About Laminate

Laminate Flooring in Atlanta

Flooring Atlanta carries a selection of laminate flooring across our four showroom locations, including waterproof options, wide-plank styles, and multiple wood-look finishes from trusted manufacturers.

We have been helping Atlanta homeowners choose and install laminate flooring for over 19 years, with more than 30,000 installations completed across the metro area.

Laminate gives you the look of real hardwood at a lower price point, with scratch resistance, easy maintenance, and faster installation. Whether you are updating a single room or reflooring your entire home, we handle the full process from product selection to professional installation.

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What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic product engineered to look like real hardwood or stone. Modern laminate uses high-resolution imaging and embossed textures to create planks that closely resemble natural wood, often at a fraction of the cost.

Each plank is built from four layers:

• Melamine Layer – A clear, high-performance top coating designed to shield your floors by resisting scratches, scuffs, stains, and fading.
• Design layer – the printed image that gives the plank its wood or stone appearance.
• Core layer – a high-density fiberboard (HDF) center that provides structure, stability, and impact resistance.
• Backing layer – the bottom layer that provides moisture protection and helps the plank lay flat.

Most laminate floors use a floating click-lock installation system. Planks snap together without nails or glue, which means faster installation and easier replacement of individual planks if needed.

Understanding AC Ratings

Laminate flooring is rated for durability using AC (Abrasion Criteria) ratings. The AC rating tells you how well a floor holds up to foot traffic, scratches, and daily wear. Higher ratings mean a harder, more durable surface.

AC3 – Moderate Residential Traffic

The standard rating for most residential laminate. AC3 handles everyday foot traffic in bedrooms, guest rooms, and home offices. A solid choice for rooms that do not see heavy daily use.

AC4 – Heavy Residential and Light Commercial

A step up in durability. AC4 laminate is built for busy households with kids, pets, and high foot traffic. It also works in light commercial settings like small offices and boutique retail. This is the rating we recommend for most Atlanta homes.

AC5 – Heavy Commercial

The highest standard rating. AC5 laminate is designed for commercial spaces like offices, retail stores, and restaurants where foot traffic is constant throughout the day. Overkill for most homes, but worth considering for households with extreme wear.

Laminate Thickness: Why It Matters

Laminate flooring typically ranges from 7mm to 12mm in thickness. The thickness of the plank affects how it feels underfoot, how well it absorbs sound, and how stable it is over time.

• 12mm laminate – the thickest option available. It feels the most like real hardwood underfoot, absorbs more sound, and provides the best long-term stability. This is what we recommend for main living areas and open floor plans.
• 10mm laminate – a strong middle ground. It offers good sound absorption and stability at a slightly lower price point than 12mm. Works well for bedrooms, hallways, and dining rooms.
• 7-8mm laminate – the most budget-friendly option. Thinner planks work fine for low-traffic rooms and rental properties, but they feel less substantial underfoot and may transmit more sound.

Thicker laminate also tends to have better locking systems and more realistic textures, which contributes to a more premium look and feel.

Waterproof Laminate Flooring

Traditional laminate is not waterproof. The HDF core can swell and warp if water sits on it for an extended period. However, newer waterproof laminate products use sealed edges, water-resistant cores, and enhanced locking systems to protect against spills, splashes, and everyday moisture.

Waterproof laminate is a strong option for:

• Kitchens – where spills and splashes are daily realities
• Entryways and mudrooms – where wet shoes and umbrellas are common
• Hallways – high-traffic areas that need both durability and moisture protection
• Laundry rooms – where occasional water exposure is expected

Waterproof laminate is not recommended for bathrooms or areas with standing water. For those spaces, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the better choice because it is 100% waterproof at the plank level.

Laminate Brands We Carry

We stock laminate flooring from manufacturers that build products for real-world performance. Here are some of the brands you will find across our four showrooms:

• Mohawk Industries – Mohawk is the top choice for homeowners seeking innovation, particularly with their RevWood waterproof laminate and SolidTech luxury vinyl lines.
• Shaw Floors – Renowned for having the widest variety of styles, Shaw is a household staple known for high-performance brands like COREtec (the original waterproof floor) and the artisan-grade Anderson Tuftex.
• Pergo – The pioneer of laminate flooring remains a top contender by offering the best-in-class WetProtect technology, making it the most trusted name for 100% waterproof laminate surfaces.
• Mannington – Highly recommended for durability and eco-conscious manufacturing, Mannington’s Adura Max line is a favorite for families needing stable, high-traffic flooring that resists scratches and dents.
• Karastan – The premier choice for luxury, Karastan is the “gold standard” for homeowners looking for high-end aesthetic appeal, sophisticated patterns, and long-lasting craftsmanship in both hard and soft surfaces.

Explore our complete selection of premium brands to find the perfect match for your home’s unique style and functional needs. From the timeless elegance of traditional hardwoods to the latest in waterproof technology, our curated collection offers high-performance solutions for every room. Continue browsing our full range of products below to discover the quality and craftsmanship that define the Flooring Atlanta experience.

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Laminate is the practical choice when you want the look of hardwood at a lower price point with less maintenance. Hardwood is the better investment if you want a floor that can be refinished over decades and carries premium resale value. Many homeowners use both: hardwood in main living areas and laminate in bedrooms, hallways, and secondary spaces.

 

Laminate vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Laminate and LVP are two of the most popular alternatives to hardwood, but they perform very differently in real homes.

If moisture is your primary concern (kitchens, bathrooms, basements), LVP is the safer pick. If you want the most realistic hardwood look at the lowest price point with excellent scratch resistance, laminate is the better value. Our team can help you compare both side by side at any of our four showrooms.

How to Choose the Right Laminate

Start with the AC rating

For most Atlanta homes, AC4 is the sweet spot. It handles pets, kids, and daily traffic without issue. AC3 works for bedrooms and low-traffic spaces. AC5 is only necessary for commercial settings or homes with extreme wear patterns.

Choose your thickness

For main living areas, 12mm is the premier choice as it provides the most authentic hardwood feel, superior sound absorption, and maximum long-term stability. While 10mm serves as an excellent middle ground for secondary rooms, 7–8mm options are best suited for budget-conscious projects or low-traffic spaces. Regardless of the plank you choose, our team can add specialized padding to adjust the final thickness and comfort level to your exact preference.

Match the product to the room

• Mohawk Industries – Mohawk is the top choice for homeowners seeking innovation, particularly with their RevWood waterproof laminate and SolidTech luxury vinyl lines.
• Living rooms and open floor plans: 12mm, AC4, waterproof if possible
• Bedrooms and guest rooms: 10-12mm, AC3 or AC4
• Kitchens and entryways: 12mm waterproof laminate, AC4
• Hallways and stairs: AC4 minimum, thicker is better for sound and durability
• Basements: Waterproof laminate or consider LVP for full waterproof protection

Check the subfloor

Floating laminate can go over most existing hard surfaces (tile, vinyl, concrete) as long as the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. An underlayment pad is required for most installations and helps with sound absorption, moisture protection, and comfort. Some laminate products come with attached underlayment. Our team checks subfloor conditions during every free in-home measurement.

Laminate Care and Maintenance

• Sweep or vacuum regularly. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum with a hard-floor setting. Grit and sand are the biggest causes of surface scratches over time.
• Damp mop as needed. Use a well-wrung mop with a laminate-specific cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor. Excess water can seep between plank seams on floating installations and damage the HDF core.
• Wipe up spills promptly. Even waterproof laminate performs best when spills are cleaned up quickly. Standing water on traditional laminate can cause swelling and warping at the seams.
• Use furniture pads. Place felt pads under all furniture legs to prevent scratching and denting, especially under heavy pieces and chairs that move frequently.
• Skip the wax and polish. Laminate does not need waxing, polishing, or refinishing. The wear layer is the finish. Adding products on top can create a hazy, slippery buildup.
• Use doormats at entryways. Outdoor grit is one of the biggest causes of wear on laminate surfaces. Mats at every entrance help keep abrasive particles off the floor.
• Avoid steam mops. Steam can force moisture into the seams and damage the core layer over time. Stick to a damp mop and laminate-safe cleaner.
• Use chair mats. Standard rolling chairs can cause significant abrasive damage to laminate surfaces over time, leading to scuffs and scratches that often void manufacturer warranties.

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