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. Most laminate 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
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. You can now find genuine waterproof laminate that is 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.
Best Laminate Flooring Options
So you want to update your home with new flooring, and laminate flooring is your top pick. You’re in the right place! Laminate is incredibly popular for its durability, easy installation, and style. But how do you find the best one for you?
Don’t worry! We’ve created this guide to help you find the perfect option.
Get inspired by exploring these top options.
- Best Laminate Flooring Overall: 12mm Mannington Historic Oak Waterproof Laminate
- Top Waterproof Laminate Flooring: 12mm Mohawk RevWood Plus Elderwood Laminate
- Most Stylish Laminate Flooring: 12mm Hillside Hickory Waterproof Laminate
- Best Laminate Flooring For Dogs: 12mm Hillside Hickory Waterproof Laminate
Why Choose Laminate Flooring?
Choosing laminate flooring for commercial spaces is a smart option when you want a balance of affordability, durability, and visual appeal. Here's a breakdwon of the main reasons why laminate is a solid choice for commecial environments:
Cost-Effective:
✅ Laminate flooring is more affordable than hardwood, tile, and luxury vinyl.
✅ Ideal for large commercial areas or businesses with budget constraints.
Aesthetic Versability
✅ Available in a wide range of styles that mimic real wood, tile, or stone.
✅ Gives a premium look without the premium price - great for client-facing businesses.
Quick and Easy Installation
✅ Most commercial laminate features a click-lock system that allows for fast, floating installation.
Low Maintenance
✅ Easy to clean with basic sweeping, vacuuming, and damp mopping.
How to Install Laminate Flooring
Installing laminate flooring in commercial spaces involves more rigorous preparation and standards than residential installations, due to higher traffic and stricter building codes. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing it right:
1. Choose Commercial-Grade Laminate
- Use AC4 or AC5-rated laminate for durability in commercial settings.
- Make sure it's moisture-resistant if used in areas like lobbies or break rooms.
2. Check Local Building Codes
- Some municipalities require flooring to meet fire, slip, or sound transmission standards.
3. Acclimate the Flooring
- Let the laminate sit in the space for 48-72 hours at room temperature before installation.
4. Prepare the Subfloor
- Must be clean, dry, level, and stable.
- Use a self-leveling compound if necessary.
- Concrete should have moisture levels tested.
5. Install Vapor Barrier or Underlayment
- Commercial-grade underlayments reduce noise and moisture penetration.
- Some laminates come with pre-attached padding: check if additional underlayment is allowed.
6. Start Laying Planks
- Leave a 10-12 mm expansion gap around all walls, pillars, and immovable fixtures.
- Use spacers to maintain the gap.
- Use the click-lock system or glue if required (depends on the laminate).
7. Trim and Fit Edges
- Use a jigsaw or circular saw for custom cuts around obstacles like door jambs, columns, or vents.
- Undercut door frames to slide the flooring underneath for a cleaner finish.
8. Install Molding and Transitions
- Cover expansion gaps with baseboards or quarter-round molding.
- Use T-molding, reducers, or end caps at transitions between flooring types.
9. Clean and Inspect
- Vacuum and wipe with a damp (not wet) mop.
- Inspect for any lifting, gaps, or defects.
Why Choose Wood Flooring?
Choosing wood flooring for commercial spaces can be a smart investment depending on the nature of the business and desired aesthetic. Here are the key reasons to choose wood flooring for commercial flooring:
Easy Maintenance:
✅ Wood floors are relatively easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
✅ Unlike carpets, they don't trap allergens, dirt, or odors.
Professional and Upscale Appearance
✅ Wood flooring offers a timeless, high-end look that creates a strong first impression.
✅ Ideal for client-facing businesses like offices, showrooms, hotels, and retail stores.
Long-Term Value
✅ Though initial costs can be higher than some materials, wood flooring can increase property value and often outlast cheaper alternatives when maintained properly.
How to Install Wood Flooring
Installing wood flooring in commercial spaces requires a more robust, methodical approach than in residential settings due to heavier foot traffic, stricter safety standards, and potential moisture or subfloor concerns. Here's a step-by-step guide to installing wood flooring in a commercial space:
1. Choose the Right Type of Wood Flooring
- Engineered Hardwood: Best for commercial use due to its stability, resistance to moisture, and thicker wear layer.
- Solid Hardwood: Suitable for low-traffic or upscale office spaces, but less stable in varying climates.
2. Conduct a Site Assessment
- Moisture Testing: Check moisture levels in both the subfloor and the environment. Commercial spaces may have concrete slabs that need moisture barriers.
- Subfloor Prep: Ensure the subfloor (concrete or plywood) is clean, level, dry, and free of debris or adhesives.
3. Acclimate the Wood
- Bring the wood flooring into the building and let it acclimate for 3-7 days.
- Keep it in the same environmental conditions as the final installed setting (temperature and humidity)
4. Install Underlayment (if applicable)
Use underlayment for:
✅ Sound reduction
✅ Moisture barrier (especially over concrete)
✅ Comfort underfoot
5. Installation Methods
Floating Installation (Engineered Wood)
- Boards are clicked or glued together but not nailed to the subfloor.
- Fast and less invasive. Good for temporary or leased spaces.
Glue-Down Installation
- Best for concrete subfloors.
- Use commercial-grade adhesive
- Provides a very stable surface
Nail/Staple Down Installation
- Typically used for plywood subfloors and solid hardwood.
- Offers strong structural support.
6. Finishing Touches
- If using site-finished wood, sand and apply commercial-grade polyurethane.
- Add baseboards or quarter-round molding to hide expansion gaps.
- Ensure all transitions and ADA requirements are met.
7. Post-Installation Care
- Allow adhesives or finishes to fully cure before opening to foot traffic (typically 24-72 hours)
Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons
Pros
✅ Affordability: More budget-friendly than hardwood.
✅ Durability: High AC-rated laminate (AC4 or AC5) can handle heavy foot traffic.
✅ Easy Installation: Click-lock systems allow fast, floating installations.
✅ Scratch & Dent Resistant: Tough wear layer resists damage from furniture and foot traffic.
✅ Low Maintenance: No refinishing; easy cleaning with a mop or vacuum.
✅ Water-Resistant Options: Some commercial laminates are waterproof.
Cons
✅ Cannont be refinished - damaged planks must be replaced.
✅ Less authentic than real wood in look/feel.
✅ Still vulnerable to water damage (if not waterproof).
✅ Noisy underfoot without proper underlayment.
Wood Flooring Pros and Cons
Pros
✅ Aesthetics: Natural, premium appearance; adds elegance and warmth.
✅ Longevity: Can last decades with proper care; engineered wood is more stable for commercial use.
✅ Refinishing: Can be sanded and refinished multiple times (solid wood).
✅ Property Value: Often increases property value and brand image.
✅ Sustainability: Can be eco-friendly if sourced responsibly.
Cons
✅ Higher cost (material and installation).
✅ Sensitive to moisture and humidity.
✅ Requires more maintenance (refinishing, cleaning)
✅ May not handle very heavy foot traffic as well as some commercial-grade laminates.
✅ Acclimation and installation can take longer.
Other Helpful Wood & Laminate Flooring Content
Laminate Flooring Buying Guide
Are you looking to upgrade your home or business with laminate flooring? With so many looks and products to choose from, the buying process can be overwhelming. This guide helps simplify your decision by giving you all the details you need to find the best laminate floor for your application.
In fact, real estate experts are calling laminate flooring one of the top options for increasing home value, preceded by solid hardwood, stone and tile. But navigating the laminate flooring market can be overwhelming. AC ratings, water resistance, styles - where do you even start in the buying process?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help make your decision easier. In this laminate flooring buying guide, we’ll lay out the pros and cons of laminate flooring as well as its uses, construction, looks, installation and more. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best laminate flooring product for your home or business.
What is Engineered Hardwood? 12+ Facts You Should Know
Engineered wood flooring is a durable alternative to solid hardwood flooring, featuring a real wood surface layer and an engineered core. With engineered hardwood floors, you get the warmth and beauty of genuine wood planks with the added benefit of durability and water-resistant flooring. That’s right! It’s wood flooring 2.0.
Discover how engineered hardwood adds value to your home with the different styles available, plus the pros and cons, so you know exactly what to expect with your flooring.