Laminate wood flooring technology has come a long way in recent years, and it is still one of the most affordable products for the value it provides. It comes in a huge range of styles that look like real wood, and can even mimic the texture of wood in the top wear layer. Like other synthetic flooring, laminate comes in virtually any color desired, from whites and grays, to natural wood tones, warm oaks, and dark browns.
Like SPC flooring, laminate wood products are composed of a wear layer, decor/printed layer, core layer, and backing layer. Unlike SPC, laminate flooring has a less rigid core, making it more flexible. When installed over an even subfloor, laminate resembles the look and feel of real hardwood flooring. However, if the subfloor is uneven, laminate is known to flex.
High-end waterproof laminate wood flooring is available and is 100% waterproof when installed correctly. Water-resistant laminate is more widely available and is the most common product used in homes. Water-resistant generally means spills must be wiped up within 30 minutes to prevent damage.
Best Uses For Laminate Wood Flooring
Laminate wood flooring comes in a wide range of AC (abrasion criteria) ratings of 1 through 5 that indicate the durability and resistance to dents and scratching. While AC 1-4 laminate wood flooring is best suited to residential applications, AC 5 products are designed specifically for heavy-traffic commercial uses.
AC 1 - Light foot traffic areas, like bedrooms and closets
AC 2 - Medium foot traffic areas, like living rooms and hallways
AC 3 - All foot traffic areas, including kitchen, family rooms, and foyers
AC 4 - All foot traffic areas, including very heavy-traffic areas and some light commercial applications like office and medical buildings
AC 5 - Heavy foot traffic and all commercial applications like retail, restaurants, schools, and hospitals
Shop our entire collection of laminate wood flooring, or schedule an appointment at our Hallandale warehouse to see some products in person and set up your wholesaler account!