Laminate flooring is an easy summary compared to its counterparts. At first glance, laminate flooring has half the promise of other floor covering options and is largely being replaced by luxury vinyl options.
Much like LVP or LVT, laminate flooring is a floating application, meaning it does not require nails or glue. Virtually all laminate flooring, however, will require an underlayment pad to help keep this "floating floor" in place.
Laminate is very much what it sounds like. It is a lamination or photo of genuine flooring or digital images printed and attached to a variety of core options. Typically, laminate has been comprised of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and its laminated top. Classically, laminate was the budget or concrete slab option, and often fairly durable, all things considered, in terms of scratches and dents. Especially compared to hardwoods of its time, it is no longer a front runner of function or durability.
However, laminate manufacturers are now modernizing with waterproof options. These are sometimes affordable and relatively attractive choices. Laminate that is not waterproof is prone to the same movements during seasons as hardwood and engineered. Without nails to secure it like the former options, laminate is often the first to show gaps and separation.
Final thoughts: vinyl is an easy, better, more durable option, and can be procured for the sale prices often enough. Some laminates are still moderately popular, and we do plenty of laminate floor installations in an average year in our hometown of Columbus, Ohio. We are more than happy to find what you love and need!