Laminate Flooring for High-Traffic Areas: Choosing the Best Materials for Your Needs

Published On: June 5, 2023

If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable flooring solution that will stand up to heavy traffic and keep your home or office looking smart and stylish through the years, then look no further than laminate flooring. A great choice for those on a budget who still want quality results, laminate is an affordable yet attractive option for just about any space. Read on to learn more about why you should choose laminate flooring for your high-traffic areas as well as which materials are best suited to meet your needs.

When it comes to choosing flooring for high-traffic areas, such as entryways, hallways, and living rooms, laminate flooring is a great option. As an engineered flooring material made from pressed wood and fiberboard, laminate offers durability and easy maintenance at a fraction of the cost of more traditional materials like hardwood or stone. 

However, not all laminates are created equal. To ensure that your laminate floor stands up to heavy use without needing frequent repairs or replacements, you should consider factors like wear layer thickness, core construction material, budget, and installation method when making your choice. 

The wear layer is the topmost protective layer in your laminate flooring – it’s what keeps your floor looking and performing like new. The thicker the wear layer, the more resistant it is to damage from high heels, pet nails, or furniture scratches. For heavier traffic areas, opt for laminate flooring with a wear layer of at least 12 millimeters (mm). 

The core construction material used in the laminate can also affect its durability. While some laminates are made with particle board cores that may swell when exposed to moisture, others feature HDF (high-density fiberboard) cores which are much more stable and less prone to warping or cracking. 

Moreover, keep your budget in mind when selecting materials for high-traffic areas. Consider investing in more expensive options like rigid core vinyl plank flooring which is designed to be extremely durable and resistant to scuffs or scratches while still offering attractive visuals – perfect for commercial settings where aesthetics are just as important as durability. 

Finally, you should take installation into account when choosing laminate flooring for high-traffic areas. Glue-down installation is more likely to stand up to heavy foot traffic than floating floors, as the adhesive helps to keep everything in place. However, if you choose a floating floor make sure it’s equipped with an underlayment, as this will help absorb shock and reduce noise when you walk across your laminate flooring. 

When considering these factors – wear layer thickness, core material construction, budget, and installation method – you can rest assured that your laminate flooring will be able to handle high-traffic areas for years to come. And don’t forget– regular cleaning and maintenance of your laminate flooring will also help ensure its longevity! If you’re still unsure of which type of laminate flooring is right for your needs, our team at Custom Floor is experienced in helping customers make the best selection. We also have a wide range of in-stock flooring ready for pick-up today, we are sure we can find the best option that suits your specific requirements. Contact us today and let us help you select the perfect laminate flooring for high-traffic areas in your home or business!