At Cosmaroma, we get asked this question a lot. Although laminate flooring has been around for a while, many people don’t really understand what it is precisely.

In this article, we will share everything you need to know about laminate flooring to help you decide if it’s right for your flooring project.

What exactly is laminate flooring?

The term “laminate” refers to layers, which is where we get the name “laminate flooring” since it consists of at least four layers of different materials. In most cases, that includes the following:

  • Back: This layer is used for stability and is the side installed directly to the subfloor or underlayment.
  • Core: The core provides structure to the laminate planks.
  • Decor: This layer is the stylish part of the laminate floor, which can be designed to look like wood, tile, or stone.
  • Wear: This is the top layer that protects the flooring from wear and tear, and, in some cases, water.

What is laminate flooring made of?

The decor layer can be made of either plastic materials or natural wood. The natural wood is more expensive and is commonly known as engineered wood flooring.

The core is made of a mix of things, which most often is wood materials such as MDF treated with resins to help stabilize it and make it more durable.

What differentiates the types of laminate flooring?

There are several factors that differentiate the types of laminate flooring, including the following:

  • Design: Laminate flooring comes in a multitude of designs with different wood grains, stains, textures, and finishes, as well as stone and tile looks. You can also choose what is referred to as different “plank” sizes, which refers to the width and, in some cases, length of the flooring pieces.
  • Thickness: The thickness of the floor is important to durability, with the thicker floors lasting the longest. Typically, thicknesses range between 7 and 12 mm for residential use.
  • Finish: Finishes refer to the texture of the laminate, which can be smooth or grainy. Homeowners are definitely leaning towards the hand-scraped look today.

What is underlay?

Underlay is a separate material from your laminate flooring. It is usually installed on the subfloor to provide protection against moisture, while also making floors quieter and softer underfoot.

As well, it adds a layer of insulation to maintain comfortable temperatures. In most cases, installing an underlay is recommended. Today, you can also find some laminate flooring with an underlay on the bottom.

Is laminate flooring affordable?

The answer is yes, absolutely. At Cosmaroma, our laminate flooring selection comes in at just $1.99 per square foot compared to $3.99 to $4.99 for engineered wood, and $6.99 or more for hardwood.

How do I know which laminate flooring is suited to my home?

One of the most important considerations (other than the design) is what is called the AC rating. This stands for Abrasion Criteria, which tells you how resistant the flooring is to daily wear.

The higher the traffic is in your home, the higher the AC rating you will require. Busy areas with lots of foot traffic require at least AC3, while spaces like the living room or bedroom might be fine with AC1 or AC2.

However, in open concept homes, or where you want a consistent look from room to room, you should go with the AC4 to be safe. It’s better to go higher than settle for something lower. AC4 is perfect for any room in the home.

Does laminate last long?

As with any flooring type, it all depends on the quality. As mentioned above, if you go with an AC4 rating, your floors will last longer than choosing a lower rating. Some considerations that help improve the life of your laminate include the following:

  • Choosing AC4 rated floors or higher
  • Going with engineered hardwood instead of plastic
  • Choosing the highest quality flooring you can afford
  • Using the right installation process (including baseboards and ¾ inch trim)
  • Using the right type of underlay of the highest quality you can afford

Is laminate flooring easy to maintain?

Laminate is slightly higher maintenance in that you can’t use tools like a traditional mop. It is not great with moisture, and a soggy mop can allow water to seep under the planks, so they will swell and warp.

That said, laminate just needs a good sweeping or vacuuming a few times a week to keep it looking its best. This also protects it from wear from tiny pieces of debris that will remove or scratch the upper layer, much like it would for hardwood.

A dry mop with a spray is also great for weekly cleaning in rooms like the kitchen. So, overall, it’s about the same as hardwood and a lot easier than carpeting.

Is laminate flooring easy to install?

Yes! When it comes to DIY flooring projects, laminate is at the top of the list for ease of installation. The drop-click system requires no nail guns or adhesives, as this is what is known as a floating floor.

As long as you’re patient, and good with measurements, you should be able to do a room in as little as a day, or sooner if you have help. Complete the job with a nice baseboard moulding and, voila, instant beautiful new flooring for about $1.99 a square foot!

Is laminate flooring designer-friendly?

It sure is. Today’s laminate comes in an impressive assortment of colours, making it easy to achieve a look you’ll love. From wide plank, hand-hewn designs to edgy stains and graining, laminate has it all.

You can transform your home to reflect any style. Whether it’s something beachy and casual, classic and sophisticated, modern farmhouse charm, edgy industrial, or a look all your own, there’s a laminate flooring that will do the job beautifully and affordably.

Is laminate good for all rooms?

While laminate has come a long way, it is not suited for very moist rooms such as the bathroom, laundry room, busy entries, or mudrooms. Other than those areas, you’re good to go!

Contact the Laminate Flooring Experts

Click here to start shopping for Cosmaroma’s laminate flooring selection, or click here to find a store near you.