Best Laminate Flooring Options in 2022: Our Top 5 Picks
| Fact Checked By: Michael Ranta
Published: August 23, 2021 | Updated: October 7, 2021
So you want to update your home with new flooring, and laminate flooring is your top pick. You’re in good company! Laminate is incredibly popular for its durability, easy installation, and style. But how do you find the best laminate flooring for you?
Don’t worry! We know a thing or two about laminate, and we’ve created this guide to help you find the best laminate flooring.
Get inspired by exploring these top laminate options and find the perfect flooring for you.
Let’s get started!
- Best Laminate Flooring Overall: 10mm Mohawk Castlebriar Waterproof Laminate
- Top Waterproof Laminate Flooring: Mohawk Boardwalk Waterproof Laminate
- Best Wide Plank Laminate Flooring: 14mm KronoSwiss Origin Wide Plank Laminate
- Most Stylish Laminate Flooring: 12mm Mannington Palace Waterproof Laminate
- Best Laminate Flooring For Dogs: 10mm Antique Craft Waterproof Laminate
Related Content >> Laminate Flooring Buying Guide |
How to Choose Laminate Flooring
Before you dive into the top-performing products, it’s important to know what to look for when shopping for laminate flooring. Here are a few crucial considerations.
Durability
All laminate comes with an abrasion class rating, also known as the AC rating. This rating measures the durability of the flooring. When you want a durable floor, look for a rating of AC4 or AC5. Flooring with this rating is durable enough for all residential use, and even commercial spaces.
DIY Friendliness
Everyone loves DIY projects these days, and laminate flooring offers the perfect opportunity. It’s a dream for DIYers. Most planks are designed with interlocking edges that click together with ease. No need to hire an installer. You can do it all yourself, and save some money.
Style
Your floor is something you see every day, so of course, you want something that looks good. Laminate is best known for its highly realistic wood looks and textures. It comes in the most popular wood-look shades and textures, so you’re certain to find a look that matches your home.
Waterproof Design
In a busy home with pets or kids, waterproof flooring can be a lifesaver. While laminate has had a reputation for less-than-perfect water resistance, that’s no longer the case. You can now find genuine waterproof laminate flooring that’s ideal for bathrooms, basements, and more.
Budget
Price is one of the biggest considerations for your new floor, no matter what features or styles you’re looking for. Fortunately for you, laminate is one of the most affordable wood-look flooring options on the market. You can get a beautiful new floor without breaking the bank.
Related Content >> Waterproof Laminate Flooring Guide |
Best Laminate Flooring Overall
10mm Mohawk Castlebriar Waterproof Laminate
This beautiful waterproof flooring can handle the wear of a busy life while providing an exceptional wood appearance. It’s durable enough to install in the basement and beautiful to display in your kitchen. The extra-wide planks are embossed with a highly realistic wood texture and a protective layer that resists scratches and stains.
Price:
1/5 💲
AC Rating:
AC 4 – Good for any residential application and can handle medium traffic in commercial spaces.
Features:
- Waterproof
- Real hardwood look and feel
- Scratch and spill-resistant surface
- Hydroseal waterproof finish
- Great for homes with children or pets
Shop Mohawk Castlebriar Waterproof Laminate
Best Waterproof Laminate Flooring
Mohawk Boardwalk Waterproof Laminate
With these planks, you get an incredibly durable floor in a variety of beautiful finishes. It’s perfect for busy households with pets and children. If you want a realistic wood look, you’ll love this flooring. Boardwalk Oak laminate planks are embossed with a realistic wood texture that matches the grain of the wood for an authentic look and feel.
Finished with a Hydroseal protective layer, each plank repels water from the core and prevents swelling from moisture and spills. Plus, the RevWood technology ensures that this flooring performs in any room, at any grade, and is backed by a lifetime residential warranty.
Price:
1/5 💲
AC Rating:
AC 4 – Good for any residential application and can handle medium traffic in commercial spaces.
Features:
- Waterproof Hydroseal technology
- Lifetime limited residential warranty
- All pet warranty
- Great for homes with kids or pets
- Real hardwood look and feel
Shop Mohawk Boardwalk Waterproof Laminate
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Best Wide Plank Laminate Flooring
14mm KronoSwiss Origin Wide Plank Laminate
This flooring features oversized planks with a high durability rating and 72-Hour water protection, all in a beautiful selection of colors to match any decor. KronoSwiss comes with superior water resistance. It offers a high-density core, AquaPearl locking system, and a robust finish that is both UV stable and easy to clean.
Price:
1/5 💲
AC Rating:
AC 5 – Good for high traffic commercial spaces
Features:
- Water-resistant finish
- Scratch-resistant wear-layer
- Highest abrasion resistance rating
- Easy to clean and maintain
Shop KronoSwiss Origin Wide Plank Laminate
Related Content >> Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons |
Best Stylish Laminate Flooring
12mm Mannington Palace Waterproof Laminate
When you want some extra style, this is your best option. Mannington’s Palace collection combines the timeless beauty of European White Oak wood flooring with a luxurious and trendy chevron pattern. If chevron looks aren’t your style, you can also choose from standard wood looks, or combine the two. SpillShield technology offers a 72-hour spill protection warranty, so you can spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying your floor.
Price:
2/5 💲💲
AC Rating:
AC 4 – Good for any residential application and can handle medium traffic in commercial spaces.
Features:
- White oak looks
- Waterproof technology
- Kid and pet friendly
- Indentation resistant
- 72-hour Spill Protection, 25-year warranty
Shop Mannington Palace Waterproof Laminate
Related Content >> Engineered Hardwood vs. Laminate |
Best Laminate Flooring for Dogs
10mm Antique Craft Waterproof Laminate
When it comes to pet-friendly flooring, this is your best bet. Antique Craft planks are a beautiful and revolutionary new flooring designed for everyday life, including life with your pets. With the registered embossing on the surface, you get a realistic wood look and feel. Best of all, it’s backed by an all pet protection warranty.
This water-resistant flooring features a tight interlock and a waterproof surface. That means any accident or spill is easy to clean up. It’s perfect if you have a busy family, large energetic pets, or just want to update your look. It protects against scratches, subfloor moisture, and water damage.
Price:
3/5 💲💲💲
AC Rating:
AC 4 – Good for any residential application and can handle medium traffic in commercial spaces.
Features:
- Waterproof
- Worry-free Mohawk RevWood flooring
- Perfect for busy families with children and pets
- All pet warranty
- Distinctive knots and grain patterns
Shop Antique Craft Waterproof Laminate
Related Content >> How to Install Laminate |
Conclusion
And there you have it – the best of the best laminate flooring. You can choose from the trendiest style, the highest durability, and the most waterproof designs. Now that you’ve got some inspiration, are you ready to shop for your brand new floor?