Which laminate flooring brand is the best?

Introduction

The quest to find the perfect laminate flooring brand can feel as overwhelming as walking through an endless forest of options. With the rise of laminate as a cost-effective, durable alternative to traditional hardwood, homeowners grapple with the task of sifting through brands to find the best fit for their abode. This selection is not just about finding a floor that complements your furniture; it's about choosing a foundation that will stand the test of time.

From the elegance of grain patterns to the promise of a floor that can brave spills and rowdy pets, laminate flooring brands offer an astonishing variety. Key elements like durability, style, moisture resistance, and customer satisfaction must be weighed against one another. Moreover, the investment you make must be backed by a warranty that reassures you of the quality you've brought into your home.

In traversing the laminate flooring terrain, this article will be your guide. We'll navigate through the factors to consider, unravel the top brands in the market, compare their offerings, and delve into the details of industry giants such as Mohawk, Armstrong, and Pergo. Whether you are renovating or building anew, learning which laminate flooring brand best suits your needs starts right here.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Laminate Flooring Brand

When searching for the perfect laminate flooring brand, several key factors should influence your decision. Renowned brands like Berry Alloc and Quick-Step stand out due to their durability, high-quality designs, and innovative manufacturing techniques. Quick-Step, in particular, is a fan favorite for its broad design selection and advanced water-resistant technology. When choosing a laminate flooring option, it’s essential to consider aspects like the product’s durability, aesthetic diversity, moisture resistance, warranty provisions, and your own budget.

The durability of a laminate floor is often reflected in its AC (Abrasion Criteria) rating, with AC3 and AC4 grades commonly offered, ensuring a good level of resistance to wear and tear. Some brands, like Allen and Roth, may extend a limited residential warranty, but durability perceptions can vary among consumers, highlighting the necessity to conduct detailed research prior to making a choice.

Durability and Longevity

Solid wood flooring is celebrated for its sturdiness and ability to last several decades. It can also be refurbished multiple times, which can greatly extend its usable life. Laminate floors, alternatively, are highly resistant to fading, staining, scratching, and general wear, which serves to increase their durability. Laminate flooring that carries an AC4 or AC5 rating is considered super scratch-resistant and offers higher durability for long-lasting performance under extensive use.

The thickness of the laminate planks also contributes significantly to their lifespan, with thicker planks being more equipped to handle heavy foot traffic and resist various forms of damage. An AC4 or AC5 durability rating is suitable for both residential and commercial settings, ensuring the laminate can withstand a substantial amount of use.

Style and Design Options

Laminate flooring style options are far-reaching, encompassing wood-like finishes to cutting-edge patterns, thus enabling personal character expression and the ability to set the desired ambiance in a room. The edge style of the laminate, such as beveled or square edges, contributes nuanced detail that enhances the room's overall design.

Current trends spotlight larger planks as they impart the illusion of greater space within a room. Moreover, laminate flooring with high gloss finishes has evolved to become non-slip, granting stylish and luxurious interior looks. Additionally, gray-toned laminates have become a modern neutral that meshes well with many decor styles, with varying finishes available across different brand collections.

Resistance to Moisture and Water Damage

For homes managing high traffic, pets, or children, laminate flooring designed with waterproof qualities is a smart choice as it can endure moisture and accidental spills without succumbing to damage. Waterproof laminate variants are especially beneficial for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens, offering a resilient and moisture-resistant option.

Brands like Berry Alloc showcase laminate flooring with enhanced water resistance, making them suitable for installation in many areas throughout a home. Another brand, AquaGuard, boasts remarkable water resistance, capable of tackling standing water for up to 30 hours and thereby improving the durability and performance of their laminate. Choosing a brand with strong moisture barrier capabilities can be crucial to preventing water damage and elevating the floor’s longevity.

Warranty and Customer Support

Laminate flooring warranties are an indication of the product’s expected lifespan and the manufacturer's confidence in their flooring. Quick-Step, for instance, typically accompanies its laminate flooring with a 25-year warranty. Berry Alloc even goes beyond offering a lifetime warranty, showcasing a profound commitment to quality and endurance.

Mohawk Laminate Flooring, backed by flooring stalwart Mohawk Industries, provides a comprehensive lifetime warranty, ensuring customers satisfaction with their investment. Allen and Roth ensure a minimum of a 30-year limited residential warranty, with some collections offering a limited lifetime residential warranty. The Arcadia Restoration Collection also guarantees quality and durability through a 25-year residential warranty and a five-year commercial one.

Price Range and Budget Considerations

Laminate flooring costs usually hover between $2.50 and $4 per square foot, though this can vary depending on desired features such as traffic durability and waterproofing. When working with smaller spaces, investing in a higher cost per square foot might be more palatable since the overall material requirement will be lower. Choosing a moderately priced laminate with a high AC rating (AC3 or higher) can be a sound, long-term investment.

More budget-friendly options with lower AC ratings are well-suited to areas with less foot traffic, such as bedrooms or home offices. For high-traffic areas like kitchens, choosing a commercial-strength laminate with an AC4 or AC5 rating is ideal, albeit at a potentially higher expense.

Top Laminate Flooring Brands in the Market

When it comes to outfitting your space with laminate flooring, the multitude of choices can be overwhelming. However, several brands consistently rise to the top, offering superior quality, design, and value. Mohawk Industries leads with its comprehensive lifetime warranty and environmentally conscious manufacturing. Armstrong Flooring beckons with a blend of style, moisture resistance, and easy installation. Pergo remains a popular choice for its legendary durability and array of styles. Shaw Floors is a name synonymous with quality in both carpets and hard surface flooring, known for water-resistant laminate options. Lastly, Quick-Step sets the standard with its innovative designs and realistic textures.

Each of these brands provides a unique selling point, catering to the diverse needs of the laminate flooring market. From Mohawk's commitment to sustainability to Armstrong's vast style diversity and Pergo's exceptional durability, there is a laminate flooring option for every requirement and taste. Shaw’s extensive range and Quick-Step’s high levels of realism ensure that no matter the functionality or aesthetic you're aiming for, there is a brand that can meet your demands.

Now, let's delve into the specifics that make each one an excellent choice for both residential and commercial spaces.

Mohawk Industries

Mohawk Industries, a floor-covering powerhouse, raises the bar with its comprehensive lifetime warranty, signaling trust and quality in its laminate offerings. Pioneering in sustainability, Mohawk utilizes renewable resources and recycled materials, thus appealing to the eco-conscious consumer. Acknowledged with a NALFA certification, their products are not only stylish and sturdy but also ensure safety with low formaldehyde emissions. The robust selection of 138 laminate flooring options mirrors Mohawk’s dedication to providing variety and versatility, accommodating preferences for hardwood, exotic woods, and stone aesthetics.

Armstrong Flooring

Armstrong Flooring, with its illustrious reputation signified by its Armstrong and Bruce brand names, offers more than just laminate floors. They shine in the realms of easy maintenance, moisture resistance, and user-friendly installation technologies. Their WetProtect Laminate Flooring series specifically caters to those needing a completely waterproof floor solution, perfect for spill-prone areas. Armstrong's expansive selection reaches across economic spectrums, ensuring an answer for every design demand while offering luxury through its floating engineered wood flooring.

Pergo

The inception of Pergo birthed a new era for laminate flooring with its ground-breaking innovations and designs. Known for an extensive selection of striking wood, stone, and tile imitations, Pergo floors are renowned for their strength and low upkeep. Their AC4-rated products confirm the brand's excellent quality and suitability for diverse environments. As a trailblazer in the field, Pergo continues to produce high-caliber laminate flooring renowned for its beauty and lasting performance.

Shaw Floors

A titan in the world of carpeting, Shaw Floors also heralds a dominant position in laminate flooring since expanding operations in 2002. With over 120 laminate products, such as the Repel collection, designed to offer substantial water resistance, Shaw caters to a spectrum of functional needs. While the pricing places Shaw at a premium market position, their comprehensive laminate range affirms that quality and design variety are never compromised. Being a part of the Mohawk Industries family, consumers have access to over 200 styles, ensuring that Shaw's laminate floors can meet the most discerning tastes.

Quick-Step

Quick-Step solidifies its name in the laminate flooring industry with its commitment to innovation and sustainable practices. Their laminate products boast not only aesthetic appeal but also an environmentally friendly footprint. Part of the Mohawk group and creator of the Uniclic locking system, Quick-Step continues to revolutionize flooring with unique textures and finishes that mimic natural materials seamlessly. With new products regularly emerging, Quick-Step remains at the forefront of the market, pushing the boundaries in creating floors of outstanding realism and quality.

In conclusion, the five laminate brands highlighted here offer a thorough composite of what buyers seek in flooring: diversity, quality, innovation, and affordability. Whether you prioritize green manufacturing, the appearance of real wood, or the practicalities of water resistance and ease of installation, there is a laminate flooring brand ready to serve your needs.

Comparing Laminate Flooring Brands

When it comes to choosing the best laminate flooring brand for your home or commercial space, several factors come into play. Among the top contenders, Quick-Step and Berry Alloc stand out for their durability and innovative designs. These brands have deservedly earned their reputation for manufacturing high-quality laminate floors that can withstand the rigors of heavy foot traffic and active lifestyles.

On the other hand, for those on a budget, brands like AquaSeal and DreamHome offer cost-effective solutions. These options are appealing for their affordability, but consumers are often concerned about the quality of materials and the longevity of the flooring. It's essential to weigh the initial savings against potential longer-term costs associated with replacing or repairing budget flooring options.

Shaw Industries and Newton Laminate Flooring are renowned for their durability, which ranks them among the best choices for areas that experience high traffic. For eco-conscious consumers, Mannington Mills goes the extra mile by providing sustainable, low-VOC laminate flooring options, ensuring healthier indoor air quality without compromising on style or durability.

Meanwhile, the laminate flooring lines from big-box store brands such as AquaGuard, Allen and Roth, LifeProof, AquaSeal, and DreamHome, strike a balance between affordability and accessibility. With varying degrees of moisture resistance and aesthetic appeal, these brands cater to a broad market and have become a go-to for many homeowners looking for quick and easy upgrades to their flooring.

Every brand has its own unique selling points, from sustainability credentials to the robustness of the laminate planks. The key is to consider your specific needs, such as traffic levels, environmental considerations, design preferences, and budget constraints, to determine which brand will serve you best in the long run.

AC Rating and Durability Rating

The AC (Abrasion Criteria) rating is a standardized measure used to gauge the durability of laminate flooring. Ratings extend from AC1, designated for minimal foot traffic, through to AC5, which is built to endure the heavy commercial traffic of busy offices and shopping centers.

For residential areas, even those with pets or children, an AC3 or AC4 rating typically suffices, providing a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness. These ratings ensure that floors can handle the wear and tear of everyday life without succumbing to unsightly scratches or damage.

In high-traffic commercial spaces or homes bustling with activity, an AC5-rated laminate is often the recommended choice. This rating indicates a floor with superior resistance and longevity that can stand up to the challenges of excessive use while maintaining its aesthetic integrity.

Always keep in mind that the AC rating is a direct indicator of how well a floor will perform in the long term. Choosing a laminate with a higher AC rating might come at a higher upfront cost but can translate into savings over time by reducing the need for repairs or replacement.

Installation Method and Ease of Installation

Laminate flooring is beloved for its ease of installation, particularly the floating floor systems that employ click-lock edges. This method allows planks to neatly join together without the need for adhesive or nails, creating a smooth, cohesive surface that is both time-efficient and cost-efficient for DIY-ers.

While most homeowners opt for the simplicity of floating laminate planks, other methods, such as glue-down or nail-down, provide additional stability and permanence. The installation approach chosen often depends on the type of sub-floor, personal preference, or the specific product being laid.

Attached pads are becoming increasingly common as they offer an added layer of convenience for self-installers. These pads help with leveling the surface and contribute to noise reduction, effectively killing two birds with one stone.

Despite the DIY-friendly nature of modern laminate flooring, professional installation is still a wise investment. Professionals ensure a flawless finish, avoiding common amateur mistakes such as failing to account for expansion gaps or uneven laying, which could impact the lifespan and appearance of the flooring.

Range of Styles and Design Options

The versatility of laminate flooring in terms of style and design is a substantial draw for homeowners. Advances in imaging and embossing technology have made it possible for laminate flooring to convincingly mimic everything from traditional hardwood to stone and tile patterns.

Edge styles also play a significant role in overall aesthetics, with options like beveled edges adding depth and realism to each plank, closely resembling real wood. Square edges provide a smooth, uniform look, offering a more contemporary visual.

In addition to finish and edge style, size matters. Wider and longer planks can make a space feel more expansive, while narrower, shorter pieces may suit more intricate patterns or smaller rooms.

Taking a budget-conscious approach doesn't mean sacrificing style. TrafficMASTER's laminate offerings, for instance, predominantly feature domestic wood designs, effectively delivering a classic wood look without breaking the bank.

For those with specific color or finish preferences, Pergo's extensive catalogue provides ample choice. With over 100 different hues and textures, ranging from light, airy greys to rich, dark oaks, there's a Pergo laminate to suit any room's color scheme and design ethos.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

Customer reviews and satisfaction are invaluable for evaluating the performance and reliability of laminate flooring brands. According to The Old House Home Reviews Team, factors such as ease of cleaning, scratch resistance, and solid customer service and warranties are key considerations for consumers.

Pergo stands out in customer assessments, especially for its waterproof laminate options that come with robust warranties. This offering has fueled high customer satisfaction, positioning Pergo as a trusted name for residential settings, as well as light commercial applications.

Shaw Industries commands respect in the laminate flooring market due to their expansive selection, which guarantees a match for every taste and design requirement. The brand's focus on durability and quality has yielded positive customer feedback, particularly from those with high-traffic needs.

Ultimately, selecting a product from reputable brands like Pergo and Shaw, which are celebrated for their longevity and cutting-edge designs, increases the likelihood of a positive outcome. Their customer reviews reflect this satisfaction and serve as a guide for potential buyers navigating the vast laminate flooring market.

Mohawk Laminate Flooring

Mohawk Laminate Flooring epitomizes a commitment to innovation, design, and environmental stewardship within the flooring industry. Notable for manufacturing its products using renewable, sustainable southern pine for its laminate cores, Mohawk makes an environmental impact by contributing to conservation efforts. With their products containing an average of 74% pre-consumer content, Mohawk Laminate Flooring in the United States skillfully diverts approximately 680 million pounds of material from landfills each year. This dedication not only reflects a responsible approach to production but also ensures customers a conscientious choice for their flooring needs.

As a company that prioritizes quality and safety, Mohawk Laminate Flooring has achieved NALFA certification, a testament to its adherence with stringent formaldehyde emissions regulations and assurance of quality through 10 rigorous performance tests. Offering a trio of distinguished product lines—RevWood, RevWood Select, and RevWood Plus—Mohawk caters to varied needs and budgets, each promising durability, water resistance, scratch resistance, and the genuine look of hardwood flooring, supported by lifetime residential warranties.

Overview of Mohawk Laminate Flooring

Mohawk Laminate Flooring is at the forefront of performance and design innovation with its ScratchGuard™ Advanced Finish Protection. This cutting-edge feature integrates aluminum oxide crystals into the top layer, elevating the laminate's defenses against everyday wear, dullness, and minor scratches. Backed by a Comprehensive Lifetime Warranty, Mohawk stands tall as a formidable entity in the global flooring market, ensuring customer confidence with its long-standing reputation of quality manufacturing and distribution.

The superior aesthetics of RevWood laminate planks owe their realistic wooden textures to the Hydroseal protective layer, which actively repels water to prevent damage and swelling from moisture and spills. Mohawk's laminate products especially excel in terms of resisting staining, wear, and fading, making them a versatile solution suitable for both residential dwellings and commercial spaces. With a broad spectrum of over 138 style options encompassing traditional hardwoods, exotic woods, and even stone visualizations, Mohawk offers a rich selection to satisfy even the most discerning tastes.

RevWood Plus Collection

RevWood Plus stands as the premier selection in Mohawk’s laminate wood flooring offerings. This collection not only offers top-tier water resistance but also boasts remarkable scratch resistance, an essential feature for maintaining the flooring's pristine appearance over time. The embossed-in-register textures feature in the RevWood Plus planks resonate with the natural charm of real hardwood, offering a depth and authenticity that is both seen and felt underfoot.

The Hydroseal protective layer is the guardian against water ingress, serving as an impenetrable barrier against the typical threats of moisture and spills, practically eliminating concerns about core swelling. This reliable collection is complete with a lifetime residential warranty, making it a confident choice for any room in the home, regardless of the foot traffic or environmental conditions it faces.

RevWood Select Collection

The RevWood Select Collection embodies Mohawk's commitment to durability and visual appeal. Its strong topcoat warranty of ten years speaks to its resistance against moisture—vital for high-humidity areas or spaces that frequently encounter spills. Ideal for homes bustling with activity, it caters to those seeking a balance between the aesthetics of timeless wooden floors and the practicalities of modern living.

Mohawk embraces a diversity of tastes by offering an extensive palette of colors and styles within traditional wood appearances, featuring a staggering array of 58 different oak laminate choices. The RevWood Select laminate also showcases embossed textures aligning perfectly with the wood grain patterns, ensuring an authentic experience both in look and feel.

Durability and Performance of Mohawk Laminate Flooring

Exemplifying a responsible approach to flooring, Mohawk uses renewable, sustainable southern pine in its laminate production process, underscoring its dedication to environmentally friendly practices. This commitment extends to the composition of its US-made products, which boast a significant percentage of pre-consumer content, thereby reducing waste and supporting sustainability goals.

Certified by NALFA, Mohawk's laminate flooring not only complies with formaldehyde emissions regulations set forth by the California Air Resources Board but also excels in comprehensive performance testing. These evaluations cover crucial aspects, including water resistance, resistance to light and stains, and the ability to withstand impacts, ensuring that clients receive a robust flooring solution. With its RevWood Select line, Mohawk prioritizes durability through enhanced water resistance, a ten-year warranty on its topcoat which guarantees protection against the challenges posed by moisture and scratches.

Armstrong Laminate Flooring

Armstrong Flooring is a brand deeply ingrained in the history of laminate floors, standing out for its comprehensive range of high-quality options that cater to various consumer tastes and functional needs. Known for its commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship, Armstrong ensures that homeowners get the best of both worlds—durable, long-lasting materials and stylish, versatile designs.

One of the standout features of Armstrong laminate flooring is their patented locking system. This technology simplifies installation, making it a seamless and satisfying project for DIY enthusiasts. The ease of assembly combined with high water resistance makes Armstrong a favored choice for spaces of all kinds, from bustling family homes to high-traffic commercial environments. Moreover, those who choose Armstrong can do so with confidence, knowing their investment is shielded by strong warranties aimed at guaranteeing customer satisfaction over a lifetime.

Overview of Armstrong Laminate Flooring

Armstrong has established a reputation as a trustworthy brand within the laminate flooring market. Its diverse collection is meticulously designed to combat the common challenges of daily life, from spills and stains to significant wear and tear. Implementing advanced technologies, Armstrong laminate floors characterize resilience, manifested by their water-resistant properties and low-maintenance surfaces. The brand caters to a wide array of interior themes and practicalities, offering everything from laminate to linoleum and ceramic tile options, all engineered to meet high standards of quality and durability.

In the realm of style and convenience, Armstrong has perfected the art of delivering laminate floors that are not only visually appealing but are also a breeze to clean. Whether you're looking to outfit a cozy residential space or a demanding commercial venue, Armstrong provides flooring solutions that ensure longevity, visual appeal, and unmatched ease of installation.

Architectural Remnants Collection

Stepping into the realms of artistic expression, Mannington's Architectural Remnants Collection positions itself uniquely among the vast landscape of laminate flooring options. This mid-priced range presents a remarkable 64 different styles, giving homeowners the luxury of choice to match any decor theme they desire.

Representing a significant facet of Mannington's revamped laminate offerings, this collection is lauded for its precision in mimicking the intricate details of natural materials. From the richness of aged wood to the elegance of weathered metal, the Architectural Remnants Collection bridges the gap between the opulence of natural aesthetics and the practical benefits of laminate engineering. Known for its premium vinyl tiles, Mannington extends its expertise into the laminate sector, promising products that not only elevate interior spaces but endure the test of time and use.

Coastal Living Patina Collection

The Coastal Living Patina Collection is an ode to the serene beauty of seaside landscapes, offering an array of laminate flooring that captures the essence of coastal living. This lineup is distinguished by its affordable price point and impressive versatility in simulating the textures of wood, tile, and stone.

Constructed with an HDF core and a resilient resin-based top layer, each plank in the Coastal Living Patina Collection stands up robustly to the daily challenges of scratches, stains, and continual foot traffic. Designed to be user-friendly in maintenance, this collection suits even the busiest of households. Beyond the functionality, it excels in aesthetics, providing a breadth of style options that are equally at home in casual and formal spaces alike.

Durability and Performance of Armstrong Laminate Flooring

Durability defines the backbone of the Armstrong laminate flooring experience. Built to resist moisture and withstand the rigors of daily life, these floors are proven performers in a variety of settings, from kitchens to living rooms, and everything in between. The locking system unique to Armstrong floors simplifies installation without compromising structural integrity, appealing to both professional installers and DIY fans.

Armstrong’s renowned durability is reinforced by the construction of their planks, which feature a core made of high-density fiberboard that adds stability and sturdiness. A robust top layer is synonymous with resilience, effectively warding off scratches and general wear to maintain the floor's aesthetic appeal over time. This exceptional performance is underlined by Armstrong's notable warranties, highlighting the brand's unwavering promise of delivering flooring that lasts.

Pergo Laminate Flooring

Pergo is synonymous with innovation and quality in the laminate flooring industry. As a pioneer of high-caliber laminate surfaces, Pergo's contributions have sculpted the path for modern flooring solutions. Their product line is a testament to their leadership in design and patented technologies, featuring an assortment of styles that mirror the natural beauty of wood, stone, and tile with a remarkable fidelity that withstands the test of time.

Rooted in pioneering spirit, Pergo's reputation precedes it as a brand that effortlessly marries aesthetic appeal with practicality. Critical to their success is the AC4 durability rating—granted only to flooring capable of handling hefty traffic—making Pergo laminate an optimal choice for both bustling homes and busy commercial spaces. With a palette of over 100 colors and an array of wood-like finishes, Pergo offers extensive stylistic choices, including wide laminate planks that ingeniously capture the essence of refined stones like travertine, marble, or slate.

Now part of the esteemed Mohawk family, a giant in the broader flooring market, Pergo products are conveniently within reach in major home improvement chains such as Home Depot and Lowe's, as well as through independent retailers. Their selection spans four distinct laminate collections, ensuring homeowners and designers alike can find the perfect match for any decor or functional requirement. The combination of aesthetic richness and functional durability positions Pergo laminate floors as an irresistible proposition for those looking to enhance their living or working spaces.

Ready to Revamp Your Floors? Explore Top Laminate Brands & Find Your Perfect Match Today!

Discover Lasting Beauty & Durability. Download Our Free Laminate Flooring Guide Now!

• Visit our website today!
• Click here and discover your perfect floor today!