Laminate flooring is a great alternative to traditional wood floors. Thanks to advances in high-resolution printing, there aren’t many types of flooring that laminate can’t mimic these days. The best brands of wood laminate flooring offer a wide selection of styles and finishes to match your existing décor. However, choosing the right laminate floor can be tricky. There are many factors to consider including the look, durability and installation price. To help you make an informed decision, this article will discuss the features of different wood laminate flooring options available in the market today.

The first thing to keep in mind when choosing wood laminate is its appearance. Unlike vinyl, which has long been associated with plastic flooring, wood laminate has an authentic look that is virtually indistinguishable from real hardwood. This is possible due to advances in technology that allow manufacturers to create a photographic image layer on top of a durable fiberboard or plywood core. These layers are then fused together with high heat and intense pressure. The result is a flooring that looks and feels like wood, but is much more affordable.

Laminate is also more versatile than traditional hardwood in terms of style and color. Manufacturers can use a variety of colors and textures to mimic the appearance of various types of wood, from light cherry to dark mahogany. You can also find a variety of grain patterns to mimic the inconsistencies found in natural wood. These details can be a big selling point if you are looking for a flooring option that is more stylish than traditional hardwood.

Another important factor to consider when choosing wood laminate is how it will affect your home’s resale value. While laminate is a more cost-effective flooring option, potential buyers may view it as less desirable than other options. This can be problematic if you plan to sell your home in the future.

While many homeowners choose wood laminate because of its durability, it is worth noting that this type of flooring is not as long-lasting as hardwood. If your laminate wood floor is exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period of time, it may fade more quickly than other types of flooring. In addition, damage to laminate can’t be repaired as easily as damage to hardwood, and replacement costs can add up quickly.

To ensure you are choosing a quality laminate, look for the AC (Accredited Construction) rating on the label. This rating indicates how well the product stands up to wear, fading and moisture. Currently, there are only a few brands of wood laminate that have an AC rating of 5 or higher. The most popular are Pergo, TrafficMASTER and Tarkett.

All of these companies have a variety of wood-look laminates to suit any style and budget. The majority of their wood laminates are made from domestic species such as oak, hickory and maple. In addition, most of their lines feature distressed and rustic looks.

Tarkett is the original brand that invented laminate flooring, and they have an extensive line of wood-look laminates. Their Easy Line, Essentials and Soundlogic collections each offer a number of wood-look styles. Their Woodstock and Woodstock Pro lines are 8mm thick, while their Woodstock XL 1032 line is a bit thinner at 10mm. They all have a AC rating of 4 or 5, and are suitable for moderate or heavy commercial use.