Understanding Your Laminate Flooring Options for a Beautiful, Durable Floor

Laminate flooring has come a long way since its inception. What was once seen as a cheap alternative to hardwood is now a versatile and durable flooring option that is beloved by homeowners for its affordability, ease of maintenance, and endless design possibilities. But once you've decided on laminate, you'll be faced with another question: what are the different types of laminate flooring?

 

Understanding the different laminate flooring types is key to making an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, budget, and design goals.

 

 

What Types of Laminate Flooring Are There?

 

Laminate flooring can be categorized in a few different ways, from its construction to its finish.

 

Laminate Flooring Types By Construction

 

• Laminate Planks: This is the most common and popular type of laminate. It is designed to mimic the look of hardwood floors, and it comes in individual planks that are installed with a click-and-lock system. It is a great choice for almost any room in the house, from a living room to a bedroom.
• Laminate Tiles: This type of laminate is designed to mimic the look of a tile or a stone floor. It comes in individual tiles that are installed with a click-and-lock system, and it is a great choice for a kitchen, a bathroom, or a laundry room.
• Waterproof Laminate: While traditional laminate is not waterproof, many modern versions are made with a waterproof core and a waterproof finish, making them a great choice for a bathroom, a kitchen, or any room where moisture is a concern.

 

Laminate Flooring Types By Finish

 

The finish of a laminate floor is the final top layer that protects the photographic layer and gives the floor its look and feel.

 

• Smooth/High-Gloss: This finish is a classic that gives a floor a high-shine, polished look that is perfect for a modern or a formal space.
• Textured/Embossed: This finish adds a sense of texture and authenticity to a laminate floor. The texture often mimics the grain of the wood, which can make the floor look and feel more like real hardwood.
• Hand-Scraped: This is a top trend in laminate flooring types. The floor is designed to look like it has been hand-scraped, which gives it a rustic, vintage, and authentic look.

 

Laminate Flooring Types By Grade

 

Laminate flooring is also categorized by its AC (Abrasion Class) rating, which measures its durability and resistance to wear and tear.

 

• AC1: Suitable for light residential use, such as a bedroom or a formal living room.
• AC2: Suitable for moderate residential use, such as a dining room or a family room.
• AC3: Suitable for heavy residential use and moderate commercial use, such as a hallway or a light commercial space.
• AC4: Suitable for heavy commercial use, such as an office or a store.
• AC5: Suitable for very heavy commercial use, such as a public building or a shopping mall.

 

 

Explore a Wide Selection of Laminate Flooring Types at Murley’s Floor Covering

 

Choosing the right laminate flooring types is a key step in finding a floor that is both beautiful and functional. By understanding what types of laminate flooring are there, from planks to tiles and different finishes, you can select the perfect option for your home.

 

Call us or Visit Murley's Floor Covering at our showroom. We have a showroom location in Kennewick, WA. We service the entire Tri Cities, WA area. We've been serving the Tri-Cities area with beautiful floors and top-notch services since 2005.