Laminate plank flooring being laid

Laminate

A photographic wear layer over a dense core. It takes more abuse than its reputation suggests.

What it is

Laminate is a printed decorative layer under a clear wear layer, pressed onto a high density fiberboard core. The wear layer is what you’re buying. It’s rated by AC class, and a residential hallway and a retail floor are not the same rating.

Where it works

01

Bedrooms, living areas, and hallways

02

Rentals and turnovers, where cost per square foot decides

03

Light commercial, at the right AC rating

04

Not in bathrooms or laundry rooms, and not over a slab that reads wet

Laminate or waterproof plank

Laminate usually looks and feels closer to real wood at the same price. Waterproof plank survives standing water and laminate doesn’t, because a fiberboard core swells once it gets in at the seams. If the room has a drain or an appliance with a hose, we’ll steer you to waterproof.

What we check first

01

Slab moisture and a vapor barrier where the reading calls for one

02

Flatness, since a floating floor clicks and flexes over a dip

03

Underlayment for sound rating on second stories and multi-tenant buildings

04

Expansion gap at every wall and threshold

The lineup

Call us for the full laminate lineup.

01

What we carry

We’re a licensed Tri-West dealer, and we install laminate from Shaw, Mohawk, and Armstrong.

02

What happens when you call

Tell us the room and we’ll go through what’s in stock, what it costs, and what we’d put down. During working hours you’ll get Victor or our reps.

One call gets you the whole lineup and a straight answer on price.

Free estimates. No travel charge around South Gate and the surrounding area.

Call us

Not sure which one your space needs?

Free measurement and estimate. Call during working hours and you’ll get Victor or our reps.