Laminate Wood Floors

Waterproof, Durable and Stylish

The first step forward is to read this detailed guide on how to choose the right laminate wood floors that will suit the  spaces of your home:

1. Determine the Required Durability (The AC Rating)

The Abrasion Class (AC) rating is the international standard for laminate durability.1 This is the most important technical factor to consider based on the room’s usage.

AC Rating Suitable Use Typical Location
AC1 Light Residential Closets, guest bedrooms (very low traffic)
AC2 General Residential Bedrooms, dining rooms (low to moderate traffic)
AC3 Heavy Residential The most common choice for all areas of a home. Living rooms, hallways, kitchens, busy areas.
AC4 Light Commercial/Heavy Residential Great for busy households with kids/pets, home offices, small boutiques.
AC5 Heavy Commercial Public buildings, department stores. (Usually overkill for residential use.)

💡 Expert Tip:

For general residential use, AC3 is the minimum recommended. If you have a busy household with pets, active children, or an entryway that sees a lot of foot traffic, AC4 is a worthwhile investment for extra peace of mind.2

2. Choose the Thickness (Impact and Sound)

Laminate planks typically range from 6mm to 12mm (excluding the underlayment).3 Thickness is not the sole measure of durability (that’s the AC rating), but it has a huge impact on feel, sound, and installation tolerance.

  • 8mm: A good balance of cost and performance for most residential areas like bedrooms and living rooms.
  • 10mm – 12mm: Recommended for high-traffic areas, main living spaces, and for a more premium, solid feel.4
    • Benefits of Thicker Planks: They are more forgiving over slightly uneven subfloors, provide better sound dampening (less “hollow” click noise), and are often more rigid and stable.5

3. Consider Water Resistance (For Kitchens and Bathrooms)

Traditional laminate has a wood fiber core and is susceptible to swelling if exposed to standing water.6

  • Water-Resistant Laminate: Suitable for kitchens and dining areas where spills occur but are cleaned up quickly.7
  • Waterproof Laminate: Features a fully synthetic core (like vinyl/WPC) or a fully sealed wood core with an extra locking mechanism. Essential for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements where moisture and humidity are high.8

4. Select the Style and Finish (Aesthetics)

Laminate excels at mimicking natural wood, but the appearance can vary widely:

  • Color:
    • Light Colors (e.g., pale oak, grey): Make small rooms look larger and brighter.9
    • Dark Colors (e.g., espresso, mahogany): Create a cozy, intimate, or formal atmosphere.10 Can show dust more easily.
  • Surface Texture:
    • Smooth: A polished look, often resembling hardwood with a smooth finish.11
    • Embossed/Textured: A slightly textured surface that mimics the grain of wood.12 This hides minor scratches and scuffs better.
    • Embossed-in-Register (EIR): The most realistic option—the texture perfectly matches the printed wood grain pattern underneath.13
  • Finish/Gloss:
    • Matte/Low Gloss: Most popular, hides imperfections well, and provides a modern/natural look.14
    • High Gloss: Sleek and formal, but shows scratches more easily.

5. Don’t Forget the Underlayment

Laminate is a floating floor, so an underlayment is nearly always required.

  • Purpose: Provides a moisture barrier, sound insulation (dampening the hollow sound), and a slight cushion.15
  • Options:
    • Attached: Some planks come with a foam backing pre-attached, simplifying installation.16
    • Separate: Allows you to choose a premium product, such as a thick rubber underlayment for maximum sound reduction.