HOW TO CHOOSE

THE BEST LAMINATE FLOOR

4 Things You Need To Know

In your search for home improvement materials, you’ve probably heard that laminate flooring is an inexpensive and durable flooring option.

While both these points are generally true, there is more you need to know before you make the big decision to invest in a laminate floor.

We are here to tell you the key things you need to look for before you buy so you get the right floor for your home renovation project. Let’s get started!

HERE’S WHAT WE’LL COVER:1 AC Rating

2 Flooring Thickness

3 The Core

4 Locking Systems

1. AC RATING

AC (Abrasion Class) Ratings are a measure of the laminate floor’s surface durability. Applied to every laminate floor by an independent body known as European Producers of Laminate Flooring (EPLF), this rating will tell you if the floor can stand up to the kind of wear and tear in your space.

With 5 different ratings that indicate the level of stress and location most appropriate for the laminate floor, the general rule of thumb applies:

THE HIGHER THE AC RATING,

THE HIGHER THE PRICE.

THE DIFFERENT AC RATINGS & WHERE THEY CAN BE USED:

AC1 residential, moderate traffic (closets or bedrooms)

AC2 residential, general traffic (dining rooms or living rooms)

AC3 residential, heavy traffic / commercial, moderate traffic (high traffic residential areas, small offices, hotel

rooms)

AC4 commercial, general traffic (offices, cafes, boutiques)

AC5 commercial, heavy traffic (public buildings, department stores)

Many experts will suggest that for general residential spaces, an AC3 rating is the lowest you should go.

2. FLOORING THICKNESS

Board thickness is an important thing to take into account when deciding on a laminate floor. Measured in millimeters, there are a range of thicknesses available. Several standard thicknesses you will see out there are 7 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm.

The thicknesses that you see listed are a measure of the entire board’s thickness - from the bottom of the plank that rests on the subfloor to the top surface that you’ll walk on.

When it comes to laminate,

THICKER OPTIONS HAVE MORE STRUCTURAL

STABILITY.

Thicker laminates are also heavier and stronger underfoot than thinner options.

MORE BENEFITS OF THICKER LAMINATE INCLUDE:

1 It sounds and feels more like a solid hardwood floor

2 It carries less noise than thinner floors

3 It’s more resistant to fracture from the impact of falling objects

4 It’s easier to install because it can better span minor subfloor deviations with no problems later on

While thicker laminates provide more structural stability than thinner choices, they aren’t necessarily more durable. Let the AC ratings be your guide in establishing durability.

3. THE CORE

Laminates are made up of several layers of material fused together under high pressure. Most laminate flooring consists of a moisture resistant layer under a layer of HDF (high density fiberboard) or MDF (medium density fiberboard).

When picking out your laminate, an HDF (High Density Fiber) board core is the best choice for lasting strength.

The stability and resistance to moisture, shrinkage, and expansion in HDF is much higher. MDF will still serve you, of course. But, HDF is preferable for better performance.

For the health of your home’s environment, each laminate core is tested for off-gassing formaldehyde emission levels before being shipped.

These emissions are due to resins and glues, which are used to bind the materials together. Quality laminate manufacturers place great importance in reducing off-gassing as much as possible.

When picking out your laminate, check to see if it meets E0, EI and CARB (California Air Resources Board) standards for emissions. These designations mean the floor will promote good air quality in your home.

4. LOCKING SYSTEMS

Last but not least, the laminate floor’s locking system should be an important factor in your decision making process.

Investing in a high quality locking system will ensure that the floor boards go together easier, won’t lose their grip over time, and have better moisture resistance.

They also make DIY installations swift and easy for homeowners with intermediate-level construction skills.

DIFFERENT LOCKING SYSTEM OPTIONS INCLUDE:

GLUELESS CLICK

This easy-to-install system allows for a floating floor, and is 50% faster on average to install than other traditional methods. Not secured to the subfloor, each board is connected by a precisely designed tongue and groove locking system.

In some cases this method allows you to install right on top of an existing floor.

GLUED LAMINATE

This traditional method requires you to apply a specially formulated glue to the tongue and groove areas of each plank to hold them together. Making for a very strong floor once installed, the glue will also act as a moisture barrier between the joints.

Be aware that installation cost and time is usually higher than with a glueless-click system.

PRE-GLUED

With this option, the tongue and groove joints already have a glue applied to them, which makes it less messy to install. In some cases, the joints may need to be moistened to activate the glue before you join them together.

For best results, pick a laminate that has a high quality locking system precisely cut into the boards.

When you’re ready to purchase a laminate floor, being informed on AC rating, flooring thickness, the core, and locking systems will help you get the top value for your money.

Along with this info, whether you’re buying from BuildDirect or not, just make sure that the vendor you’re purchasing from will support you if you’re not comfortable with your flooring decision.

With BuildDirect, if you don’t like the look of your floor, for whatever reason, you can return it.

We give a 30 day money back guarantee and we’ll even pay for the return shipping.

Want to see for yourself if laminate is the right type of floor for you? Check out our stunning online selection of laminate flooring and order up to 5 FREE samples straight to your doorstep with no credit card required.

THANKS FOR READING!

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