Let’s say you want attractive, affordable, and durable flooring for your home renovation. Leading Laminate Flooring Brands are stepping in to assist with that. They provide affordable options that are stylish and durable.
We have researched for you and selected the best laminate flooring for your requirements. This article will examine popular brands like Shaw Repel, Mohawk RevWood, and others. You will learn which manufacturers provide waterproof options, have the most realistic representations of wood and stone, and are the most suitable for workplaces. We will also discuss cost, warranties, and water resistance for ease of decision-making. Let’s start looking for the ideal laminate flooring for your project now.
What is Laminate Flooring?
A type of synthetic floor with interlocking layers is the laminate flooring. A layer of plywood or fiberboard serves as the structure’s innermost layer. There may be occasionally an additional protective underlayment added. There is also an image layer having high-resolution image of wood or another material on top of this core. A thin, transparent plastic wear layer is on top to protect everything.
Pros
Low Cost: Laminate flooring offers a budget-friendly choice, averaging $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot. This makes it $1-2 per square foot less expensive than vinyl plank and $3-7 less costly than hardwood.
Easy Maintenance: Cleaning laminate is very easy. A simple brush and mop every other day keeps it looking great. Some brands even permit wet mopping and steam mops for added convenience.
Easy Installation: Laminate flooring can be installed using the floating (locking) method, the easiest installation method for flooring. It requires no nails, staples, or glue.
Stylish Looks: Modern technologies enable companies to create laminate flooring closely like hardwood. Many laminate options are incredibly stylish, featuring intricate knotting and realistic wood-grain patterns.
Scratch Resistance: Most new laminate ranges have very thick wear layers. The wear layer is transparent on the top of laminate planks designed to protect against scratching and dents. Some laminate ranges are specially designed for homes with cats and dogs.
Cons
Susceptible to Liquid Damage: Laminate floors don’t handle moisture well. Too much liquid, whether water or something else, can make the planks warp, stain, and weaken if not dealt with. While waterproof laminate is more common now, it’s still essential to be careful, especially if water flows through the floor. If some planks or tiles get damaged by water, you’ll need to take them out and replace them entirely.
Cannot Be Refinished: Due to its composite construction and wear layer, a laminate floor can never be refinished. Once damaged or worn out, laminate flooring must be replaced.
8 Best Laminate Flooring Brands in the Market to Explore
1. Best Overall – Newton Laminate
The US flooring company Newton is relatively new but is growing in recognition. They aim to offer customers gorgeous, long-lasting floors at an affordable price.
They currently offer a wide variety of laminate flooring. Over 45 different laminate products are available across ten collections. Newton’s laminate is stylish with options like mixed-size planks and stone tile looks.
Furthermore, their laminate planks closely resemble hardwood because of improved embossing and wood-grain details.
Additionally, most Newton laminate product lines are described as fully waterproof and function like vinyl plank flooring. Additionally, they stand out by providing low VOC laminate that is GreenGuard Gold and FloorScore certified.
Why Newton?
Laminate flooring from Newton is incredibly affordable, starting at just $2.99 per square foot. Additionally, it is 12mm thick and has an AC4 rating. Also, unlike most laminate floors, most of their selections are waterproof, making them appropriate for bathrooms and kitchens. Last but not least, their laminate ensures indoor air quality by emitting very little VOCs.
2. Second Best – Pergo Laminate
Pergo flooring is another popular option for laminate, vinyl plank, and hardwood flooring. Since they invented laminate flooring in the 1970s, they have gained widespread recognition as a brand. It’s important to remember that Pergo is still a market leader and that Mohawk Industries purchased them in 2012.
Currently, Pergo offers 11 laminate collections with various looks like hardwood and tile/stone appearances. A significant benefit of some is that they are waterproof and stain-resistant, like Pergo TimberCraft and Pergo Outlast. Pergo has a range of options for various price points, from $1.99 to $3.49 per square foot. Additionally, some Pergo laminate lines have pre-attached underlayment, which is uncommon in the laminate flooring industry.
Pergo has what you need if you want toughness and durability. Most of their collections, including TimberCraft Elite, are 12mm thick and AC4-rated, making them appropriate for light commercial use. Additionally, Pergo offers a 10-year commercial settings warranty and a lifetime residential application warranty.
Why Pergo?
Pergo laminate flooring is a fantastic option because it has all the necessary durability characteristics, including water resistance, an AC rating, and thick planks. Additionally, compared to other laminate brands, Pergo provides a strong warranty. Additionally, some Pergo lines are available for as little as $1.99 per square foot and have the underlayment already attached. Pergo, therefore, offers excellent value for the money.
3. Third Best – Shaw Repel Laminate
The third company on our list of the best laminate flooring options is Shaw Repel Laminate, so let’s talk about them now. Luxury vinyl, hardwood, carpet, tile, and laminate are just a few of the many flooring products offered by Shaw Industries, a sizable flooring brand founded in 1946.
Because it stands out as one of their laminate offerings with the most significant level of durability, we have chosen Shaw’s Repel line. You can choose from three lines in this collection—Intrigue, Gold Coast, and Anthem Plus—for 18 colour combinations.
Thanks to their cutting-edge OptiCore technology, Shaw Repel Laminate stands out for its strength, stability, and moisture resistance. These laminate planks have an AC4 rating for durability and are substantial, measuring 12 mm thick.
Repel Laminate from Shaw has a 30-year residential solid warranty and outstanding performance. Shaw Repel Laminate offers a dependable and long-lasting flooring option for your home with a price range of $3.59 to $3.89 per square foot.
Why Shaw?
Shaw Repel is a popular choice because of its reputation for dependability and superior quality. Shaw Repel is a good option if you want a dependable laminate floor made in the US with exceptional water resistance. Shaw Repel laminate flooring has a starting price of $3.59 per square foot.
4. Most Durable – Mohawk RevWood
As the best manufacturer of laminate flooring, let’s start with Mohawk Redwood Laminate. The most cost-effective option is the entry-level RevWood line. It is 8mm thick and resists water and scratches well. For a little bit more, you can upgrade to RevWood Select, which is 12mm wide and has lifetime pet protection and a 10-year waterproof warranty. RevWood Plus, which provides lifetime pet and water protection, is the way to go if you need waterproof flooring for your kitchen or bathroom.
The RevWood, RevWood Plus, and RevWood Select product lines from Mohawk’s laminate collection contain over 80 unique items. RevWood laminates frequently resemble hardwood and are available in extra-wide and narrow planks and light and dark shades. Prices for Mohawk Redwood Laminate range from $2.39 to $3.99 per square foot, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets.
Furthermore, All Mohawk laminate appliances are also five years for commercial use and come with lifetime warranties for residential use, earning them an AC4 rating for durability. Thanks to Mohawk GenuEdge technology, some Mohawk lines achieve remarkably realistic hardwood aesthetics, setting them apart from standard laminate products with straight edges. GenuEdge replicates the natural curves and bumps of hardwood edges.
Why Mohawk RevWood?
We chose Mohawk as the best option for rigid laminate for several valid reasons. Due to their hydroseal technology, many laminate lines offer lifetime waterproof protection. Their planks behave exactly like vinyl plank flooring as a result. At An affordable price Mohawk provides a wide range of fashionable options. Mohawk’s laminate collection products also have thick wear layers and lifetime pet protection.
5. Best Cheap Laminate – Tarkett Laminate
Let’s examine Tarkett laminate, the best option for cheap flooring. The seven laminate collections that Tarkett currently offers are Easy Line, Essentials, Soundlogic, Woodstock, Woodstock Pro, Woodstock XL, and Woodstock XL 1032.
Although the Woodstock XL 1032 line stands out with an overall thickness of 10mm, most of Tarkett’s laminate is 8mm thick. Their entire product line has an AC4 rating, and some even have an AC5 rating, which qualifies them for both light and heavy commercial use.
They are, without a doubt, one of the most reasonably priced laminate brands available, with prices starting as low as $1.19 per square foot. Additionally, Tarkett laminate has Low VOC certification by French regulations A+ and Carb2, which supports improved indoor air quality.
Why Tarkett?
You might wonder why Tarkett was the best laminate option available at a reasonable price. It’s fairly easy. They are the second most affordable laminate brand we looked at, with TrafficMaster being the most affordable. However, there is a catch: The laminate planks from Tarkett have ratings of either AC4 or AC5, and they are a solid 10mm thick. Tarkett is one of the best options among inexpensive laminate companies, considering their wallet-friendly price, thickness, and low VOC certifications.
6. Most Water-Resistant – AquaGuard Laminate
Let’s explore AquaGuard Laminate flooring, a unique brand of water-resistant laminate available only at Floor & Decor, both online and in stores nationwide.
There are currently 38 designs in their laminate flooring collection to choose from, all modeled after the appearance of hardwood. This includes wood in both light and dark tones, as well as some with cool grey undertones. For even more variety, they even provide herringbone and mixed-size laminate options.
The remarkable water resistance of AquaGuard laminate is its distinguishing quality. It’s built to withstand 30 hours of water contact, which is almost what you’d anticipate from vinyl plank flooring. Additionally, their planks’ solid 12mm thickness is essential for a long-lasting laminate floor.
Another benefit is that AquaGuard’s top coating, which has an AC5 rating, qualifies it for heavy commercial use. They have such faith in it that they provide a remarkable 15-year commercial warranty.
AquaGuard is a little more expensive than the average laminate floor, costing between $2.59 and $3.99 per square foot. However, considering its durability, thickness, and water resistance, it might be worth the cost for areas where moisture is a concern.
Why AquaGuard?
Because AquaGuard is specifically designed to deal with moisture, it has earned the distinction of being the most water-resistant laminate brand. While laminate floors cannot be said to be completely waterproof, AquaGuard is guaranteed to withstand spills for more than 30 hours. Additionally, their floors are tough enough for heavy commercial use because they have AC5 ratings, which is quite unusual in the world of laminate flooring.
7. Thickest Laminate – Evoke Laminate
Let’s look closer at Evoke, a well-known US flooring company that provides impressive options despite not being as famous as Mohawk or Shaw. This brand’s dedication is to offer floors that are incredibly durable and have a long lifespan.
There are only nine distinct styles in the relatively small Evoke laminate collection. Still, despite this, they combine rustic and modern elements and have authentic hardwood looks with graining and knots. The Heritage line, which is notable for being one of the thickest options available, stands out in their lineup. Evoke, which has prices ranging from $2.09 to $3.29 per square foot and a variety of options. Although they balance between affordability, durability and style, it is a great option for those looking for durable laminate flooring.
With an impressive overall thickness of 14mm, Evoke Heritage stands out among laminate flooring. Additionally, the pre-attached underlayment pad with laminate floors can save homeowners significant money during installation.
The laminate from Evoke also receives an AC4 rating, indicating that it is appropriate for moderate commercial use.
Why Evoke?
With a total thickness of 14mm, Evoke is a remarkable choice for the title of thickest laminate. Even better, you can get it for as little as $2.09 per square foot, and it already has the underlayment attached, saving you additional costs. Evoke becomes a laminate worth considering when considering its strong water resistance and respectable AC rating.
8. Best Commercial Laminate – Swiss Krono Laminate
Let’s talk about SwissKrono now, the laminate flooring brand that tops our list as the best option for commercial settings. Swiss Krono is a well-known brand for laminate flooring in Europe and first entered the American market in 2005.
This brand specializes in laminate flooring with an AC5 rating for moderate commercial use. The Spill Proof Collection and the Designer Collection are the two separate laminate collections Swiss Krono offers. Even though their selection is small—there are only about ten different laminate products—they cover a variety of dark and light shades, and all imitate the appearance of hardwood flooring.
One of their strongest lines, mainly, is the Spill Proof Collection. It boasts strong moisture resistance and allows customers 8mm, 12mm, or 14mm thick planks. The manufacturer’s lifetime residential warranty and 5-year commercial warranty on the wider planks add to their appeal.
It’s also important to note that Swiss Krono has received recognition from GreenGuard Gold and FloorScore as having low VOC certifications under indoor air regulations. Swiss Krono laminate is also very affordable, with prices per square foot ranging from $2.09 to $2.89.
Why Swiss Krono?
Swiss Krono is our top pick for commercial laminate because they are one of the few manufacturers that offer AC5-rated flooring, which is ideal for locations with high foot traffic. They excel here when paired with AquaGuard. Additionally, their flooring has a strong 5-year commercial warranty and a necessary low VOC certification, which is crucial for commercial spaces.
What to Consider While Choosing Laminate Flooring?
Before deciding on the Laminate flooring brand, there are a lot of things to think about. The following are the most important things: What to Consider While Choosing Laminate Flooring?
Water Resistance
Water resistance is essential when choosing laminate flooring, especially for kitchen installations or areas with children. The water resistance of laminate floors varies. By examining their waterproof hour guarantee, you can determine this. For instance, Aquaguard laminate promises to be waterproof for 30 hours, ensuring it can withstand moisture for an extended period. You can compare and select the ideal laminate because most brands clarify this information in their warranties.
AC Rating
The AC rating guides where you can use laminate flooring. For durability, we recommend an AC4 rating. Refer to the table below for a breakdown of AC rating levels.
|
AC Rating |
Suitable for |
|
AC1 |
Light Traffic Residential Use |
|
AC2 |
Moderate Traffic Residential Use |
|
AC3 |
Heavy Traffic Residential Use |
|
AC4 |
Moderate Traffic Commercial Use |
|
AC5 |
Heavy Traffic Commercial Use |
Underlayment
Typically, you need to lay down a layer of underlayment sheet before installing laminate flooring. A minimum 2mm underlayment thickness is what we advise. To avoid purchasing underlayment before installation, some laminate brands offer flooring with underlayment already attached. When comparing laminate flooring prices, remember that you will save approximately $50 per room by doing this.
Durability & Thickness
The overall plank thickness is crucial to a laminate floor’s strength and durability. A thicker plank generally has more stability. Typically, laminate floors are 7 to 12 mm wide. We always advise only choosing a laminate floor that is 12mm thick if you want it to last.
Warranty
When purchasing laminate flooring, remember to look over the manufacturer’s warranty. Even though many brands offer lifetime residential warranties, it’s best to concentrate on the duration of the commercial contract. In general, more extended warranties are preferable. You should have the right to a refund, replacement, or repair if your floor develops problems like buckling or dents, and it’s not the result of shoddy construction or other particular circumstances.
Online Reviews
Examining the online reviews is a crucial step when selecting a laminate brand. You can learn from them how previous customers felt about their interactions with particular brands. Google, YouTube, and websites like houzz.com or Reddit let you search for reviews. We advise only selecting flooring companies with a majority of positive reviews. Be cautious of fake reviews created by rival brands to harm a brand’s reputation.
Costing & Budget
When choosing laminate flooring, one crucial factor to consider is the price and budget. The options you have will depend on your budget. Laminate flooring typically costs $2 to $4 per square foot. The price can vary depending on brand, quality, and style.
FAQs
What is the Best Grade of Laminate Flooring?
Look for an AC4 rating when purchasing laminate. The ideal level of durability for residential and light commercial use is AC4. It is a flexible option that’s racist to wear and tear from daily use. When laminate flooring has an AC4 rating, you can be confident that it is high caliber and will hold up in various environments without breaking the bank.
Does Laminate Flooring Need Acclimation?
Yes, it does. Allow the laminate to acclimate for about 48 hours in the room before installing it. This aids the laminate in adjusting to the humidity and temperature of the space. It’s a crucial step to avoid issues like warping or buckling in the future. Therefore, to guarantee that your laminate flooring fits perfectly in your space, take advantage of this crucial acclimation process.
How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last?
The typical lifespan of laminate flooring is 15 to 25 years. Quality, upkeep, and usage are some variables that affect its durability. With proper maintenance, high-quality laminate can easily last closer to the upper end of this range. Therefore, laminate flooring is cost-effective because it can survive a few decades or longer with proper care.
What is the Average Laminate Flooring Cost Per Square Foot?
In general, on average, laminate flooring costs between $2 and $4 per square foot. Remember that the price can vary depending on your selected brand, quality, and style. To find laminate flooring that best suits your needs and budget, shopping around and comparing prices before choosing is a good idea.
Which Laminate Flooring Brand is the Cheapest?
With prices starting as low as $1.19 per square foot, Tarkett stands out as one of the most reasonably priced options. Tarkett is a top option for the frugal homeowner if you want to save money on your flooring project without sacrificing quality.
Can I Laminate Flooring Be Refinished?
Sadly, most of the time, the answer is no. Laminate floors have a wear layer that cannot be sanded down and refinished, unlike hardwood floors. You typically need to replace the damaged planks if they become scratched or damaged. Laminate flooring could be a better option for refinishing. Maintaining it is crucial to avoiding unneeded wear and tear.
Final Thought
In conclusion, laminate flooring offers a more affordable option than conventional hardwood. Choosing the best brand can be difficult because there are so many options. We hope to make your decision-making process easier with our guide to the top laminate flooring companies.
Among the names we’ve covered, there are great options to consider, including Shaw Repel, Mohawk RevWood, Newton Laminate, and Pergo. However, read this guide’s section on essential considerations for crucial information before deciding.
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