Laminate flooring looks like real hardwood with the added benefits of durability, easy installation and maintenance. While it’s usually made to look like hardwood flooring, it can also find laminate that looks like tile and stone. Laminate flooring is a synthetic product made of several layers that are sealed together during the lamination process. It’s designed to be affordable and durable.
Laminate flooring first appeared in the late ‘70s by Swedish flooring company Perstorp. It became popular in the United States in the mid 1990’s when Home Depot started to carry the Pergo brand of laminate flooring. wasn’t available in the U.S. until a decade later.
You will find Pergo, Style Selections and Allen + Roth laminate flooring at most Lowe’s stores and even more brands available online.
Can’t find it at Lowe’s? Try Amazon Laminate Flooring.
Here are the basics of Lowe’s laminate flooring.
Types of Laminate Flooring
- Smooth laminate flooring has no texture and is designed to resemble the look of polished woods, marble or ceramic-style flooring.
- Embossed laminate flooring has a pressed pattern that lends a wood grain texture to the flooring.
- Handscraped laminate flooring is patterned after old wood looks and gives your laminate flooring a true wood like feel. When you run your hand over a hand-scraped floor, you will feel grains and indentations.
- Gloss level varies in laminate floors. High gloss for a shiny look or low gloss if you prefer a matte look. There is no difference in durability between the two finishes, but matte floors tend to do a better job of hiding small scratches.
Layers that Make Up Laminate Flooring
- Most Lowe’s laminate flooring is made of 3-4 layers.
- And a high-density fiberboard or wood composite core layer that gives the floor structure.
- A photo or print layer that gives the floor its look.
- A top layer that protects the floor from damage and abrasions.
- Manufacturers add their own special features to the floor—an attached backing or underlayment, UV-resistant coatings, etc.
Tools and Materials to Install Laminate Flooring
- Underlayment. Some products already have an acoustical pad attached to make installation easier. If not, you’ll need to install underlayment first. Underlayment provides moisture protection, thermal insulation and reduces minor floor imperfections. Underlayment is also a moisture barrier is when installing laminate over concrete.
- Molding. Matching and coordinating moulding/millwork pieces are available, including quarter rounds, T-mouldings, thresholds, reducers and wall base.
- Laminate Flooring Tools. You’ll need a few tools to do this job yourself. A mallet, pull bar, tapping block and spacers. You’ll also need silicone sealant and foam backer rod Install kits are available with everything you will need to install your laminate flooring.
Laminate AC Ratings
- The AC rating levels are AC1 through AC5. Each level reflects the product’s application and durability.
- AC1 is only intended for light use, like closet space and guest rooms.
- AC2 is rated for light general use, like in living rooms and guest bedrooms.
- AC3 is recommended for general residential use in all rooms.
- AC4 is what most define as scratch resistant flooring for all areas of your home.
- AC5 is for heavy commercial use like offices and department stores.
How To Maintain and Care for Laminate Floors
- A damp mop or duster is all you’ll need for everyday cleaning.
- Laminate floor cleaners are available for spot cleaning.
- Usually no wet mop or waxing is ever needed.
- Use door mats at exterior doorways to reduce wear on the surface of the floor.
- Use a vacuum or microfiber duster for most cleaning.
- Always use floor protectors or casters on furniture legs to prevent scratching.
- Do not allow liquid to stand on the floor; wipe up spills immediately.
- Small nicks and scratches are easily covered with laminate finishing putty.
- When determining how much laminate flooring you need, don’t guesstimate, calculate. Know exactly how much you need with our project calculators.
LVP Floors Lowes
Lowes LVP floors are luxury vinyl plank. Luxury Vinyl Plank is durable, affordable, and an alternative to hardwood flooring. It’s well-suited for residential and commercial applications and when installed has the look of real wood. Luxury Vinyl Planks look like wood planks. Lowes luxury vinyl plank flooring is 100% waterproof. It is also easy to maintain by just doing regular sweeping and mopping.
LVT Floors Lowes
LVT floors are luxury vinyl tiles. Luxury Vinyl Tiles look like wood tiles. Today’s LVT flooring makes it hard to distinguish between LVT and stone or ceramic tile. LVT does have a slightly softer surface compared to LVP, stone or hardwood. Luxury vinyl tile is also seems to be a good sound absorber.
Both Lowes LVT and Lowes LVP floors are constructed from layers of plastic and are both waterproof. They are made of the same polyvinyl chloride material and have similar performance and durability. Both floors have a great life span, low maintenance and are fairly easy to install.
Lowes Laminate Flooring Looks Good
Looking like real hardwood is a good thing. Lowe’s laminate flooring feels like real hardwood too! Many of the best laminate flooring brands are top of the line products that are textured or embossed to feel just like real hardwood. It’s also one of the most popular DIY projects so have your tool box ready!
Now maybe an expert can usually tell the difference, but the average person probably can’t tell between hardwood flooring and a Lowe’s high-quality laminate floor. Laminate flooring is possibly one of the best flooring decisions for your dollar and perfect for anyone who wants reasonable cost, durability and low maintenance flooring.