The Complete Laminate Flooring Buying Guide
Laminate flooring has come a long way since the early days of obviously fake wood look. Today’s laminate is realistic, durable, and available in a wide range of styles — from wide-plank hardwood looks to stone and tile visuals. Here’s what to know before you buy.
How Laminate Is Made
Laminate is a multi-layer composite product. From bottom to top, it typically includes:
- Back layer: Moisture-resistant balancing layer for stability.
- Core layer: High-density fiberboard (HDF) — the main structural layer.
- Decorative layer: A photographic image of wood, stone, or tile printed on paper.
- Wear layer: A clear, hard protective coating over the image.
AC Ratings: The Most Important Spec
The AC (Abrasion Class) rating tells you how durable the wear layer is. This is arguably the most important number when buying laminate.
- AC1: Light residential use only (closets, bedrooms).
- AC2: General residential use.
- AC3: Heavy residential or light commercial use. Good for most rooms.
- AC4: Commercial moderate. Handles high traffic well — a smart choice for busy households.
- AC5: Heavy commercial. Maximum durability.
For most homeowners, AC3 is the sweet spot. If you have kids, dogs, or high traffic, go AC4.
Thickness
Laminate thickness ranges from 6mm to 12mm (and sometimes 14mm). Thicker planks feel more solid underfoot and handle minor subfloor imperfections better. They also tend to be quieter and more comfortable to walk on.
- 6–7mm: Budget-friendly but can feel hollow.
- 8–10mm: Mid-range sweet spot for most homeowners.
- 12mm+: Premium feel, best for large rooms and over radiant heat.
Core Construction
Standard HDF core is fine for dry areas. If you’re installing in a room with any moisture risk — a kitchen, a bathroom-adjacent bedroom, or a below-grade space — look for waterproof core laminate. These products use a WPC (wood-plastic composite) or SPC (stone-plastic composite) core that won’t swell or buckle from moisture exposure.
Finish and Texture
Modern laminate comes in a range of finishes that affect how realistic it looks and feels:
- Embossed in register (EIR): The texture of the surface aligns with the printed grain pattern — the most realistic option.
- Handscraped: Distressed texture adds character and hides minor scratches.
- High-gloss: Polished, modern look — but shows scratches and footprints more.
Edge Profile
Square edges create a seamless look. Beveled or micro-beveled edges create defined lines between planks, similar to real hardwood. Beveled edges are more forgiving of minor installation imperfections and look more natural.
Warranty
Residential warranties typically range from 10 to 30 years (some brands offer lifetime). Pay more attention to the wear warranty than the overall warranty — this tells you how long the surface is guaranteed against abrasion. A 25-year wear warranty is a good benchmark for mid-range laminate.