Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a stylish and durable flooring solution that resembles genuine hardwood or even stone flooring. There are a few main differences, however. The best laminate floors are made up of multiple layers, which makes it more resistant to scratching and moisture. Floating laminate floors are also simple to install and are more affordable when compared to other hard-surface flooring solutions. You can even find up to 25% off hard surfaces, including affordable laminate flooring products! Shop today!
We carry the top name brands in laminate flooring
Shaw Landmark Hickory
Mohawk RevWood
Mannington Arcadia Shadow
Laminate Floor Styles
If you love the look of wood but want something a little more affordable and easier to replace down the road, the top laminate flooring styles will make ideal choices. You'll love how attractive laminate floors are! Better yet, high quality laminate floors are available in as many colours and textures as you can imagine, mimicking the various species of hardwood or types of natural stone on the market today.
LAMINATE CARE & MAINTENANCE
While caring for laminate floors is extremely easy, you'll still need to incorporate a few simple cleaning tips into your regular routine. Follow the best laminate flooring care tips from the experts at Markville Carpet & Flooring Centre to keep your floors looking pristine for years to come!
LAMINATE INSTALLATION
While DIY laminate flooring installation can be completed over a weekend, we strongly recommend trusting a professional laminate flooring installation team to ensure proper results. When you trust the team at Markville Carpet & Flooring Centre with your new project, you'll get an efficient laminate floor installation and a beautiful, finished floor that will last for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laminate
Laminate is significantly less expensive than solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, or even some types of tile. Many laminate products also feature a "click-and-lock" or "float" installation system, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. This can significantly reduce labor costs if you're willing to do it yourself. On average, laminate flooring can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, though this can vary based on quality, installation, foot traffic, and maintenance.
For many homeowners, laminate flooring is absolutely worth the money if you:
- Are on a tighter budget but want the look of hardwood or tile.
- Need a durable floor that can withstand pets, kids, and high traffic.
- Are looking for a DIY-friendly flooring option.
- Prioritize easy maintenance.
Yes! Laminate floors are generally considered very DIY-friendly, especially compared to other flooring options like solid hardwood, tile, or even some types of engineered wood.
Many manufacturers design their laminate products specifically with DIYers in mind offering click-and-lock installation. The laminate planks feature tongue-and-groove edges that simply click or snap together, forming a continuous surface that "floats" over the subfloor. No glue, nails, or mortar are typically required for the planks themselves. This significantly speeds up the installation process and reduces mess.
While laminate is durable, it's also relatively easy to cut compared to real wood or tile, especially with a dedicated laminate cutter. The key steps and considerations for DIY laminate installation include acclimation, subfloor preparation, underlayment, planning the layout, expansion gaps, door jambs, and adherence to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This is extremely important to make note of: Traditional laminate flooring is NOT waterproof; it's water-resistant. However, in recent years, true "waterproof" laminate flooring has entered the market! When shopping for laminate, be clear about whether you're looking at water-resistant (which is good for minor, quickly cleaned spills) or waterproof (designed for more demanding, moisture-prone environments):
- Water Resistant Laminate - The more common type of laminate, it has a durable wear layer on the surface that can repel minor spills and splashes for a short period. The core of most traditional laminate is made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). These are wood-based products that will swell, warp, or buckle if exposed to standing water or excessive moisture for too long. It's generally not recommended for full bathrooms or areas prone to frequent, significant water exposure.
- Waterproof Laminate - This newer generation of laminate flooring is designed to be impervious to water for much longer periods, often marketed as "100% waterproof" for a specific duration. These products achieve their waterproof claims through a combination of a more water-resistant core, enhanced surface coatings, watertight locking systems, The click-and-lock mechanisms are often designed with tighter tolerances and integrated moisture barriers.
Toronto's climate can present challenges for all types of flooring due to wide seasonal swings in temperature and humidity. However, with the right choices and proper installation/maintenance, laminate flooring can be a good fit. By taking these precautions, laminate flooring can perform well and look great in a Toronto home for many years:
- High-Quality Laminate: Invest in higher-quality laminate with a durable wear layer and waterproof features to provide better protection against snowmelt and moisture.
- Waterproof Laminate: This is highly recommended for any area of the home, especially kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and entryways, given Toronto's moisture fluctuations.
- High AC Ratings: An AC3 or AC4 rating is generally good for residential use, indicating strong durability against wear and tear.
- Proper Installation: Professional installation is always a safe bet, or if DIYing, meticulously follow all manufacturer instructions regarding acclimation, expansion gaps, and underlayment.
- Humidity Control: A humidifier in winter and a dehumidifier/AC in summer will protect your investment and make your home more comfortable.