Debunking Common Misconceptions About Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has come a remarkably long way since its early days, evolving into a sophisticated and highly versatile option for modern homes. Yet, despite its advancements, many homeowners in Bellevue and across Puget Sound still hold onto outdated beliefs.

It’s time to go through some common laminate flooring myths and debunk them, revealing the true capabilities and beauty of this popular choice. At Carpet To Go in Bellevue, WA, we’ve seen firsthand how high-quality laminate can transform spaces, and we’re here to provide clarity and help you make an informed decision that meets or beats your expectations.

Misconception 1: Laminate Looks Fake and Cheap

This is perhaps the most prevalent outdated idea. Early laminate designs often lacked the intricate detail and texture of natural materials, leading to a somewhat artificial appearance.

• The Reality: Modern laminate utilizes advanced photographic technology and intricate embossing techniques to create incredibly realistic reproductions of hardwood, natural stone, and even ceramic tile. High-definition printing captures minute details, while “embossed-in-register” (EIR) textures align the surface texture with the printed grain, providing an authentic look and feel. Many modern laminates are indistinguishable from real wood or stone to the untrained eye. At Carpet To Go, we showcase stunning laminate options that will genuinely surprise you with their authenticity.

Misconception 2: Laminate is Just Plastic and Not Durable

Some homeowners assume laminate is a flimsy, plastic-based product with poor durability.

• The Reality: Laminate flooring is a multi-layered synthetic product engineered for durability. It typically consists of:
  1. Wear Layer: A clear, tough top layer resistant to scratches, dents, fading, and stains. This is what makes laminate so resilient.
  2. Design Layer: A high-resolution photographic image of wood, stone, or tile.
  3. Core Layer: A high-density fiberboard (HDF) core, which is strong and stable.
  4. Backer Layer: A moisture-resistant layer that provides stability and helps prevent warping. The combination of these layers creates a highly robust and resilient floor that can withstand the rigors of busy households, including pets and children. Its wear layer is often more resistant to scratches and dents than many real hardwoods.

Misconception 3: Laminate is Not Water-Resistant (or is easily damaged by water)

This is a significant concern, especially in homes in areas like Seattle where moisture can be a factor. While early laminates were highly vulnerable to water, this has changed dramatically.

• The Reality: While traditional laminate’s HDF core could swell if exposed to standing water for prolonged periods, modern advancements have led to significantly improved water resistance. Many new laminate collections feature:
  • Hydrophobic Cores: Cores engineered to be more resistant to moisture absorption.
  • Advanced Click Systems: Tighter, more precise locking mechanisms that create a better seal between planks, hindering water penetration.
  • Hydrophobic Coatings: Some products feature surface coatings or edge treatments that repel water. Look for “water-resistant” or “waterproof” laminate options, which are specifically designed to withstand spills and splashes for extended periods, making them suitable for kitchens, mudrooms, and even some bathrooms. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specific warranty and water resistance claims.

Misconception 4: Laminate is Difficult to Repair

Some believe that if a laminate plank is damaged, the entire floor needs to be replaced.

• The Reality: While individual planks cannot be sanded and refinished like solid hardwood, damaged laminate planks can often be replaced. With click-lock systems, an experienced installer can remove the damaged plank and insert a new one, provided you have matching spares. For larger areas of damage, professional flooring repair can address the issue without needing a full replacement. Keeping a few extra boxes from your original purchase is always a wise strategy.

Misconception 5: Laminate is Loud and Hollow Underfoot

This misconception stems from the floating installation method and the lack of proper underlayment in older installations.

• The Reality: The sound of laminate flooring is heavily influenced by the quality and type of underlayment used. Modern, high-quality underlayments designed for sound absorption can significantly reduce impact noise (footsteps) and prevent a hollow sound. Felt, cork, or dense foam underlayments are excellent for improving acoustics and providing a more solid, substantial feel underfoot. At Carpet To Go, we guide our customers on selecting the appropriate underlayment to achieve optimal sound dampening.

Misconception 6: Laminate is Bad for Indoor Air Quality

Concerns about off-gassing and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) were valid for some older products, but industry standards have significantly improved.

• The Reality: Reputable laminate manufacturers, including those carried by Carpet To Go, adhere to strict indoor air quality regulations and certifications (e.g., CARB Phase 2 compliant, FloorScore® certified). These certifications ensure that the products have very low VOC emissions, contributing to a healthy indoor environment. Always look for these certifications when purchasing laminate flooring.

Don’t Let Critics of Laminate Fool You!

Stop by Carpet To Go to Explore This Flooring Option for Yourself

As you can see, we’ve revealed a modern, versatile, and highly durable flooring option that offers exceptional value. Today’s laminate delivers stunning realism, impressive water resistance, and robust performance, making it a truly smart choice for homes across Bellevue, Seattle, and the wider Puget Sound area. Don’t let outdated ideas prevent you from discovering the benefits of this innovative flooring material.

From our flooring store in Bellevue, WA, we put together quality flooring packages at affordable, competitive prices to suit our customer’s needs. Price and quality-conscious customers from all over Puget Sound have honored us, and continue to honor us, with their business and their trust. We will continue to adhere to our high standards of customer service by helping you select the appropriate flooring that will meet or beat your expectations. Call or visit us today!

Our Service Areas

We proudly service Bellevue, Seattle, Bothell, Kent, Lynnwood, North Bend, Redmond, Bellevue, Issaquah, Renton, Shoreline, Sammamish, Kirkland, Auburn, Seattle, Des Moines, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Medina, Clyde Hill, Yarrow Point, Edmonds, Everett, Federal Way, Tacoma, Fife, Seatac, Tukwila, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, Carnation, Burien, Normandy Park, Covington, Maple Valley, Black Diamond, Preston, Fall City, Snoqualmie, Snohomish, Duvall, Monroe, Mukilteo, Maltby, Ravensdale, WA.