Why the Best Laminate Flooring Is a Smart Choice for BC Homes

Picking the right floor for your home can feel like a marathon, with so many choices and so many questions! If you’re juggling style, durability, and budget (and maybe a few muddy paws or spilled juice boxes), you’re in good company. That’s exactly why the best laminate flooring is a favourite for busy BC households: it’s stylish, tough, and wallet-friendly, delivering the look of real wood without the hefty price tag or constant maintenance.

In this guide, the flooring pros at King of Floors will break down what makes the best laminate, why European-made options are a cut above, and how to find your perfect match, without breaking a sweat (or the bank). We’ll showcase top picks from our massive in-stock selection, including premium Swiss-made options and waterproof innovations that can handle anything your family throws at them.

Quick Answer: What Makes the Best Laminate?

• AC Rating: AC3 for heavy residential use, AC4-AC6 for commercial-grade durability.
• Thickness: 8mm (budget-friendly), 10mm (balanced), 12mm (premium comfort).
• Water Resistance: Modern laminates offer impressive moisture protection for kitchens and basements.
• Top Brands: Kronoswiss, KronoPol, Egger, and Torleys.
• Installation: DIY-friendly click-lock systems.

What Makes Laminate Flooring the Best Choice for BC Homes?

You want flooring that looks fantastic, stands up to daily life, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. That’s where laminate shines. It offers the authentic beauty of natural wood and stone with added benefits that make it an unbeatable choice for any home in the Lower Mainland. Laminate is incredibly durable, resisting dents and scratches from kids, pets, and everyday adventures. It’s also comfortable underfoot, easy to clean, and a healthier choice for those with allergies, as it doesn’t trap dust and dander like carpet.

How Do You Know If Laminate Is Durable Enough? (AC Rating, Thickness, Water Resistance)

To find a floor that will last, you need to understand three key factors: AC rating, thickness, and water resistance. These aren’t just technical jargon; they’re your roadmap to choosing the perfect floor.

• AC Rating (Abrasion Class): This industry standard measures a floor’s resistance to wear and tear.
  • AC1-AC2: Suitable for light to moderate residential use (e.g., bedrooms).
  • AC3: The sweet spot for all heavy residential use, including kitchens and hallways.
  • AC4: Built for light commercial use, making it incredibly tough for busy homes.
  • AC5: Designed for heavy commercial traffic, offering exceptional durability.
  • AC6: The highest rating available, built for the most demanding commercial environments and offering unmatched toughness for any home.
• Thickness: Laminate typically ranges from 8mm to 12mm. Thicker planks (10mm-12mm) feel more solid underfoot, absorb more sound, and can help hide minor subfloor imperfections. 8mm is a great budget-friendly choice for areas with less traffic.
• Water Resistance: This is where modern laminate has truly evolved. Today’s options offer impressive water resistance, with many being 100% waterproof. This makes them a smart pick for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, basements, and entryways. See our guide to waterproof laminate flooring to learn more.

Our Top Picks: The Best Laminate Flooring at King of Floors

At King of Floors, we import top-tier European and American laminates that deliver quality, durability, and value.

Here are some of our best-selling, top-rated picks that our customers (and we!) absolutely love:

Kronoswiss Solid 12mm Grinon Oak

This premium Swiss-made laminate offers the perfect blend of elegance and resilience. Its rich Grinon Oak design brings a timeless aesthetic to any room, while its AC5 commercial-grade durability ensures it can withstand the highest traffic.

• Swiss-made quality
• AC5 commercial-grade durability
• Timeless oak design

KronoPol 10mm Aurum Sound Blues Chestnut

This stunning 10mm laminate from Poland features a rich Blues Chestnut colour that adds warmth and sophistication. With an impressive AC5 rating and sound-dampening properties, it’s ready for heavy residential or commercial use.

• Made in Poland
• Rich colour
• AC5 rating
• Sound-dampening properties

Kronoswiss Corepel 8mm Disentis Oak

If you need a floor that can brave the elements, look no further. This 100% waterproof laminate is ideal for any room, including kitchens and basements. Its Swiss engineering provides exceptional AC5 durability, making it virtually impervious to spills and scratches.

• 100% waterproof
• Ideal for any room
• AC5 durability
• Swiss engineering

What Styles and Designs Can You Get? (Top European Brands)

Today’s laminate is all about realistic wood looks, with options for textured finishes and a huge variety of colours. Whether you’re aiming for the classic elegance of oak, the rich tones of walnut, or the contemporary appeal of grey, you can find options that mimic different wood species, plank widths, and gloss levels to match your vision. These designs feature low pattern repeats for a more natural look.

At King of Floors, you’ll find the best from Europe and North America, bringing you unparalleled quality and design variety:

• Kronoswiss from Switzerland: Renowned for precision engineering and stunning, authentic wood designs.
• KronoPol from Poland: Offers a diverse range of styles, known for durability and innovative features.
• German-made Egger: Synonymous with cutting-edge design and eco-friendly manufacturing.
• USA-made Torleys: Providing reliable, stylish options with a focus on North American trends.
• Other fantastic brands we carry include Artureon, Inhaus, Alsa, Good Fellow, and Evoke.

How Much Does Laminate Flooring Cost? (Budgeting & Installation Tips)

Laminate is famous for its value, offering a beautiful, durable floor without a premium price tag. Prices vary depending on quality and features, but it’s one of the most cost-effective flooring types available.

• Price Range: Laminate flooring can range from under $2.00 to $8.00 or more per square foot (CAD). Higher AC ratings, thicker planks, and water resistance will influence the price. At King of Floors, our direct-import model means you get incredible value, with quality laminates starting at just $2.49 CAD per sqft!

• Installation Costs: While laminate is DIY-friendly, professional installation ensures a flawless finish and typically costs $2 to $8 per square foot (CAD), including underlayment.

• Acclimation: This step is crucial! Before installation, let your laminate planks acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity for at least 48 hours. Lay the boxes side-by-side (don’t stack them) to allow for proper air circulation and prevent issues later.

• Waste Calculation: To account for cuts and mistakes, we always advise purchasing about 10% extra flooring than your calculated square footage. This small buffer can save you a big headache.

How Easy Is It to Install Laminate Flooring?

One of the biggest draws of laminate is its ease of installation. Most products use a brilliant click-lock system that makes it incredibly DIY-friendly. The planks simply snap together, creating a seamless floating floor without glue or nails.

For the DIY warriors out there, here’s a quick guide:

1. Prepare the Subfloor: Ensure it’s clean, dry, and level. Install an underlayment unless your laminate has a pre-attached pad.
2. Acclimate the Planks: Let the boxes sit in the room for 48 hours to adjust to the environment.
3. Start Along the Longest Wall: This helps keep your lines straight and the room balanced.
4. Leave an Expansion Gap: Use spacers to maintain a 1/4 to 3/8-inch gap around the room’s perimeter. This allows the floor to expand and contract naturally.
5. Stagger the Seams: Stagger the planks to create a natural look and add structural integrity.

A handy homeowner can often tackle a room in a weekend. But if DIY isn’t your thing, don’t sweat it! King of Floors works with certified, bonded installers who can handle your project from start to finish for a perfect, worry-free finish.

Why King of Floors Is Worth the Drive

We’re a bit biased, but we believe there’s no better place to find the best laminate flooring in BC than King of Floors. As a family-owned, 100% Canadian business since 1984, we offer real advice from real people who understand what Lower Mainland homeowners need.

Our secret sauce is simple: we’re direct importers. By buying container loads of high-quality flooring from the best manufacturers in Europe and the USA, we cut out the middlemen. This massive buying power means factory-direct, unbeatable prices for you.

Our 85,000 sq ft Surrey showroom is the largest in BC, with over 10 million sq ft of flooring in stock for same-day pickup. You can see and touch full-size samples on our large display tables, no tiny swatches here! We’re conveniently located at 15350 56 Ave, Surrey, BC, V3S 5K7, less than 20 minutes from all major bridge/tunnel crossings.

King of Floors has the largest selection of in stock laminate floors. Although we only have one location in the lower mainland we are DEFINITELY worth travelling to. We are direct importers; no one can match our price or quality. Make sure you check out our warehouse/ showroom before buying anywhere else.

Explore our entire collection of high-quality laminate flooring today!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Laminate Flooring

What is the best AC rating for laminate flooring in homes?

An AC3 rating is excellent for most homes, handling heavy traffic in living rooms and hallways. For very active households with kids and pets, an AC4 or AC5 rating provides commercial-grade resilience. For the absolute highest level of durability, an AC6 rating offers unmatched protection against scratches and wear.

Can laminate flooring be used in kitchens or basements?

Yes! Modern water-resistant and 100% waterproof laminates are designed for moisture-prone areas. Look for products with sealed edges and a protected core, which are perfect for kitchens and basements.

How do I choose the right laminate thickness?

Thickness impacts feel and durability. 8mm is a budget-friendly option for moderate traffic areas. 10mm offers a great balance of durability and comfort. 12mm is a premium choice that feels more solid, dampens sound, and can hide minor subfloor imperfections.

Is laminate flooring easy to install myself?

Absolutely. Most laminate features a user-friendly click-lock system, making it a popular DIY project. Just remember to prepare your subfloor, acclimate the planks, and leave an expansion gap. Professional installation is also available.

Why should I buy laminate from King of Floors?

As a family-owned, Canadian business since 1984, we are direct importers offering the largest in-stock selection of high-quality European and American laminate at unbeatable, factory-direct prices. Our massive Surrey showroom and expert team are here to help you find the perfect floor.

There Is Only One King of Floors

Ready to upgrade your floors? Visit our Surrey showroom, see the best laminate in BC up close, and get expert advice from the friendliest team in the business. There’s only one King of Floors. Pop in today and see why we’re worth the drive!