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 list of notable 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.

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.

Raskin Laminate Flooring

Raskin Industries might not be the first name that pops into your head when you think laminate flooring, but don’t let that fool you. They’ve been quietly carving out a niche for themselves with solid, budget-friendly options that don’t skimp on the essentials.

Product range and aesthetics:

Raskin’s laminate isn’t about reinventing the wheel. You’ll find your standard wood-grain patterns, mostly on the traditional side. Think oaks, maples, maybe a few hickory or cherry thrown in. Nothing too flashy, but it gets the job done if you’re after a classic look.

Durability and performance:

Don’t expect miracles at this price point, but Raskin’s laminate holds its own. Most of their offerings hover around the AC3 wear rating, meaning they’re good for moderate residential traffic. Not ideal for bustling households or commercial spaces, but perfect for bedrooms, offices, or low-key living rooms.

Warranty and brand reputation:

Raskin  laminate is known to be reliable and it  won’t break the bank, which makes  it a tempting option for budget-conscious folks or DIYers looking to save a few bucks. Just remember, you get what you pay for. The warranty is decent, but not as extensive as some pricier brands.

Raskin laminate is your no-frills, get-the-job-done option. It won’t turn heads with cutting-edge designs or top-tier durability, but if you need a basic, affordable floor that looks decent and holds up to everyday wear and tear, it’s worth considering.

Chesapeake Laminate Flooring

Chesapeake Flooring offers laminate options designed to meet the needs of budget-conscious homeowners without sacrificing style or functionality.

Product range and aesthetics:

Chesapeake Flooring offers two lines of laminate, each catering to different needs. The Traditional Laminate focuses on classic wood visuals, replicating oak, hickory, maple, and unique options like weathered barnwood and distressed pine. Their Water-Resistant Laminate provides similar wood looks but with enhanced moisture protection.

Durability and performance:

Chesapeake’s Traditional Laminate, with an AC3 wear rating, is designed for moderate residential use in areas like bedrooms or home offices. The Water-Resistant Laminate, featuring an AC4 rating, offers enhanced durability and water resistance, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, or basements.

Warranty and brand reputation:

Chesapeake Flooring provides a limited lifetime residential warranty and a 5-year light commercial warranty on their laminate flooring. They are committed to sustainability, incorporating recycled content and minimizing waste in their manufacturing process. While not as widely recognized as some brands, Chesapeake is a trusted provider of affordable and reliable flooring options.

Chesapeake laminate is a practical and affordable choice for homeowners seeking quality and style within a budget. Their traditional line offers classic wood looks for low-traffic areas, while their water-resistant option provides added durability for moisture-prone spaces.

Summary

In conclusion, our list of the top 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!