The Best Laminate Flooring Brands + Reviews

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners when it comes to giving your floors a fresh, stylish look. It’s known for its durability, ease of installation, and a wide range of designs that can mimic the look of more expensive materials like hardwood or stone. However, with so many brands available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. 

In this article, we’ve narrowed down the top 10 laminate brands that stand out for their quality, aesthetic appeal, and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re renovating your home or just looking to update a room, this guide will help you make an informed decision on which laminate brand best suits your needs and budget.

What to Look for in Laminate Flooring?

When choosing laminate flooring, it’s crucial to consider several key factors that ensure both longevity and style. 

1. Style choices: reflecting your personal taste The style of laminate flooring is your opportunity to express your home’s personality. With a range of options from wood-like finishes to modern patterns, the choice you make will set the tone and ambiance of your room. Larger boards can give an illusion of more space, while the edge style, whether beveled or square, adds subtle character.
2. Durability: The AC rating of laminate flooring is crucial for assessing its durability. Higher ratings (AC4, AC5) are designed for high-traffic areas and are suitable for homes with pets or children. These ratings indicate a floor’s ability to withstand wear, tear, and scratches, ensuring longevity in busier environments.

For pet owners, laminate flooring with a high AC rating is advisable. This ensures the floor can withstand the extra wear from pets’ claws and movement. Moreover, consider laminates with a textured surface for better grip and comfort for your pets.

3. Ease of Installation: The majority of laminate flooring options come equipped with a click-lock installation system. This feature is ideal for those who prefer DIY projects, potentially saving on installation costs. It’s straightforward and efficient, making it a practical choice for quick renovations.
4. Health and environmental considerations: Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) certifications, like Greenguard, are important for maintaining healthy indoor air quality. This is especially relevant for allergy sufferers or households with young children. Choosing a laminate with such certifications ensures a safer living environment.
5. Water resistance: Water-resistant options are essential if your home is prone to moisture or you’re considering laminate for spaces like kitchens or bathrooms. This feature prevents warping and damage due to moisture exposure, ensuring the longevity of your flooring in challenging environments.

Whether you’re looking at durability, style, ease of installation, or how well they hide dog hair, we are here to provide some seasoned insights. Let’s get started!

Newton Laminate Flooring

Newton takes pride in its philosophy of “Brilliant Floors, Intelligently Priced,” emphasizing quality and durability in their laminate products. Their European manufacturing is a significant plus, addressing common concerns about VOCs and formaldehyde in flooring materials. This makes Newton one of the best choices for non-toxic laminate floorings.

Product range and aesthetics

Newton’s portfolio boasts 11 collections with nearly 50 style options, including 5 that are waterproof. Their focus is more on the overall look rather than specific hardwood species imitations. Unique designs like chevron parquet and marble are part of their offerings, a rarity in budget-friendly laminate flooring. The textures of their products add to the realism, making them stand out in the laminate market.

Durability and performance

Most of Newton’s laminate flooring comes with an AC4 wear layer, indicative of its suitability for high-traffic commercial areas, while one collection offers an AC3 rating for residential use. This implies a strong durability factor. Their products are low-maintenance and designed for longevity. Although specific environmental certifications are not mentioned, European production standards hint at higher health and safety compliance.

Warranty and brand reputation

Newton’s laminate flooring is not only competitively priced between $3–$5 per square foot but also offers excellent value compared to higher-priced alternatives. Their warranty policy is robust, providing a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and fading, with most collections featuring a lifetime wear warranty. This, combined with their transparent product specifications, elevates their credibility and customer trust.

Newton’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, along with its competitive pricing and strong warranty, position it as a compelling choice in the laminate flooring market, suitable for both residential and commercial spaces. The brand’s focus on producing high-quality products without relying on marketing gimmicks solidifies its reputation as a trustworthy and value-driven flooring option.

Shaw Industries Laminate Flooring

Shaw Industries, the world’s second-largest flooring company, is a significant player in the industry. Their products offer superior durability, but this comes at a higher price point, which might be a hurdle for some buyers. Shaw’s status in the industry is noteworthy, but their higher cost sets them apart from more budget-friendly options.

Product range and aesthetics

Shaw boasts a wide selection of about 200 styles and colors, primarily focusing on wood looks. They cater to contemporary trends with around 100 options in non-standard and mixed-width boards. Shaw’s collections are differentiated based on plank size rather than “premier” status, featuring:

• Repel: Standard width and water-resistant.
• Long Board: Extra-long planks (though currently unavailable on Shaw’s website).
• Mixed Width: Offering variety in plank size but not water-resistant.

Durability and performance

Shaw’s laminate flooring is reputed for its durability, though an official AC rating is not listed on their website. Despite this, customer reviews and the brand’s warranty suggest a high level of durability. Shaw’s premier line is also noted for its ability to withstand water damage for a full day, a feature that outshines some competitors.

Warranty and brand reputation

Priced at up to $7 per square foot, Shaw is on the higher end of the spectrum. While their laminate flooring might be more costly, it’s potentially justified by its durability and quality. Shaw offers a robust standard warranty, including a limited lifetime warranty for both residential and commercial applications, particularly emphasizing scratch and wear resistance. This extensive warranty, despite the lack of specific AC ratings, underscores the brand’s confidence in its products.

Shaw Industries positions itself in the market as a provider of high-quality, durable laminate flooring, albeit with a premium price tag. Their focus on durability and water resistance, combined with a comprehensive warranty, makes them a strong choice for those willing to invest more in their flooring. However, the higher cost might deter some buyers looking for more budget-friendly options.

Mannington Mills Laminate Flooring

Mannington Mills stands out for its commitment to sustainability and low-VOC products. Their American-made laminate flooring, comprising 70% recycled content and being FloorScore-certified for low VOCs, is a noteworthy contribution to eco-friendly flooring options. While it ranks high in water resistance, a slight improvement in scratch resistance could have placed it higher on the list.

Product range and aesthetics

Mannington’s laminate offerings are consolidated into one comprehensive collection: the Restoration Collection. Contrary to outdated information suggesting multiple collections, the Restoration Collection is their sole focus. This collection is extensive, featuring over 60 different options and styles, including several parquet styles. However, Mannington’s claim of offering wood and tile looks seems inconsistent, as tile options appear absent when reviewing their product range.

Durability and performance

Mannington’s laminate is equipped with SpillShield Plus Waterproof Technology. While not entirely waterproof, it offers significant resistance to spills, making it a viable option for those not opting for brands like Newton or RevWood. The products also carry an impressive AC4 Rating, indicating high durability.

Warranty and brand reputation

Priced between $3.40 and $3.70 per square foot, Mannington’s laminate flooring is reasonably affordable, though slightly higher in starting price than some competitors. They offer a decent warranty package, including a limited lifetime warranty and a 5-year commercial warranty. However, the brand requires reporting any manufacturer defects within six months of purchase, a relatively short window.

Mannington Mills positions itself as an environmentally conscious choice in the laminate flooring market. Their focus on sustainability, combined with a significant range of options within the Restoration Collection, appeals to eco-friendly consumers. While there are areas for improvement, such as clarity in their product range and a longer period for reporting defects, Mannington’s commitment to sustainability and reasonable pricing make it an attractive option for those who prioritize environmental considerations in their flooring choices.

Introduction to Bruce TimberTru Laminate Flooring

Bruce, under AHF Products, has expanded its laminate flooring line TimberTru, which is notable for emulating real wood looks and offering durability and water resistance. Made in the USA, TimberTru floors have gained traction for their realistic textures and protective features against common flooring issues.

Product range and aesthetics

TimberTru now includes three collections: Basic Wonders, Natural World, and Landscape Traditions. These collections offer a variety of colors and designs, with all being waterproof from top-down moisture for up to 24 hours. This range ensures there’s a style for different preferences, all reflecting the natural beauty and richness of wood.

Durability and performance

Bruce TimberTru floors are known for their resistance to stains, fading, scratches, and scuff marks. They are designed to be durable and suitable for different settings, including light commercial spaces. The AC ratings of the collections ensure suitability for various traffic levels, with Natural World’s AC4 rating indicating its ability to handle light commercial traffic.

Warranty and brand reputation

Bruce offers warranties that vary by collection. For example, Basic Wonders comes with a 30-year residential warranty, while Natural World has a 50-year residential and a 5-year commercial warranty. These warranties underline the brand’s confidence in its products’ longevity and performance. Bruce’s TimberTru line represents a solid choice in the laminate flooring market, especially for those who prioritize a wood-like appearance combined with durability and water resistance.

AquaGuard by Floor & Decor Laminate Flooring

AquaGuard, exclusively sold by Floor & Decor, might raise eyebrows given its association with a big box store and the mixed reputation of Floor & Decor’s other in-house brand, NuCore. However, AquaGuard positions itself as a reasonably waterproof and durable laminate flooring option, deserving a closer look.

Product range and aesthetics

AquaGuard’s laminate flooring comes in a single collection, predominantly offering wood-look styles in traditional plank shapes. Adding a touch of diversity, they also include some parquet options and a unique, funky tile look that stands out. This variety, while not extensive, covers the most sought-after designs in laminate flooring.

Durability and performance

The standout feature of AquaGuard is its impressive AC5 Rating, a significant indicator of its durability and suitability for commercial-grade use. Although not as waterproof as some competitors, it boasts water resistance in standing water for up to 30 hours, a commendable feature for laminate flooring.

Warranty and brand reputation

Priced at about $4.00 per square foot, AquaGuard offers good value for its level of durability and water resistance. Its warranty is noteworthy, with a limited lifetime and 15-year light commercial coverage. However, the value of this warranty diminishes each year after purchase, a common feature in flooring warranties but something to keep in mind. Negative reviews often cite issues with voided warranties due to installation errors and other fine-print conditions.

AquaGuard is a middle-of-the-road option in the laminate flooring market. While it offers commendable durability and water resistance, the association with a big box store and the diminishing warranty value may give some buyers pause. 

If faced with a choice, AquaGuard might not be the first pick, but it offers reasonable value, especially for those prioritizing durability and water resistance in a laminate floor. Its position at number five on the list reflects its status as a reasonably good choice, albeit with some reservations.

Introduction to Tarkett Laminate Flooring

Tarkett, a brand more established in Europe, has entered the US laminate market with a focus on sustainability and low-VOC products. They offer a range of laminate options that sit comfortably in the budget-friendly segment, making them an accessible choice for various consumers.

Product range and aesthetics

Tarkett offers six different collections: Easy Line, Essentials, Lamin’art, Welcome, Woodstock, and Long Boards. All products across these collections are 8mm thick with AC4 ratings, except for the Long Boards collection, which is slightly thicker at 9mm, also with an AC4 rating. Additionally, Tarkett has exclusive products in the AquaFlor and Grovewood lines available at Menards.

Durability and performance

While Tarkett’s laminate flooring is engineered for 24-hour moisture resistance, its overall durability is not on par with some of the higher-ranked brands. Reviews suggest a mixed reception to Tarkett’s products, with the primary concerns being their limited styles and the quality of the flooring. Being in the budget flooring realm, Tarkett seems to offer basic functionality rather than exceptional durability or style variety.

Warranty and brand reputation

Tarkett’s warranties vary, with the more budget-oriented products offering 20–25 year residential warranties. There’s no commercial warranty for these due to their limited durability. The higher-end products from Tarkett come with slightly better warranty terms, including 25 year to lifetime residential warranties and 5–15 year commercial warranties.

Tarkett positions itself as a viable option for those seeking affordable laminate flooring. While they may not offer the best in terms of durability or style variety, their commitment to sustainability and low-VOC products is commendable.

Allen and Roth Laminate Flooring by Lowe’s

Allen and Roth, stylized as “Allen + Roth,” is Lowe’s in-house brand. This brand offers a single laminate collection featuring 31 products available on the Lowe’s website. The brand is positioned as a typical big-box store option, offering a balance of affordability and basic functionality.

Product range and aesthetics

The Allen and Roth laminate collection varies in thickness, with some options at 8mm and others at 12mm. Interestingly, the pricing doesn’t seem heavily influenced by the thickness, as some 12mm options are priced lower than their 8mm counterparts. The collection appears to be designed to cater to a broad range of tastes without focusing heavily on premium quality or unique design features.

Durability and performance

The products are split in terms of AC ratings: about half have an AC4 wear layer, while the rest are rated AC3. Despite this seemingly robust rating, customer reviews suggest that durability might be an issue, with frequent mentions of the flooring being prone to scratches. This discrepancy between the technical specifications and user experiences indicates that while the products may meet certain industry standards, their real-world performance might not fully align with consumer expectations.

Warranty and brand reputation

Allen and Roth laminate flooring comes with a minimum 30-year limited residential warranty, and some lines offer a limited lifetime residential warranty. However, there are no commercial warranties, as the products aren’t graded for commercial use. The brand’s reputation, particularly based on reviews from Lowe’s website, is generally positive, but off-site reviews paint a less favorable picture regarding durability.

Allen and Roth by Lowe’s is a feasible option for those seeking an affordable laminate flooring solution without expecting top-tier durability or a wide array of unique styles. The brand offers basic functionality and aesthetic variety suitable for residential use, but it may not be the best choice for those with high-traffic areas or a need for highly durable flooring.

LifeProof Laminate Flooring by Home Depot

LifeProof, one of Home Depot’s exclusive laminate flooring brands, positions itself as a step above their other exclusive brand, TrafficMaster. However, similar to the concerns raised in the review of LifeProof vinyl flooring, there may be some skepticism regarding its “premier” status.

Product range and aesthetics

LifeProof offers 20 different laminate products, each 12mm thick, available in various widths and styles. These products lack any attached underlayment or special features that might set them apart from basic laminate options. The range seems to cater to general aesthetic preferences without delving into highly specialized or unique designs.

Durability and performance

LifeProof products uniformly boast an AC4 durability rating, which is commendable, especially when compared to other big-box store brands. However, non-Home-Depot-website reviews are scarce, leading to a reliance on Home Depot’s own claims for the product’s quality.

Warranty and brand reputation

LifeProof laminate comes with a promising warranty package: a limited lifetime residential warranty and a 7-year light commercial warranty, acknowledging its commercial-grade durability. However, the lower rating in this category is influenced by customer feedback regarding Home Depot’s execution of these warranties. It seems there may be some challenges in claiming the warranty, as per customer experiences.

LifeProof by Home Depot presents itself as a reasonably good option in the laminate flooring market, especially for those seeking a product with higher durability ratings commonly associated with more expensive brands. Priced at $2.59 per square foot, it’s not the most affordable but also not exorbitantly priced, striking a middle ground in the market.

TrafficMaster Laminate Flooring by Home Depot

TrafficMaster, another Home Depot exclusive, is a budget laminate flooring option. While it technically meets the criteria of laminate flooring, its exceptionally low price point raises questions about its overall quality and long-term viability.

Product range and aesthetics

The TrafficMaster laminate line consists of a single collection with 41 different designs, offering a decent variety in styles. These products are available in 7 or 8-millimeter thicknesses. The broad range of designs suggests an effort to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences, but this variety seems to be at the expense of material quality.

Durability and performance

Despite having AC3 and some AC4 durability ratings, TrafficMaster laminate doesn’t seem to live up to these standards in practice. Reviews indicate a shorter lifespan, with estimates ranging from 5 to 10 years. The discrepancy between the technical durability ratings and the actual performance reported by users points to a compromise in quality to achieve the lower price point.

Warranty and brand reputation

TrafficMaster’s warranty is reflective of its low price and quality, offering only a 15-year residential warranty. This limited warranty, coupled with the reviews suggesting a shorter lifespan, indicates that TrafficMaster is more suited for temporary or very light-use scenarios.

TrafficMaster by Home Depot appears to be a laminate flooring option best suited for situations where cost is the primary concern, and longevity and durability are less important. Its wide range of styles at a starting price of just $.50 per square foot might be appealing for immediate, short-term flooring needs.

AquaSeal and DreamHome Laminate Flooring by LL Flooring

AquaSeal and DreamHome, product lines from LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators), come with a checkered history. The company previously faced serious legal issues for selling laminate flooring with dangerously high levels of formaldehyde, leading to a significant settlement and a rebranding effort.

Product range and aesthetics

LL Flooring offers three product lines under these brands:

• Dream Home: Featuring 29 design options, it targets budget-conscious buyers.
• Dream Home XD: A specific segment of the Dream Home collection with 15 styles.
• AquaSeal: A water-resistant collection offering 42 styles.

The range of styles across these lines seems to cater to various tastes, focusing primarily on affordability.

Durability and performance

The main concern with these products is the quality of materials and their durability. Dream Home products are AC3-rated for residential use, but reviews suggest they degrade quickly. Dream Home XD and AquaSeal, while slightly more expensive and AC4-rated, still seem to struggle with similar durability issues. These lines are also certified low-VOC, addressing some of the past concerns with the brand’s products.

Warranty and brand reputation

• AquaSeal products come with a lifetime limited residential warranty, but there is no commercial warranty available.
• Dream Home warranties range widely, with some lines offering 10-year to lifetime limited residential warranties.

Despite these seemingly robust warranties, the lack of commercial warranties and the brand’s troubled history might affect consumer confidence.

AquaSeal and DreamHome by LL Flooring represent budget-friendly options in the laminate flooring market, but their low cost comes with concerns about material quality and longevity. While the company has taken steps to address past issues, such as ensuring low-VOC certifications, the lingering doubts about durability and the negative history could deter potential buyers.

Summary

In conclusion, our list of the top 10 laminate flooring brands for 2024 spans from niche manufacturers to well-known retail brands, offering a diverse selection suitable for various needs and budgets.

Brands like Shaw Industries and Newton Laminate Flooring excel in durability and quality, ideal for high-traffic areas. For eco-conscious consumers, Mannington Mills provides sustainable, low-VOC options. Budget-friendly choices from Tarkett and TrafficMaster offer good value, while big-box store brands like AquaGuard, Allen and Roth, LifeProof, AquaSeal, and DreamHome balance affordability with accessibility.

Every brand offers something special, from looks to how long it lasts and how eco-friendly it is. If you’re improving a room or doing a big renovation, this guide is here to help you pick the best laminate flooring. Think about how it looks, how tough it is, how easy it is to install, and how well it resists water to ensure you find the best option for your space. Happy shopping, and we hope the flooring you choose makes your home more beautiful and practical!