If you’re in the market for laminate flooring, durability and value should be your top priorities. Many people equate low cost with low quality, but this isn’t always true. By learning how to choose quality plastic laminate or engineered wood flooring for you home, you can make your house look great without breaking the bank.

The most important factor to consider when choosing your laminate flooring is where in the house you plan to install it. Areas with high foot traffic, like your kitchen and foyer, and those more likely to face stresses like pet claws and wheels from bikes and skates need a floor with a higher AC rating. Every laminate has an AC rating of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most durable.

You’ll also need to determine whether plastic laminate or engineered wood is the better choice for your home. Plastic laminate is better suited to stand up to water and outside debris. Engineered wood can provide more of a natural look, but it is more expensive than plastic laminate and it can become damaged in high-moisture areas. Unlike plastic laminate, though, engineered wood can be sanded and refinished up to three times in its life, giving you the opportunity to have “new” floors without having to actually replace them down the road.

When you’re shopping for quality laminate flooring, ask the salesperson the following questions:

• What grade is this product? Laminates are graded as good, better, and best, and priced accordingly.

• Is the product certified by NALFA? All laminates certified by the North American Laminate Flooring Association pass 10 quality-assurance tests, such as stain and water resistance.

• What is the product’s ISO rating? Quality laminates have a rating of 9001.

We are here to help you choose and install the ideal laminate floor for your home. Give us a call or visit our showroom today to get started.