Welcome to West Coast Flooring, your go-to source for high-quality laminate flooring that combines style, durability, and affordability. Choosing the right laminate floor is crucial for ensuring that it meets your lifestyle needs while complementing your home’s decor. Our comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate through various aspects such as laminate thickness, durability ratings, water resistance, and more, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Search Flooring by Brands
Search for all our Brands
West Coast Flooring Center, San Diego Flooring Leader. We are an authorized Tile, Hardwood, Laminate, Carpet, Vinyl Hardware and Cabinets Dealer for Top Brands. You are welcome to come to our new showroom or shop at home/office with our Mobile Office. Free Floor design at your desire location and floor sample. Schedule Now!!
Search Flooring by Categories
Area Rugs | Carpet | Countertops | Green Floors | Hardwood | Laminate | Natural Stone | Tile | Vinyl
Choosing the right Laminate
Laminate flooring is a popular choice among homeowners due to its versatility, ease of maintenance, and the wide range of styles available. It consists of multiple layers fused together, including a photographic layer that mimics the look of wood, stone, or tile, topped with a protective wear layer.
Laminate Thickness
Laminate flooring comes in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 6mm to 12mm. Thicker laminate not only feels more solid underfoot but also provides better noise insulation and is more forgiving over uneven subfloors. Visit our Store and Choosing the right Laminate
Durability Ratings
The durability of laminate flooring is measured by the AC (Abrasion Criteria) rating system, ranging from AC1 (moderate residential use) to AC5 (heavy commercial traffic). For most homes, an AC3 or AC4 rating offers a good balance between durability and cost.
Water-Resistant Laminate
Water-resistant laminate flooring options are ideal for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. These specially designed laminates prevent water from seeping through the planks, protecting your floor from damage. Visit our Store and Choosing the right Laminate
Texture and Finish
Laminate flooring is available in a variety of textures and finishes, from smooth and glossy to embossed and matte. This variety allows you to choose a floor that closely resembles natural wood or stone.
AC Rating System
The AC rating system is an essential factor to consider when choosing laminate flooring. It ensures that the flooring you select can withstand the wear and tear of your daily activities. Visit our Store and Choosing the right Laminate
Easy Installation
One of the advantages of laminate flooring is its easy installation. Most laminate floors feature a click-lock system that allows for quick and glueless laying, making it an excellent project for DIY enthusiasts.
Color Variations
Laminate flooring offers a vast array of color variations, enabling you to find the perfect shade to match or complement your interior design scheme.
Underlayment Necessity
Underlayment is crucial for laminate flooring as it provides a smooth surface for the planks, offers additional noise reduction, and can provide moisture protection. Some laminate floors come with pre-attached underlayment for convenience.
Eco-Friendly Options
For environmentally conscious consumers, there are eco-friendly laminate options available that are made from sustainable resources and contain lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Visit our Store and Choosing the right Laminate
Cost-Effectiveness
Laminate flooring is known for its cost-effectiveness, offering the look and feel of real hardwood or stone at a fraction of the price.
Style Compatibility
With an extensive range of styles, laminate flooring can complement any home decor, from traditional to contemporary. Visit our Store and Choosing the right Laminate
Maintenance Requirements
Laminate floors are low maintenance, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a damp cloth to keep them looking their best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I choose the right thickness for my laminate floor?
A. Consider the level of foot traffic and the presence of any uneven areas on your subfloor. Thicker laminate is generally better for higher traffic and uneven surfaces.
2. Can laminate flooring be installed over existing tiles?
A. Yes, laminate flooring can be installed over most existing hard-surface flooring types, including tiles, as long as the surface is flat and even.
3. Are water-resistant laminate floors completely waterproof?
A. While water-resistant laminate offers protection against spills and moisture, it is not entirely waterproof and should not be left wet for extended periods.
4. How do I clean my laminate floor?
A. Use a soft-bristle broom to sweep and a damp mop with a laminate floor cleaner. Avoid using excessive water or steam mops.
5. Is laminate flooring suitable for pets?
A. Yes, choose a laminate floor with a higher AC rating for added scratch resistance and durability suitable for pets.
6. Can I replace damaged laminate planks?
A. Yes, damaged laminate planks can be replaced. It’s a straightforward process, especially if the flooring was installed using a click-lock system. Visit our Store and Choosing the right Laminate