Picking the right flooring option for your home can feel overwhelming. You want something that looks beautiful, lasts for years, and fits your budget. That’s why many families choose laminate flooring.
At Floors Touch, we’ve helped homeowners in McKinney, TX, and nearby areas upgrade their spaces with floors that are strong, stylish, and easy to maintain. In this guide, we’ll explain what laminate flooring is, why it’s so popular, and how it compares to other flooring products.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is made to look like real hardwood or stone while being more economical and easier to care for. Each laminate flooring plank has several layers:
- Wear layer – A tough, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant coating that protects the surface from spills, abrasion, and daily foot traffic.
- Image layer – A printed picture that gives the wood look or stone look.
- Core layer – A strong board, often made of high-density fiberboard (HDF), that gives the plank strength.
- Attached underlayment – Some products include this extra layer for added comfort, a softer footfall, and improved sound control.
This design makes laminate flooring a durable flooring choice that feels solid, looks like real wood, and works well in many rooms.
Why Homeowners Love Laminate Flooring
Homeowners choose laminate floors for many reasons. Here are the main benefits:
Looks Like Hardwood Without the High Price
Laminate flooring combines the beauty of solid hardwood or engineered wood with a much lower price. Many styles look so real that guests can’t tell the difference.
Easy to Install
Most laminate flooring comes with a tongue and groove system, so planks lock together. This makes it simple to install laminate floors, whether you do it yourself or use professional installation services.
Waterproof and Water-Resistant Options
Newer designs include waterproof laminate flooring, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Standard water-resistant laminate flooring also protects your floors from minor spills and splashes.
Durable and Scratch-Resistant
With a durable wear layer, laminate flooring is strong enough for high-traffic areas. It resists scratches, stains, and even the mess that comes with pets and children.
Low Maintenance
Laminate is easy to maintain. You don’t need special cleaners—just a quick vacuum or mop keeps it looking great. That’s why it’s considered a low-maintenance flooring option.
Laminate Flooring vs. Other Options
When shopping for floor covering, many homeowners compare laminate with hardwood flooring or vinyl flooring.
- Laminate vs Hardwood Flooring: Hardwood floors are beautiful but expensive and can get scratched or stained. Laminate wood planks offer the same style at a lower price and with less maintenance.
- Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring: Vinyl flooring is flexible and fully waterproof. However, laminate feels firmer underfoot and resembles real hardwood more closely.
You’ll see laminate offered by many flooring stores. It remains one of the best laminate flooring choices for families wanting both style and value.
How Laminate Floors Are Installed
Installing laminate is straightforward, but a few steps matter for a long-lasting result:
- Subfloor: The sub-floor or subfloor must be clean and level. This prevents gaps and makes sure planks fit tightly.
- Underlayment: The right underlayment adds comfort and reduces noise. Foam is affordable, while cork offers better sound control. Many products include attached underlayment.
- Molding & Baseboards: Finishing touches like moulding and baseboard give your floor a clean, polished look.
You can try DIY, but for large spaces like living areas, kitchens, or basements, professional installation is the best way to guarantee a smooth surface.
Features That Make Laminate Flooring Popular
Modern laminate floors are packed with features that make them perfect for busy homes. Some of the most popular include:
- 12mm laminate planks for extra strength
- Scratch-resistant wear layer for high-traffic areas
- Water resistance for kitchens and bathrooms
- Attached underlayment for easy installation
- Realistic wood or stone designs that match your home’s décor
- Multi-layer construction that’s strong and long-lasting
With so many options, you can shop laminate flooring that matches your style, from rustic oak to sleek gray to stone tile.
Final Thoughts: Why Choose Laminate Flooring for Your Home?
Laminate flooring combines everything homeowners want: beauty, strength, and affordability. It’s great for high-traffic areas, living spaces, kitchens, and even basements. With its wood look, scratch resistance, and water resistance, laminate is one of the best flooring products for families who want style without stress.
At Floors Touch, we carry laminate, hardwood, tile, carpet, vinyl, and granite. We also provide expert installation services, as well as home remodeling, kitchen remodel, and bathroom remodel projects. Serving McKinney, Texas, and surrounding areas, we help you design the dream home you’ve always wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which laminate flooring underlay is best?
Foam and cork are the most common. Foam is budget-friendly, while cork provides better sound absorption. Some products already include underlayment.
Is laminate flooring recyclable?
Laminate is a synthetic flooring material, so it’s not fully recyclable like solid wood. Some parts, such as high-density fiberboard, can sometimes be reused.
Is laminate flooring waterproof?
Not all laminate is waterproof. Standard laminate is water-resistant, while new waterproof laminate flooring can handle spills and splashes in bathrooms and kitchens.
Is laminate flooring easy to install?
Yes. The tongue and groove system makes installation of laminate quick and simple. Many people do it themselves, though pros ensure the best results.
Is laminate flooring good for bathrooms?
With waterproof laminate and sealed molding, it is suitable for use in bathrooms. Standard laminate should not be used in areas with constant water.
What is the downside to laminate flooring?
Unlike hardwood flooring, laminate cannot be sanded or refinished. Once the surface wears out, planks must be replaced.
What laminate flooring is made in Germany?
Brands such as Kronotex and Egger make high-quality laminate in Germany, known for durable flooring with excellent design.
Are you ready to update your home with laminate flooring? Visit Floors Touch to see our full range of flooring products. From laminate wood planks to hardwood flooring, we carry the top choices for every style and budget.
Call today or book an appointment online. Let Floors Touch give you the durable, low-maintenance flooring your home deserves in McKinney and nearby areas!
Also Read:
Why is Laminate Flooring Texas a Smart Choice for Humidity?
Expert Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Laminate Flooring Installers in McKinney