So, You’re Looking for New Floors?

High quality laminate flooring isn’t just about finding something that looks good today. It’s about choosing a floor that will still look great in 10 years, handle whatever your family throws at it, and cost far less than hardwood without looking cheap. But here’s the thing: not all laminate is created equal, and the difference between budget-grade and truly high-quality laminate can mean the difference between a floor that lasts decades and one that shows wear in a few years.

Quick Answer: What Makes Laminate High Quality?

Look for these key indicators when shopping for high quality laminate:

• AC Rating of AC4 or higher for residential durability (AC5-AC6 for commercial-grade toughness)
• Thickness of 10mm or more for stability and a solid feel underfoot
• High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) core for superior impact resistance
• Improved wear layer with scratch and stain resistance
• Waterproof or highly water-resistant core for kitchen and bathroom use
• Realistic wood grain with Embossed in Register (EIR) texture for authentic look and feel
• European manufacturing standards (Swiss, German, Polish) for consistent quality
• Long warranty (20-25 years or lifetime residential)

I’m Lesley Upton, Inventory Control Manager at King of Floors, and I’ve been sourcing high quality laminate from factories around the world since 2010. I’ve seen what separates the good from the great, and I’m here to help you make a confident choice.

What Makes Laminate Flooring High Quality?

Choosing flooring can feel like a big commitment, right? You want something that looks fantastic, stands up to daily life, and doesn’t break the bank. That’s where high quality laminate steps in. It’s a fantastic option that offers a blend of durability and aesthetics, often at a fraction of the cost of natural materials. But, as with many things, not all laminate is created equal. The key is knowing what to look for so you’re investing in long-term value, not just a temporary fix.

While laminate flooring typically ranges from $1 to $3 CAD per square foot, the price can vary significantly depending on the brand and features. Our extensive selection includes options that meet stringent European manufacturing standards, ensuring you get top-tier quality that stands the test of time. We believe in investing in your home wisely, and a well-chosen laminate floor is a smart way to do just that. For a deeper dive into what makes a laminate truly robust, you can check out our guide on What is AC5 Laminate Flooring? A Complete Guide.

Decoding Durability: What to Know About High Quality Laminate Construction

The secret to high quality laminate lies in its construction. It’s a multi-layer marvel, engineered to replicate the look of natural wood while offering superior resilience. At its heart is a High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) core, made from more than 80% wood. This core board provides exceptional structural strength, impact resistance, and prevents denting from heavy furniture.

The thickness of the plank also plays a significant role in its durability and feel. While budget-friendly options might be less than 8mm, we often recommend 10mm to 12mm thick planks for a more stable, comfortable, and authentic feel underfoot. Thicker planks also tend to offer better sound absorption. With proper care, high quality laminate flooring can last 15 to 25 years, making it a sound long-term investment.

But how do you really know how durable a laminate floor is? That’s where AC ratings come in. The Abrasion Class (AC) rating system is your go-to guide, signifying how well a laminate floor resists wear, impact, stains, moisture, and heat. All AC-rated flooring has passed a series of rigorous tests, and we offer a wide range to suit every need, including options up to AC6.

Here’s a breakdown of what each AC rating means:

• AC1 (Light Residential Use): Suitable for areas with minimal foot traffic, such as bedrooms, guest rooms, or closets.
• AC2 (Moderate Residential Use): Works well in general living areas, like living rooms or dining rooms, that have moderate traffic.
• AC3 (Heavy Residential/Moderate Commercial Use): Recommended for all residential applications, including high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. It can also be used in light-traffic commercial spaces such as hotel rooms or small offices.
• AC4 (General Commercial Use): Designed for all residential uses and more heavily trafficked commercial areas, including boutiques, offices, and cafes.
• AC5 (Heavy Commercial Use): Built for high-traffic commercial spaces like department stores, large corporate offices, and restaurants. Some premium residential lines are also rated for this level of durability, making them ideal for very busy households.
• AC6 (Very Heavy Commercial Use): This is the highest durability rating, reserved for extreme commercial purposes in public areas such as airports or high-traffic retail buildings. AC6 flooring is very rare and typically costs more, but it offers unparalleled resistance.

Beyond pure durability, we’re also seeing a growing trend towards sustainability in flooring. Many high quality laminate manufacturers are committed to eco-friendly practices. For instance, some brands incorporate post-consumer recycled content in their HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) products, often twice as much as other leading brands.

Beyond the Surface: Water, Scratch, and Stain Resistance

When we talk about high quality laminate, we’re not just talking about its core strength; we’re also talking about its ability to shrug off daily mishaps. This is where the advanced surface technologies come into play, offering impressive resistance to water, scratches, and stains.

While traditional laminate has always been water-resistant, modern advancements have brought truly waterproof options to the market. This means you can now enjoy the beauty of laminate in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms without worry. These floors feature specialized core technologies and often boast sealed edges, effectively preventing water from seeping in and causing damage. For a comprehensive look at these innovations, check out our Pros and Cons of Waterproof Laminate Flooring guide and learn more about specific products like Krono Waterproof Flooring.

Scratch resistance is another hallmark of high quality laminate. Many premium laminates feature advanced technologies that make them exceptionally resistant to wear, scratches, and scuffing—some are even several times more resistant than the industry standard for abrasion. This makes it a fantastic choice for busy households with kids and pets, ensuring your floors look pristine for years to come. Even our loyal former mascot, Sir Scruffy, with all his playful antics, would have had a hard time leaving a mark on these floors!

Stain resistance is equally impressive. The hard, sealed surface of high quality laminate means spills, drips, and food stains don’t stand a chance. A quick wipe is usually all it takes to clean up, making maintenance a breeze. Plus, many laminates come with UV protection, which helps prevent fading from sunlight, ensuring your floor’s vibrant design remains true to its original beauty.

Finding Your Style: The Look and Feel of High Quality Laminate

One of the most exciting aspects of high quality laminate is the sheer variety of design options available. Gone are the days of laminate looking obviously “fake.” Today’s premium laminates are incredibly realistic, mimicking the intricate details of natural wood species like oak, walnut, and cherry, or even sophisticated stone and tile patterns.

The secret to this realism often lies in a feature called Embossed in Register (EIR) texture. This technology aligns the surface texture perfectly with the photographic image of the wood grain, creating a tactile experience that’s virtually indistinguishable from real hardwood. It’s not just about what you see, but what you feel. To explore this further, dive into our Textured Laminate Flooring: A Complete Guide.

You’ll also find a wide range of plank widths and lengths, allowing you to achieve various design aesthetics, from classic narrow boards to modern, expansive planks. And when it comes to colour, the sky’s the limit! Whether you’re envisioning dark, rich tones for a cozy ambiance, light and airy shades to brighten a space, or cool grays for a contemporary feel, there’s a laminate to match your home’s unique style. We encourage you to check out our Top Laminate Flooring selections for inspiration.

Choosing the right style is about more than just matching your decor; it’s about reflecting your personality and enhancing your living space. With high quality laminate, you can achieve the luxurious look you desire without compromising on durability or budget.

Keeping It Simple: Installation and Maintenance

One of the great advantages of high quality laminate is its reputation as a DIY-friendly flooring option. Many of our laminate products feature a simple click-lock system, making installation a breeze for the avid do-it-yourselfer. This innovative design allows planks to literally click together, creating a secure, glueless, and nail-free floor that can be walked on almost immediately. It’s incredibly satisfying to see your new floor come to life so easily! To learn more about this convenient system, read our guide on Click Lock Laminate Flooring.

Proper installation, however, does involve a few key considerations. A good quality underlayment is crucial for sound absorption, moisture protection, and added comfort underfoot. You’ll also need to ensure you leave adequate expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room, as laminate, like all flooring, needs a little room to breathe with changes in temperature and humidity. Skipping these steps can lead to issues down the road, so it’s always worth getting it right. For more insights on what not to do, check out Laminate Flooring Mistakes to Avoid.

When it comes to maintenance, high quality laminate is truly low-fuss. Its sealed surface resists stains and makes cleaning incredibly simple. Regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and debris, followed by an occasional damp mop with a recommended laminate cleaner, is usually all it takes to keep your floors looking pristine. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or excessive water, as these can damage the finish. For tips on keeping your floors sparkling, our article How Do You Make Laminate Floors Shine? offers some great advice.

This ease of installation and maintenance makes high quality laminate an ideal choice for busy households and those who appreciate a beautiful floor without the constant upkeep.

There Is Only One King of Floors

When it comes to selecting high quality laminate flooring, knowing what to look for makes all the difference. From understanding AC ratings and core construction to appreciating advanced water, scratch, and stain resistance, and finding the perfect realistic style, making an informed decision is a smart investment in your home’s future.

At King of Floors, we’ve been helping families across Surrey, BC, and the Lower Mainland find their perfect floors since 1984. As a family-owned, 100% Canadian business, we pride ourselves on being direct importers. This means we buy by the container load, cutting out the middlemen and passing those massive savings directly on to you. You get factory-direct, unbeatable prices on European-made, high quality laminate flooring from Switzerland, Germany, Poland, and even USA-made options. It’s truly “bang for your buck” like nowhere else.

Our massive 85,000 sq ft showroom in Surrey, BC, is truly worth the drive. It’s home to over 10 million sq. ft. of flooring in stock, ready for same-day pickup, so you don’t have to wait to start your project. You’ll find large display tables with full-size samples, allowing you to see and feel the quality for yourself, and get real advice from real people, our team of flooring pros who are passionate about helping you.

So, whether you’re looking for the ultimate in durability like our premium Swiss-made AC5 laminate, or want to explore the vast array of styles and features available, we’ve got you covered.

Visit us today at 15350 56 Ave, Surrey, BC, V3S 5K7, with easy access from anywhere in the Lower Mainland. Come see why we’re BC’s flooring kings and let us help you find the perfect high quality laminate for your home.

Browse our full laminate collection online, or better yet, pop into our showroom – we can’t wait to see you!