NewInterior AI
Flooring

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic product featuring a photographic image layer beneath a protective wear layer, simulating wood, stone, or other materials. Modern laminate technology produces remarkably realistic visuals at a fraction of real material costs. The construction includes a dense fiberboard core for stability, a high-resolution photographic layer for appearance, and a tough aluminum oxide wear layer for durability. Click-lock installation makes laminate a popular DIY choice, while water-resistant cores have expanded applications to kitchens and baths.

Key Characteristics

  • ✓Photographic image layer
  • ✓Aluminum oxide wear layer
  • ✓Dense fiberboard core
  • ✓Click-lock installation
  • ✓Cannot be refinished
  • ✓Budget-friendly option

Types & Variations

Standard laminate (basic wear layer)
Premium laminate (thicker, textured)
Water-resistant laminate (sealed core)
Waterproof laminate (full protection)
Hand-scraped texture laminate

Works Well With These Styles

ContemporaryTransitionalModernBudget Conscious

Placement & Usage Tips

Always use recommended underlayment for cushioning and moisture protection. Leave expansion gaps at walls as required. Avoid standing water—even water-resistant laminate has vulnerable edges.

💡 Pro Tip

Look for AC ratings when shopping—AC3 suits residential traffic, AC4 handles commercial light, AC5 suits heavy commercial. Higher ratings indicate longer-lasting wear layers.

Related Terms

Luxury Vinyl Plank

Premium vinyl flooring in plank form that realistically mimics hardwood, offering waterproof durability and comfort underfoot.

Floating Floor

Flooring installation method where planks or tiles lock together and rest on underlayment without attachment to the subfloor.

Engineered Hardwood

Flooring with a real wood veneer top layer bonded to multiple plywood layers, offering stability against humidity and temperature changes.

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