Laminate Flooring

High-quality laminate flooring in New Zealand offers several compelling benefits, making it an attractive choice for homeowners and businesses alike. Firstly, its durability and resistance to scratches, dents, and stains ensure it can withstand the demands of high-traffic areas, retaining its appearance over time. The ease of maintenance is another significant advantage, as it requires just regular sweeping or vacuuming to keep it clean, with occasional damp mopping for a deeper clean. Moreover, technological advances mean laminate flooring can very closely resemble the look of natural wood grains or stone. Additionally, its installation process is straightforward, often featuring a click-lock system that eliminates the need for adhesives and allows for quick and easy DIY projects. A highly-quality flooring underlay is also recommended for this. Lastly, the affordability of high-quality laminate flooring in New Zealand makes it an economical choice that doesn't compromise on aesthetics or functionality, offering excellent value for money. When washing laminate floors, keep water to a minimum: a well-wrung mop rather than a wet one, since standing water can work into the joints between boards.

Different types of laminate flooring have different features that relate to things like the core material type, installation method, surface finish etc. These features and the options within them are typically as follows. 

Where a floor will be exposed to water, such as a kitchen, laundry or bathroom, waterproof laminate flooring is worth specifying over a standard board, though the manufacturer's stated room suitability and moisture limits should still be checked rather than the label alone. Waterproof flooring as a broader term covers several constructions, including the rigid hybrid boards such as Duracore® Lifestyle listed alongside laminate, and the term does not mean the same thing across them. Tile-look finishes also sit in the category: for a laminate tiles kitchen layout, these boards give the appearance of ceramic or stone with a warmer surface underfoot and no grout lines to maintain.

The two main core material types are High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) and Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF). HDF options are understandably more durable and moisture resistant while MDF options are more affordable.

The method of installation is another feature that distinguishes products from one another. Click-Lock (Floating) is a type that doesn’t require glue and can be easily installed over an underlay, making it ideal for DIY projects. Glue-down products, on the other hand, require some form of adhesive to secure the planks to the subfloor, offering a more permanent solution but with a more complex installation process.

The type of finish is an important factor to consider with the typical choices being textured, embossed, smooth and high gloss. These are fairly self-explanatory but it is always good to examine these in person to get a clear idea of what the look and feel underfoot will be.    Texture also changes how a timber-look board reads in daylight, so two products with the same printed grain can look quite different once laid.

In New Zealand, laminate flooring comes with AC Ratings (Abrasion Criteria) which are essentially durability ratings ranging from AC1 (moderate residential use) to AC5 (heavy commercial use). This allows you to make a choice based on the expected foot traffic of the space it will be installed.

ArchiPro features a wide range of flooring options which can complement laminate flooring for a renovation or new build project. Carpet, for example, is an excellent choice for bedrooms and living rooms with a warm and cushioned walking surface may be preferred. At the other end of the scale, polished concrete floors can contrast quite nicely with the authentic wood look of a luxurious laminate flooring solution. Considering all these alternatives is important as it will ensure you make an informed decision and peace of mind knowing your final choice is the best one for you.