18 August 2022

How do I evaluate product quality of a laminate floor?

When you’re choosing a new laminate floor for your home or business, you’ll want to make sure it’s going to last. But with so many products on the market, it can be hard to figure out which are worth considering and which you should steer clear of completely.

In this article, we’re looking at how you can evaluate the product quality of a laminate floor so you can make better buying decisions.

What makes quality laminate?

As with any flooring, the quality can vary dramatically from one product to the next. Here are some things you should look out for when comparing laminate flooring.

AC Rating

Laminate flooring products are given an AC rating by an independent company.

AC stands for Abrasion Coefficient and measures the level of wear and tear a laminate product can endure. Using real-life scenarios, it looks at things like traffic, heat, impact, moisture, and moving furniture.

Products are given an AC rating of 1-6, with 6 being the hardest wearing. If a floor fails any part of the test, it isn’t given a rating. And the score is given based on the lowest score a floor gets at any part of the test. So if it scores 2 in one area but 5 in all others, its overall score will be 2.

AC3 or AC4 rated products are more suited to homes, whereas AC5 and above are suitable for commercial use. An AC1 rated product is perfectly adequate for a low-traffic room, such as a bedroom, though most of the products we stock tend to be a minimum of AC3 and above.

If you are unsure of a product’s AC rating give us a call and we can find it out for you.

Thickness

Laminate flooring is made up of layers. The bottom layer is protective, stopping moisture from penetrating your floor. You then have the core layer, usually made from high-density fibreboard (HDF). Next comes the decorative layer that gives your laminate the look of natural wood. Finally, the wear layer protects your floor from scuffs and scratches.

Laminate thickness is measured from the core layer to the top, ignoring any cladding or padding. Standard laminate thickness ranges from 6mm to 12mm.

Thinner laminates should only be used over a sturdy subfloor as the planks won’t be as durable as some thicker options.

Thicker laminate looks and feels more like solid hardwood and is more durable. However, it usually has a higher price tag. Most people find a laminate with a thickness of 8mm is more than suitable for domestic use.

Appearance

Most people opt for laminate as they want the appearance of natural wood. Good quality laminate will have a realistic grain effect and pattern variation, so it looks natural.

Check the appearance of laminate planks. Do they look like real wood, or do they look artificial?

Compatibility

Another consideration is any special features you need from your floor, such as being compatible with underfloor heating, having additional soundproofing or being moisture resistant.

Not all laminates have these features, so check with the manufacturer or a flooring specialist to ensure you get the right product for your needs.

How to avoid poor quality products

Knowing what to look for helps you determine the quality of different products, but there are some other things you can do to avoid getting caught out.

Ask for samples

Getting samples helps you check the quality of a laminate product and also helps you assess how it will look in the light of your room. Position your samples in different parts of your room to see how they look under both natural and artificial light.

Check reviews

Find product reviews to find out how people feel about the quality of their floor once it has been installed. Are they having any problems, such as gaps between planks or warping? This may be down to them not having it installed by a professional fitter, but it could also be down to the quality of the product.

Use trusted brands

There are plenty of fantastic lesser-known flooring manufacturers out there who make high-quality laminate products. However, if you are nervous about the quality of your flooring, stick with reputable brands and brands recommended by flooring specialists.

Get expert advice

If you’re unsure where to start with laminate flooring, speak to an expert. Flooring showrooms are a great place to start as you’ll be able to compare different products and speak to flooring specialists who can help you narrow down your options.

Ensuring the perfect finish

Even the highest quality laminate flooring can look dreadful if the installation is not done correctly. Invest in professional installation if you want a quality finish that will last for years.

At Beyond Flooring, our mission is to enhance your home or business with expertly fitted flooring. We only use quality products, and we offer a two year warranty on all domestic projects.

We can help you select the right products and help you ensure they’re fitted to the highest standard. And we’re not limited to laminate – we can install wood, parquet, LVT, vinyl and carpet too.

If you need a little inspiration, check out our customer gallery, or visit our showroom. Our friendly team are always happy to help you select the perfect flooring for your home or business.