Love the Look of Wood? Explore the Best Laminate Flooring Styles in Surrey

laminate wood

Dreaming of Wood Floors? But Want Something Tougher (and Friendlier to Your Wallet)?

Laminate wood flooring offers the timeless beauty of natural hardwood with exceptional durability, easy maintenance, and budget-friendly pricing. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Construction: Multi-layer design with a protective wear layer, realistic photo layer, stable HDF core, and moisture-resistant backing
  • Durability: Lasts 15 to 25 years with proper care; AC ratings from AC3 (residential) to AC5 (commercial-grade)
  • Water Resistance: Many options are water-resistant or fully waterproof, ideal for kitchens and entryways
  • Installation: DIY-friendly click-lock system; floats over underlayment with no glue or nails
  • Maintenance: Simple sweeping and damp mopping, with no waxing or refinishing required
  • Cost: Typically $1 to $3 per sq ft (CAD), far less than solid hardwood

Let’s be honest: there’s just something about the look of real wood floors that makes a house feel like home. But if you’ve ever stressed over scratches, water rings, or the cost of refinishing, you know hardwood isn’t always the hero it’s cracked up to be. For life in the Lower Mainland, with muddy paws from Bear Creek Park and the daily stampede of family life, you need floors that can keep up without costing a king’s ransom.

That’s where today’s laminate wood flooring comes in. Forget the plastic-y stuff from decades past. Modern laminate is a game-changer: it looks and feels like real wood, stands up to life’s messes, and leaves plenty of room in your reno budget. Built from four engineered layers, it delivers the beauty of hardwood with serious durability that can last 15 to 25 years. Many of our top picks are also water-resistant or fully waterproof, making them perfect for kitchens, entryways, and anywhere life gets a little messy.

I’m Lesley Upton, Inventory Control Manager at King of Floors, and I’ve been helping Lower Mainland families find their perfect laminate wood flooring since 2010. I love seeing how the right choice transforms a home.

At its heart, laminate wood flooring is a multi-layer synthetic product designed to mimic the timeless appeal of wood with remarkable realism. Think of it as a powerhouse of layered goodness, with each component playing a vital role.

The construction typically involves four key layers:

  1. The Backing Layer: This bottom layer stabilizes the plank and helps resist moisture from the subfloor, preventing warping.
  2. The Substrate Layer (Core): Usually made from High-Density Fiberboard (HDF), this thick core provides the floor’s strength, stability, and impact resistance. Common thicknesses range from 6mm to 12mm, with thicker planks offering more durability.
  3. The Pattern Layer: This is where the magic happens! It’s a high-resolution photographic image of real wood grain that gives laminate wood its incredibly realistic appearance.
  4. The Wear Layer: This transparent, tough layer of aluminum oxide is the ultimate protector, shielding the floor from scratches, scuffs, stains, and fading.

This clever construction is why laminate wood flooring has soared in popularity. It offers the beauty of hardwood without the high cost or demanding upkeep. With proper care, these floors can easily last 15 to 25 years. While you can’t sand and refinish it like solid hardwood, the trade-off is often worth it for the unbeatable scratch resistance and easy maintenance. Plus, many options are now highly water-resistant or even fully waterproof laminate options, making them ideal for kitchens and entryways.

To dive deeper into what makes these floors so robust, check out our guide on What is AC5 Laminate Flooring?. You can also explore the Pros and Cons of Waterproof Laminate Flooring or learn the basics of laminate flooring.

How Durable Is Laminate Wood? (And What’s This AC Rating Business?)

When we talk about the toughness of laminate wood flooring, the first thing that comes up is its AC rating. This is a standardized system that tells you exactly how much wear and tear a floor can handle, graded from AC1 to AC6. All AC-rated flooring undergoes rigorous tests for resistance to impact, stains, moisture, and abrasion.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • AC1 (Light Residential Use): For areas with minimal foot traffic, like bedrooms.
  • AC2 (Moderate Residential Use): Great for general living areas like living or dining rooms.
  • AC3 (Heavy Residential/Moderate Commercial Use): The sweet spot for most busy homes. It’s recommended for all residential applications, including high-traffic zones like hallways and kitchens.
  • AC4 (General Commercial Use): Built for heavier foot traffic, suitable for all residential uses and demanding commercial areas like boutiques or cafes.
  • AC5 (Heavy Commercial Use): Serious durability for very high-traffic commercial spaces. If you have a busy household with active kids and pets, this is your go-to. Learn more in our What is AC5 Laminate Flooring? Guide.
  • AC6 (Very Heavy Commercial Use): The ultimate durability rating, reserved for extreme commercial applications like airports.

Beyond the AC rating, the plank’s thickness (usually 10mm or 12mm) adds stability and a more solid feel underfoot. And what about moisture? While traditional laminate wood is water-resistant, modern advancements have brought truly waterproof options to the market, making them suitable for kitchens, entryways, and even bathrooms. This means you can breathe easy knowing your floors can handle those “oops” moments. For truly robust options, check out our heavy-duty laminate selection.

With proper care, our laminate wood flooring is designed to last 15 to 25 years: a lot of living on a beautiful, resilient surface!

What Styles and Finishes Can You Get with Laminate Wood?

One of the biggest advantages of laminate wood flooring is its incredible versatility. Today’s laminate offers a vast palette of styles, colours, and textures to match any design aesthetic, from cozy farmhouse to sleek modern.

Close-up of a high-quality laminate plank showcasing realistic wood grain and texture - laminate wood

You can find laminate wood that replicates popular choices like oak, hickory, and maple in any stain or grain pattern. The textures and finishes are where it truly shines:

  • Smooth Finish: A polished, contemporary look that can range from high gloss to a low-gloss matte, which is better at hiding minor scuffs.
  • Embossed Texture: The texture is pressed to align with the wood grain pattern. When it perfectly matches the image, it’s called Embossed-in-Register (EIR), creating an incredibly realistic feel.
  • Handscraped Finish: This style creates the look of individually scraped planks, giving them unique textures and an antique charm perfect for a cozy home.
  • Planked, Rotary/Natural, and Herringbone: These refer to the overall pattern, from classic individual boards to a sophisticated, staggered zig-zag effect.

The colour options are endless, from light, airy woodgrains that create a Scandinavian feel to darker, moodier woods that evoke drama. Whether you’re after a warm honey tone, cool greys, or a rich espresso, there’s a laminate wood colour waiting to complement your home.

Explore our Laminate Flooring Colours: The Ultimate Guide for inspiration and dig into the tactile world of Textured Laminate Flooring: The Complete Guide to find your ideal finish.

Our Top European Laminate Wood Picks in Surrey

As direct importers, we source the finest laminate wood flooring from top European manufacturers, cutting out the middlemen to bring you unparalleled quality at unbeatable prices. Our Swiss-made Kronoswiss collection is a consistent favourite among our Surrey customers for its precision engineering and stunning realism.

Here are a few of the best-sellers from our massive Surrey showroom:

Kronoswiss Tokyo Oak 12mm Laminate

Kronoswiss Tokyo Oak 12mm Laminate

  • Brand: Kronoswiss
  • Colour: Tokyo Oak
  • AC Rating: AC3 (Heavy Residential)
  • Made in: Switzerland
  • Thickness: 1/2″ (12mm)
  • Width: 7 1/2″ (190mm)
  • Length: 54.33″ (1380mm)
  • SQFT/Box: 14.33

Kronoswiss Laurentina Oak 8mm Laminate

Kronoswiss Laurentina Oak 8mm Laminate

  • Brand: Kronoswiss
  • Colour: Laurentina Oak
  • AC Rating: AC3 (Heavy Residential)
  • Made in: Switzerland
  • Thickness: 5/16″ (8mm)
  • Width: 7 5/8″ (193mm)
  • Length: 54.33″ (1380mm)
  • SQFT/Box: 22.93

Kronoswiss Montreux Oak 12mm Laminate

Kronoswiss Montreux Oak 12mm Laminate

  • Brand: Kronoswiss
  • Colour: Montreux Oak
  • AC Rating: AC4 (General Commercial)
  • Made in: Switzerland
  • Thickness: 1/2″ (12mm)
  • Width: 7 5/8″ (193mm)
  • Length: 54.33″ (1380mm)
  • SQFT/Box: 14.33

Kronoswiss Solid Natural Maple 12mm Laminate

Kronoswiss Solid Natural Maple 12mm Laminate

  • Brand: Kronoswiss
  • Colour: Natural Maple
  • AC Rating: AC4 (General Commercial)
  • Made in: Switzerland
  • Thickness: 1/2″ (12mm)
  • Width: 7 5/8″ (193mm)
  • Length: 54.33″ (1380mm)
  • SQFT/Box: 14.33

Kronoswiss Grand Selection Oak Sand 12mm Laminate

Kronoswiss Grand Selection Oak Sand 12mm Laminate

  • Brand: Kronoswiss
  • Colour: Oak Sand
  • AC Rating: AC5 (Heavy Commercial)
  • Made in: Switzerland
  • Thickness: 1/2″ (12mm)
  • Width: 7 1/2″ (190mm)
  • Length: 54.33″ (1380mm)
  • SQFT/Box: 14.33

How Easy Is It to Install and Care for Laminate Wood Flooring?

One of the most appealing aspects of laminate wood flooring is its user-friendly nature. It’s designed for hassle-free living, giving you more time to enjoy your beautiful home.

DIY Installation Tips

Many of our laminate wood options feature a brilliant click-lock system, making DIY installation a breeze. Planks simply snap together, creating a secure, glueless floor you can walk on immediately.

Here are some essential tips for a smooth installation:

  • Acclimate First: Let your planks acclimate to your home’s environment for at least 48 hours to prevent future expansion or contraction.
  • Prep Your Subfloor: Ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level for a professional finish.
  • Use Underlayment: An underlayment provides sound dampening, cushion, and moisture protection.
  • Leave an Expansion Gap: This is critical! Leave a small gap (typically 1/4″ to 3/8″) around the room’s perimeter to allow the floor to expand and contract naturally.
  • Stagger the Boards: Stagger the planks in each row for a natural look and improved stability.

While the Click Lock Laminate system is very DIY-friendly, we also work with certified installers if you prefer to leave it to the pros.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Laminate wood flooring is incredibly low maintenance. It truly is a “set it and forget it” kind of floor.

  • Regular Cleaning: Simply sweep or vacuum (with the beater bar off) to remove dirt and grit.
  • Damp Mop Only: For a deeper clean, use a lightly damp (not wet) mop. Avoid excessive water.
  • No Waxing or Polishing: These products can damage the wear layer and leave a dull film.
  • Wipe Spills Immediately: It’s always best practice to wipe up spills as soon as they happen.
  • Protect Your Floors: Use doormats at entryways and place felt pads on furniture feet to prevent scratching.

For more secrets to keeping your floors gleaming, read our tips on How Do You Make Laminate Floors Shine?.

Why King of Floors Is Worth the Drive

Here at King of Floors, we’re not just selling flooring; we’re helping our neighbours create homes they love. Since 1984, our family-owned, 100% Canadian business has been built on trust, quality, and unbeatable value.

What makes us stand out? We are direct importers. We buy our laminate wood flooring by the container load, cutting out all middlemen. This massive buying power translates directly into factory-direct, unbeatable prices for you. You get high-quality European flooring without the premium price tag.

Our single, massive 85,000 sq. ft. showroom and warehouse at 15350 56 Ave, Surrey, BC, V3S 5K7, is worth the drive. It’s easily accessible from anywhere in the Lower Mainland and has over 10 million sq. ft. of flooring in stock for same-day pickup. Inside, you’ll find huge display tables with full-size samples, allowing you to truly see and feel the quality.

Our team offers real advice backed by decades of experience, with no pushy sales tactics, just honest guidance. We stand by our products with a customer-friendly 90-day full refund return policy on unopened boxes and work with certified installers to ensure your floors are perfect. We carry on the spirit of our beloved former mascot, Sir Scruffy, by offering the best products and service. Make sure you check us out before buying anywhere else!

Frequently Asked Questions About Laminate Wood Flooring

What’s the difference between laminate and engineered wood flooring?

Laminate wood is a synthetic product with a photographic layer on a fiberboard core, making it budget-friendly and highly scratch-resistant. Engineered wood has a top layer of real hardwood, offering authentic wood feel and warmth. Both are durable and stable choices.

Can laminate wood flooring be used in kitchens or bathrooms?

Absolutely! Many modern laminate wood options are water-resistant or fully waterproof, making them suitable for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and entryways. Always check the product’s water rating and follow installation guidelines to ensure longevity.

How do I choose the right AC rating for my home?

For most residential areas, an AC3 rating is excellent. If you have a very active household with pets and kids, an AC4 rating offers improved durability. For ultimate peace of mind or light commercial use, consider an AC5 rating for commercial-grade toughness.

Is laminate wood flooring easy to install myself?

Yes! Most laminate wood features a user-friendly click-lock system designed for DIY installation. The planks snap together over an underlayment. Just remember to prepare your subfloor and leave expansion gaps around the room’s perimeter.

How do I keep my laminate wood floors looking new?

Maintenance is simple! Sweep or vacuum (beater bar off) regularly. For deeper cleaning, use a lightly damp mop—never a wet one. Avoid harsh chemicals, waxes, or polishes. Wiping up spills promptly and using felt pads under furniture will keep your floors looking great for years.

There Is Only One King of Floors

Ready to transform your home with the timeless beauty and best durability of laminate wood flooring? Whether you’re dreaming of a classic oak, a modern maple, or a rustic handscraped finish, we have the perfect solution for your Surrey home.

Explore our massive laminate flooring collection online, or better yet, pop into our Surrey showroom. There, you’ll get to see and feel our incredible selection of European-made laminate wood firsthand, and receive real advice from real people who genuinely love flooring. With unbeatable prices, a huge in-stock selection, and decades of expertise, we promise you’ll see why there’s only one King of Floors. Worth the drive, every time!