Laminate flooring: which is right for you?
Last updated on 24/05/2023
Laminate flooring is the smart choice if you are looking for a durable, reliable, and cost-effective option. It could be for your kitchen, living room, bathroom, or your bedroom.
There are many different laminates to choose from. You will need to think about some of the following: whether you would like an oak or tile effect plank, thickness, AC rating, waterproofness, and what type of underlay you would like to go down.
This article will give you a quick run-down on what to consider if you have decided to go for laminate or even if you are still on the fence.
Thickness
Typically, laminate floors range from 6 to 12mm. A thinner laminate, for example at 6/7mm will be significantly cheaper. These are suited to lighter traffic areas or if you have a vast area to cover and want to buy in bulk. However, they are not as durable as a thicker laminate and can be noisier underfoot, often creating an echo that you will not find with a 10/12mm floor.
If you have the resources a thicker laminate is something to think about. Not only will it provide you with a more durable and robust base, but a real wood feel. If you want people to think you have a real wood floor, then a strong 12mm laminate will achieve this. Some of our bestselling flooring comes from our Balterio Supreme Hydro 12mm range. That being said, if you have an adequate underlay, one that reduces sound underfoot, a 7mm or 8mm will achieve similar results.
AC Rating
AC (or Abrasion Coefficient) determines the robustness of your flooring. The AC rating is something to think about when it comes to one specific detail – foot traffic. High traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens and living rooms need strength to cope with high footfall and the daily wear and tear of a busy home.
AC3/4/5 are moderate to high traffic ratings. These are the ratings we specialise in, all of our flooring options fall within these three AC ratings. Our Classen 7mm Country Style flooring is AC3 rated. Our BerryAlloc herringbone chateau laminate and our Balterio range are AC4 rated. The aforementioned Balterio Supreme Hydro 12mm range is AC5 rated. Think carefully about the area you want to floor, how much footfall it will see and go from there. The higher the AC rating, the more robust your flooring will be.
Waterproof
This becomes particularly of interest to anyone who is flooring their bathroom, ensuite or kitchen, where high levels of moisture are prevalent. A water-resistant board is what is required in this instance. Something that can handle excess levels of moisture and frequent spills. Consider putting water resistance at the top of your priority for the following room types:
1. bathroom
2. utility/laundry room
3. kitchen
Both Balterio and Egger are brands that offer many options in the waterproof laminate. Egger Pro laminate offers the Aqua+ range which is 72 hours water resistant. Balterio flooring also has its own unique hydro shield technology. This prevents water or other liquids from seeping into the joints between planks. Balterio Traditions, Immenso, Restretto and Livanti all boast a 24-hour water resistance.
Aqua+ or Hydroshield are also great additions for anywhere in the house, regardless of your room’s exposure to wet conditions. That extra layer of durability will always be of benefit.
Scratch Resistant
This is something to consider if you have young children and/or pets running around the house creating havoc at every opportunity. Not only do you have to worry about the mess they make but also if they have decided to create some artwork on your newly laid laminate floor.
The Balterio 8 and 9mm range (Traditions, Immenso, Restretto, Livanti) comes with Scratch Protect technology built in. This offers the best possible protection against micro scratches. Most Balterio floors receive a permanent anti-static treatment. Anti-static surfaces are easier to clean as dirt and dust adhere less to the floor. You won’t have to worry about permanent scoring or marking.
Similarly, BerryAlloc chateau herringbone offers the same excellent scratch resistant guarantee.
Underlay
This is a must-have when laying any type of floor. Underlay can come in different thicknesses and levels of acoustic protection. It stabilises your flooring and allows it to lay flat and level by evening out the imperfections in your existing floor.
Underlay is also an excellent acoustic dampener. Without it you can hear every footstep and boards will flex, bend and creek. Our Soundtronic Gold underlay has a high decibel rating. The higher the Db rating the more sound reduction the underlay will have. If you have decided on a thinner (7/8mm) flooring option, then a thicker underlay may banish any concerns about excess noise. If you have chosen a thick plank such as 12mm then a standard 2mm underlay will suffice.
The right underlay will save you money in the long run so it’s important to choose well.
Other considerations include colour, whether to buy an oak or tile effect laminate and floor installation. If you are interested in viewing our available flooring you can do so at our website, click the following link to our flooring section.
Pay us a visit to our flooring showroom and discover our other types of flooring, including hybrid SPC, engineered flooring and tiles.