Home renovations, especially flooring upgrades, are rarely inexpensive. They usually demand thousands of dollars at a minimum, hours of work, and days of displacement while you wait for the renovation to wrap up. But what if you could spruce up your floors on a budget? With laminate flooring, you can.
Laminate flooring has a particle board base, a patterned layer (usually a wood grain pattern), and a clear wear layer. It starts at less than $2.00 per square foot and is an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget. But, as with any flooring material, picking an option that matches your needs is important.
4.7
Complimentary post-installation follow-ups
Provides convenient in-home consultations
Hundreds of flooring showrooms nationwide
4.8
Offers next-day installations on certain flooring options
Multiple financing options
Mobile showroom option for convenient at-home shopping
3.8
Natural and engineered hardwood options
Offers augmented reality visualizer tool
Provides free samples online and in-store
- You can get great laminate flooring from LL Flooring, Empire Today, Floor Coverings International, Mohawk, The Home Depot, and Mannington.
- All flooring providers have a wide selection of high-quality laminate flooring, allowing you to find one that fits your home and budget.
- Durability, thickness, texture, pattern/design/color, and availability in your area are the top considerations when choosing laminate flooring for your home.
What Are The Best Laminate Flooring Options?
We compiled a list of the top laminate flooring options available to help you select the perfect fit for your home, so continue reading to learn more.
Dream Home XD
3.8
Our Rating
For many homeowners, noisy floors aren’t ideal. After all, they make it tricky to tiptoe away from your sleeping baby after laying them down for a nap. Or, you might have trouble staying quiet when you get up for work while your kids, significant other, or pets are sleeping.
So, you may want to consider a floor designed for noise reduction. The Dream Home XD laminate from LL Flooring meets these expectations, featuring an attached padded underlayment to ensure the flooring is quiet underfoot. It is affordable, easy to install (planks click together), has a natural wood look and texture, and comes with a 2mm attached pad, which greatly reduces noise.
Dream Home XD Laminate costs between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot, making it an affordable and accessible option for many homeowners. Of course, the exact cost will vary based on the specific flooring you choose, but all things considered, this price range is manageable for most homeowners.
The price includes an impressive 50-year residential warranty, ensuring you’ll maximize your investment.
You can buy Dream Home XD laminate flooring from LL Flooring, a familiar provider in the flooring industry. LL Flooring is known for its ample array of options, full-service installations, and premium materials.
Empire Laminate Flooring
3.5
Our Rating
Waiting weeks or months for your scheduled flooring installation appointment can feel like it drags along forever, making you wait in anticipation. Unforeseen issues can throw a wrench into your plans, further delaying the installation and making you wait even longer.
But with Empire Today, you can install your Empire laminate flooring in less than a few days. The company’s laminate flooring features 4-inch wide planks that interlock together for easy and quick installation. Plus, they are waterproof, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and look identical to real wood.
If you’re considering Empire laminate flooring, you’ll need to obtain an estimate online. The company doesn’t offer sample pricing online and requires the customer to request a personalized estimate.
Your purchase and installation come with a one-year installation and labor warranty.
You can find Empire Laminate flooring through Empire Today, a recognizable name in the flooring industry. This company offers reliable services and quick turnaround times, making it a solid choice for your flooring needs.
Shaw Premier Laminate
4.7
Our Rating
Living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and other high-traffic areas demand durable flooring that can withstand heavy wear. If the flooring isn’t hardy enough, it’ll quickly degrade with regular traffic, leading to the need for early replacement.
If you’re looking for flooring to put in high-traffic areas of your home, selecting an option durable enough to survive a constant barrage of traffic from people and pets is important. The Shaw Premier Laminate floors match this need, providing an incredibly durable and long-lasting option to complete your home.
On average, Shaw Premier Laminate flooring costs between $4.00 and $7.50 per square foot. Installation and labor tack on additional fees, so this flooring isn’t ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly option. However, Floor Coverings International offers a price-matching program so you can ensure you get the best price available.
The price includes a limited lifetime warranty with installation.
The Shaw Premier Laminate flooring is readily available through Floor Coverings International, a well-known flooring provider with a strong reputation and solid reviews.
Mohawk Revwood
4.2
Our Rating
Choosing a color and texture for your new floors can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure what you like. With Mohawk RevWood, you’ll have no shortage of options. This flooring material comes in 35 different colors and textures that mimic natural woods. You can sift through the options and compare them to the decor in your home to easily find the perfect fit.
On average, Mohawk RevWood laminate flooring costs between $2.50 and $3.75, making it an affordable choice that matches various budgets. With the flooring, residential customers receive a limited lifetime warranty.
You can find Mohawk RevWood laminate flooring at various locations throughout the country, including big box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. These flooring materials are also available in smaller, locally owned flooring retailers, although availability may vary based on location.
Pergo Outlast Plus
4.2
Our Rating
Installing flooring can be an expensive venture that can quickly spiral out of budget without careful planning. Purchasing the flooring is only one part of the puzzle – you still need to remove old flooring, prep the surface, and install the flooring. So, if you’re on a budget, consider a DIY-friendly flooring option.
Pergo Outlast Plus is a phenomenal choice, as it matches the experience level of many DIYers. It features a pre-attached underlayment and easy-to-follow instructions for a simple and DIY-friendly installation.
Pergo Outlast Plus flooring is priced slightly higher than the average of other options on this list. It starts at about $2.00 per square foot and caps out at around $4.00 per square foot, so while it isn’t expensive compared to other flooring materials, it’s a little pricier than other laminate options.
These floors come with a limited lifetime residential warranty and a limited six-month manufacturing warranty.
Pergo Outlast Plus laminate flooring is widely available at Home Depot locations across the country. While options may vary based on the location, you can find at least a few options at nearly any Home Depot location.
Mannington Coordinations Laminate
3.5
Our Rating
If you have children or pets, water resistance is a key factor to look for in new flooring material. After all, accidents and spills are bound to happen, and it’s ideal if you can quickly and easily clean them up.
The Mannington Coordinations laminate flooring offers excellent water resistance for laminate flooring, making it a worthwhile consideration. It utilizes SpillShield technology that coats the top of the flooring and supplies impressive water resistance.
Mannington Coordinations flooring is fairly affordable at around $2.75 to $3.75 per square foot. This price includes a 25-year residential warranty or a five-year commercial warranty. It’s worth noting that several reviewers have recently cited issues with the company honoring these warranties.
The Mannington Coordinations Laminate flooring is readily available nationwide at dozens of locations. You can find it at various home improvement stores, although availability varies based on location. Use the store locator to find a location that sells Mannington products near you.
How Much Does Laminate Flooring Cost?
As with many flooring types, laminate flooring costs vary drastically based on factors specific to your choice. Thicknesses, designs, durability, texture, and color contribute to the cost, driving it higher or lower. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot for laminate flooring.
The chart below offers an overview of our top laminate flooring picks and their average costs.
| Laminate Type | Where to Buy | Superlative | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
| Dream Home XD Laminate | LL Flooring | Best for noise reduction | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Empire Laminate | Empire Today | Best for quick installation | Only available by getting a quote |
| Shaw Premier Laminate | Floor Coverings International | Best for high-traffic areas | $4.00 – $7.50 |
| Mohawk RevWood | Mohawk | Most style options | $2.50 – $3.75 |
| Pergo Outlast Plus | The Home Depot | Best for DIY installation | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Mannington Coordinations Laminate | Mannington | Most water-resistant | $2.75 – $3.75 |
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Laminate Flooring?
As you surf the internet or meander through your local hardware store in search of new laminate flooring, keep a few things in mind. The durability, thickness, texture, and color of your floors are essential considerations, as they will determine your floor’s longevity, ease of cleaning, and compatibility with your home’s decor.
Durability
When shopping for your new laminate floors, durability is a vital consideration. Your floors will need to hold up well under regular foot traffic, so even if only one or two people regularly walk on the floor, you’ll need something durable.
If you have a large family, durability is even more important. Look for something with a solid thickness and a long-lasting wear layer, as this will ensure your floors look good for many years.
Thickness
The thickness of laminate flooring ties directly into its durability. The thicker the floor, the more durable it is. Of course, thicker floors are also more expensive.
Generally, you can find laminate in thicknesses ranging from 6 millimeters (mm) to 12mm. Ideally, you should choose an option that is 8 mm thick or thicker, as this will provide better durability and longevity. If you want something that can hold up better, you can go for a thicker option — otherwise, 8mm is a good minimum thickness for most applications.
Texture
Laminate flooring often comes in a handful of texture options, including smooth or satin, hand-scraped, brushed, oiled wood, and traditional natural wood textured. Each option has its merits, so you’ll need to evaluate the best fit for your home based on your needs.
It’s important to remember that more textured options usually require more effort to clean, as dirt, dust, and grime can become lodged in the crevices and divots.
Color
Last but not least, don’t forget to consider your color options. Your floors have a major impact on your home, so be sure to choose a color that matches the aesthetics you’re trying to achieve. If you’re unsure which color might work best in your home, consider browsing online for flooring samples that match your theme.
For example, suppose you have a rustic farmhouse-style home. In this case, you could search for rustic farmhouse inspiration and look at the floors to see what colors blend beautifully into the palette. The same applies to other aesthetics, including minimalistic, modern, and traditional.
There are dozens of colors for laminate flooring, so you shouldn’t have any issues finding something you like after you select the perfect color for your home.
DIY vs. Professional Laminate Flooring Installation
While installing laminate flooring can be more doable than installing other types of flooring, like hardwood planks, it’s still tricky. The process requires careful measurements, specific tools, and expertise to ensure satisfactory results.
If you don’t follow the correct steps, you might end up with a bubbly, angled, and all-around unsatisfactory finish. On top of that, an improperly installed floor can open the door to various issues, including water damage.
Related: Is Cement Backerboard Subfloor Needed Under Laminate Flooring?
To ensure you can enjoy your floors for many years, we recommend hiring a professional to install your laminate floor. You can always DIY the project if you have experience with flooring installations, but hiring a professional is best for many homeowners.
Can Laminate Flooring Increase My Home Value?
While laminate flooring can increase your home’s value, it’s highly dependent on what you’re changing from. For example, if you’re switching from tile flooring that is still in great shape, you may not see an increase in your home’s value.
However, if you’re switching from worn-out wall-to-wall carpeting, your home’s value will likely increase. Generally, it’ll increase when you’re switching from just about any poor-condition flooring material that can’t be refinished.
However, switching to laminate may not increase your home’s value if you have hardwood floors in rough condition that could be refinished. Instead, refinishing the floors would likely be the better option, providing it’s a viable solution.
So, Is Laminate Flooring Right For You?
Laminate flooring can be the perfect way to spruce up your home without breaking the bank. It’s affordable and mimics the looks of beautiful, natural hardwoods, engineered wood, and stone, making it an excellent solution for homeowners who want the looks of luxury flooring without the cost. You can also install radiant heating beneath laminate flooring.
If you want to save with a DIY installation, Pergo Outlast Plus or Pergo XP flooring from Home Depot is a worthwhile consideration. Or, if you want something that can hold up under heavy foot traffic, the Shaw Premier Laminate is an excellent choice.
Of course, no single type of flooring is perfect for every home. For example, you may prefer the aesthetics and durability of engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and real wood floors, but these choices will cost you more. It all depends on your needs, preferences, and budget.
4.7
Complimentary post-installation follow-ups
Provides convenient in-home consultations
Hundreds of flooring showrooms nationwide
4.8
Offers next-day installations on certain flooring options
Multiple financing options
Mobile showroom option for convenient at-home shopping
3.8
Natural and engineered hardwood options
Offers augmented reality visualizer tool
Provides free samples online and in-store
FAQs About Laminate Flooring
Is laminate better than vinyl flooring?
Laminate and vinyl flooring are commonly compared head-to-head, but each has its merits, so they’re suited to different scenarios. Vinyl flooring is better if you have a more flexible budget and need something for a high-moisture area — for example, flooring in your bathroom. Conversely, laminate is ideal for whole-house installations on a budget.
Is all laminate water-resistant?
Not all laminate flooring is created equal. Some high-quality options perform better than others in the water-resistance category, so if you want something that can withstand spills and messes, look for an option labeled as water-resistant or waterproof. A waterproof subfloor can help too.
Is laminate always a good alternative to hardwood flooring?
Laminate can be a great alternative to real hardwood flooring, but it isn’t always the best option. However, if you want heated floors in your home, laminate is better for underfloor heating. Hardwood offers some of the same perks as laminate, including beautiful patterns, resistance to wear and tear, and many colors. But you can refinish high-end hardwood flooring multiple times when the top layer wears down. It all comes down to the specifics of your needs.
Methodology: How We Rank Laminate Floor Brands
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. We want you to have all the information you need to choose the laminate floor that best meets the needs of your home. That said, our ratings are based on publicly available information, customer reviews, and real quotes.
Laminate floor brands can earn a maximum of 100 points across five categories that are converted to a five-star scale. To get the following scale we researched dozens of laminate floor brands and companies:
- Installation (25 points): The best laminate flooring brands offer easy access to professional installation, but are also suitable for DIY enthusiasts. Laminate flooring that comes with attached underlayment makes installation much easier, and brands that offer this get extra points.
- Price per square foot (20 points): Each homeowner’s budget is different, which is why it’s important that laminate floor brands have a range of price opinions. Laminate floors can cost as little as $0.99 per square foot to more than $10, but brands with affordable flooring options of less than $2 per square foot perform the best in this category.
- Thickness options (20 points): The highest quality laminate flooring has a thickness of 10 mm to 12 mm, but it’s also important to have less thick, more affordable options. The more thickness options a brand offers, the more points it receives.
- Color options (20 points): Every home has a unique color scheme, so laminate floor companies should have a variety of color options. Brands with blonde, brown, gray, red, and white laminate options perform the best in this category.
- Warranty (15 points): Many laminate floors come with a limited lifetime warranty that guarantees the flooring won’t scratch or fade in the light, and the brands that offer such a warranty get full points in this category.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
