What is your favorite laminate floor?

Question

One of the first flips I bought had laminate flooring in the living room, and hardwood throughout the rest of the house. I didn't like the laminate, and wanted to replace it with hardwood, but knew I'd be doing a lot of work, so that was going to be the last thing we replaced.

That laminate turned out to be the best flooring I've ever used. I dropped hammers from on top of the fridge onto that floor with no dents! (Not a planned action, it just happened.)

In a different house, I purchased and installed a really low-quality laminate, and not only was it difficult to actually install, but it also didn't last very long at all.

So landlords, what is your favorite brand of laminate floor? What stands up to the punishments your tenants dish out? I'm planning for the next property, which will be a fix-and-rent.

Thanks!

Keith Lewis · Answer

Laminates have really been surpassed by the WPC (wood plastic composite) and EVP (engineered vinyl plank) flooring as well as the LVT click lock floors. All follow the same restriction for expansion around the edge, the need to acclimate before installing and they no longer need a cushion under them for installation due to their construction besides being 100% waterproof. Waterproof means that water will not affect the product to cause swelling or worse. Water can still get between the locking system left there long enough and in enough quantity( Don't worry about spills. Think about pipes bursting and standing water. An overall thickness of 4mm would be my choice with a minimum of a 12 mil wearlayer combined with some type of scratch resistant coating like AO or ceramic bead. I also prefer the Unilin locking system( a tad more difficult to install but the overall strength of the locking mechanism seems stronger). If you want to use these with a pad make sure you get one approved by the manufacturer, usually very thin rubber or closed cell urethane. It doesn't give you any cushion but it may help with acoustics and warmth especially for second floors. Make sure you DON'T nail your mouldings to the floor but to the wall base otherwise you have locked the floor down and will cause it to buckle and unlock with time. Also tell your clients just to clean them with white vinegar and water and rinse. That's it ; the floors will look great for years.

Jim K. · Answer

@Mindy Jensen

I have hard-used C and D'class rentals and we allow pets, including large dogs. In my situation as a DIY self-managing landlord, I have found nothing comes close to the durability and maintainability of 3/4 in. unfinished solid hardwood sealed with three coats of oil-based poly on it, except for a good tile installation.

Of course, I do all the installations, refinishing, and maintenance, I get almost all of my hardwood floors for free upon acquisition, and I have low standards for what these floors look like. This is not an appearance issue, it's a durability and maintainability issue.

JD Martin · Answer

I have really been impressed with the Pergo Max flooring. I used the Nashville Oak in my last rehab and it looks amazingly like real hardwood. On the current rehab we are using a product called Smartcore, which is all vinyl and waterproof. I don't think it looks as nice but it seems to hold up quite well.

Jim K. · Answer

No, I don't have a favorite. I generally use the cheapest I can get, which is Rustoleum Parks. I get it in semigloss. I apply it with a 4 inch white bristle brush and do thin coats. This takes longer for me, but it cuts down on the slop versus using the lambswool applicator to try to lay down thicker, more robust coats to get it done in two coats.

Luka Milicevic · Answer

Pergo Max! Have it in my house @ $2.5/sqft and it has held up really well. I have two greyhounds and there isn't a single scratch after 2.5 years.

Roy N. · Answer

@Mindy Jensen

We find the "better brand" tends to vary from time to time.

What we do look for is a Abrasion Class (AC) minimum rating of three.  In student units we often use laminate rated at AC4 or AC5 (which is essentially commercial, high traffic flooring).

You will also get better life out of a High Pressure Laminate with a high-density core.

Keith Lewis · Answer

Not sure how long you've had it down but the manufacturer spec for 12mm laminates calls for the same spec as thinner. I hope it goes well for you.

Jassem A. · Answer

@Keith Lewis

I've had some success installing 12mm going the opposite direction over moderately wavy hardwood and doubt it would have worked out had I gone with vinyl.  I initially was installing it the same direction as the hardwood and realized it would come apart much easier that way.

Keith Lewis · Answer

You're right on the pricing. Unfortunately the standard laminate does not perform any better over uneven floors; it will possibly unlock or the tongue may crack. The core is either HDF or MDF and not meant to be stressed that way.

Jassem A. · Answer

I've installed laminates primarily for several years but am starting to lean towards vinyl plank flooring because I think it will hold up better to moisture and because it's easier to transport. The only advantage to laminates I think is the price is usually less than vinyl plank and it may work better over an uneven subfloor because it's thicker.

What is your favorite laminate floor?

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