Who Makes the Best Laminate Flooring?: Insider Reviews, Top Brands, and How to Choose the Right Laminate for Your Home

Trying to figure out who makes the best laminate flooring can feel overwhelming, even for seasoned interior designers like myself. With so many brands promising durability, style, and value, how do you really know which laminate rises above the rest? In this article, I’ll share not just the leading manufacturers according to industry research, but also my own hands-on experiences and client feedback from homes across the U.S. You’ll get expert insights, real-life stories, and practical advice to help you choose laminate flooring that truly fits your space and lifestyle.

Project Planning: Know Your Laminate Needs First

Before hunting down top brands, take a closer look at your own needs—because “best” means different things for different homes. Ask yourself: Is your priority water resistance (think kitchens), ultra-realistic wood looks, or unbeatable price? For instance, I worked with a family in Denver who needed kid- and pet-proof flooring for their busy living room. We landed on a waterproof laminate option because it handled muddy boots, spilled drinks, and even the occasional puppy accident without showing a mark.

Another important planning tip: Always check laminate’s AC (abrasion class) rating. AC3 works for bedrooms and light traffic, but if you’re outfitting a busy entryway, go for AC4 or AC5.

For the early stage of planning, I often recommend using a 2D floor planner to map out space and visualize how different plank colors will look with actual room lighting.

Best Laminate Flooring Brands for American Homes

Based on 2025 consumer reports, Houzz surveys, and installation stories from my own clients, here are the brands that consistently top the charts:

1. Pergo: Widely available, Pergo has a long legacy as the first laminate inventor and delivers water-resistant lines like Pergo Outlast+. Homeowners love its realistic wood patterns and easy-to-clean surface.
2. Mohawk: Known for their RevWood series, Mohawk is my go-to for busy households. It comes with a lifetime residential warranty and stands out for its scratch resistance.
3. Shaw Floors: Shaw’s Repel Laminate is a favorite for high-traffic spaces—realistic textures and strong wear layers make it a hit among pet owners and families.
4. Floor & Decor: If you want styles on a tighter budget, Floor & Decor’s NuCore and other private labels are competitive for value buys.
5. Quick-Step: A solid runner-up, especially if you love unique herringbone patterns. Installation is DIY-friendly too, so you can save on labor costs.

Statista (2025) reveals that Pergo and Mohawk lead U.S. market share, with both brands also ranking high for customer satisfaction on Houzz and Home Depot reviews.

Level of Detail & Time: What to Look For

Beyond big names, details really matter—look for products with deep embossed textures, realistic graining, and beveled edges. These features make laminates nearly indistinguishable from real hardwood. Pro tip from my installations: Always buy 10% more than your measured area to handle pattern matching and mistakes.

It’s also smart to simulate your flooring choice before you buy. Using tools like the AI Home Design visualizer can help you preview planks in your actual room and lighting for fewer unexpected surprises on delivery day.

Case Study: Waterproof Laminate in a Busy Household

One of my favorite projects was for a Chicago family with a dog and twin toddlers. We picked Shaw Repel—installation was a breeze, and after three years of spills, snacking mishaps, and indoor scooter rides, the floor still looks near flawless. Their biggest concern was water damage in winter, but the tight locking design and finished edges kept everything protected.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Laminate isn’t bulletproof. Here are the missteps I see most often:

1. Skipping underlayment: Bad acoustics and moisture problems follow. Use a quality underlayment every time.
2. Not acclimating planks: Laminate needs 48 hours in your space to avoid warping after install.
3. Cutting corners on installation: DIYers often force boards together, damaging the locking system. Watch online tutorials or consult with a pro to make sure your flooring lasts.

Don’t forget to review your warranties, and check official manufacturer install guides—they vary more than you think!

FAQ

1. Q: What’s the most durable laminate flooring for pets?
2. A: Mohawk RevWood and Shaw Repel both rate high for scratch resistance—both are used in homes with big dogs and energetic kids, as seen in my client projects.
3. Q: Can I use laminate in bathrooms?
4. A: Some waterproof series (like Pergo WetProtect) work in half baths, but I always recommend using a bathroom design tool to visualize and plan ahead for potential water exposure.
5. Q: Which laminate looks most like real wood?
6. A: Textured and handscraped finishes, found in Pergo and Shaw, deliver super-authentic visuals. Always request plank samples to judge for yourself.
7. Q: How long does quality laminate last?
8. A: With proper care, top brands easily last 15–20 years. AC4 or AC5 rated products last even longer, especially in homes with heavy use.
9. Q: Are there eco-friendly laminate options?
10. A: Yes—look for low-VOC certs and recycled core content. Mohawk and Quick-Step both offer green selections.
11. Q: What’s the average cost of premium laminate?
12. A: Expect $3–5 per sq. ft. for materials. Installation typically adds another $2–4/sq. ft. Get multiple quotes and remember to factor in underlayment!
13. Q: Is DIY laminate installation realistic for homeowners?
14. A: As long as you follow guides and don’t rush, yes! The click-lock mechanism is designed for DIY, and I often see clients succeed after prepping with resources like a room planner.
15. Q: Can I install laminate over radiant heat?
16. A: Most modern laminates allow it, but confirm with the manufacturer and follow specific underlayment instructions to avoid heat damage.
17. Q: Does laminate need refinishing?
18. A: Laminate can’t be sanded or refinished. If damaged, you’ll need to swap out planks.
19. Q: How do I maintain laminate?
20. A: Sweep often, use a lightly damp mop, and avoid harsh chemicals. Felt pads under furniture prevent scratches.
21. Q: Are there interactive tools to help visualize options?
22. A: Yes—try an AI floor planner or visualizer that previews Laminate in real time, letting you see before you buy.