Laminate floors: true-to-life wood looks

If you're looking for a beautiful alternative to wood flooring, one that's also durable, easy to care for, and has an uncomplicated installation technique, laminate is for you. Although it has been around for decades, technology has made this material evolve with deeper embossing, better seaming, and images that are so clear the knots, swirls, and grains just pop out. Wood isn't the only look, though, because you can also get stone and tile mimics. When shopping for laminate flooring in Walled Lake, MI, be sure to ask us to show you samples.

This is a fused layered material. It includes an underlayment; most come pre-attached, but if yours doesn't ask advice about buying one. The next layer is the core which is available in either HDF or MDF (high or medium-density fiberboard) or particleboard. HDF is the strongest and most water-resistant of them all. The image layer is taken with 3D photography so it's clear, accurate and you'll see every detail. The top layer is a thick aluminum-coated wear sheet that protects the floor from scratches and scuffs.

A good quality laminate floor can last as long as 20+ years, so images should be vibrant and accurate, showing every detail. That's thanks to 3D photography; if you see a dull image, it could be lesser quality. The floor should be at least 8-mm, but if you're going for the authentic and firm hardwood feeling, go to 10-mm or even 12-mm.

This flooring comes in a wide assortment of colors and patterns. It follows all the industry trends, so if you want a gray, honey, beige or whitewashed wood floor for your farmhouse-style kitchen you can have it. The same holds, whether you want the luxurious look of a granite or marble floor or a colorful retro-style playroom!