realistic wood look to enhance the design aesthetic in your home.

Does laminate devalue a house?

There is not much difference in cost and ROI between solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood, but the same isn’t true of laminate flooring. Because of its lower price point, laminate also won’t do much for your home’s resale value.

Should you put the same flooring throughout your house?

The quick answer is YES! Using the same flooring throughout ties rooms together, improves flow, makes the home seem larger, simplifies cleaning and maintenance, and is often easier on the budget. If you feel you must use different flooring, limit it to two or three types.

Should wood flooring be laid in the same direction throughout the house?

Wood floors should always be laid perpendicular to floor joists—across rather that in between them. This will make the floors structurally sound and will help prevent the planks from separating, sagging or buckling. So, there is no right or wrong way to lay your wood flooring.

Is 7mm laminate thick enough?

7mm laminate flooring is ever slightly thicker than 6mm laminate flooring and is ideal for normal home installations. When installed over a quality subfloor with the right type of underlayment, 7mm laminate flooring has outstanding performance. Remember to be aware of the AC rating of your floor.

How long does 8mm laminate flooring last?

Depending on the quality of the flooring, laminate flooring can last between 15 to 25 years on average, or longer. Choosing the right flooring for your home is about more than just aesthetics, it’s also about durability and strength.

What does AC5 mean in laminate flooring?

AC3 – Residential, Heavy Traffic: Suitable for all areas. AC4 – Commercial, Moderate Traffic: Hotel rooms, small office. AC5 – Commercial, General Traffic: Office, boutique, café.

What is the difference between AC4 and AC5 laminate flooring?

AC1-AC4 rated laminate is made using direct pressure laminate, whilst AC5 and higher is created using high pressure laminate. This is also due to the laminate flooring thickness and its wear layer. Each AC rating increase means a 60% increase in wear.

Is 6 mil wear a good layer?

The more MIL’s a product has the stronger the wear layer is. So, a 6 or 12 MIL product will work for your home, but not for a commercial setting. A 20 MIL product will work for your home, AND work for a commercial setting. The higher the MIL’s the higher the warranty in years, and vice versa.

How thick is the underlayment for laminate flooring?

We would recommend an underlay of 3 – 5mm for laminate flooring. It should be at least 3mm thick to provide comfort and ground levelling properties. But, it should be no more than 5mm thick. If it’s any thicker, you could experience problems with the laminate’s locking system.