Laminate Wood Flooring

If you're looking for a durable and stylish option for your new floor, there’s a good chance laminate floors are the perfect fit for your space. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about laminate flooring, from its benefits to installation tips and maintenance tricks.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a versatile and cost-effective alternative to traditional hardwood floors. It consists of multiple layers, including a durable wear layer, a decorative layer that mimics the look of wood, and a core layer which provides stability. This construction makes laminate floors resistant to scratches, dents, and fading, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas in your home. These days, laminate wood flooring can also be crafted to look and feel just like wood, making this not just a highly durable option but a stylish one as well.

The CALI Laminate flooring line includes three collections: Mavericks, Pacifica, and Shorebreak. Mavericks and Pacifica each offer planks that resemble real wood with Mavericks spanning 86-5/8” long x 9-7/16” wide and Pacifica measuring 47-13/16” long x 7-11/16” wide. The Shorebreak collection features 23-17/32" long x 11-17/32" wide stone-look tiles that allow you to bring the elegance of marble and slate to kitchens and bathrooms.

Does Laminate Flooring Contain Wood?

While laminate flooring may not consist of solid hardwood planks, it does contain wood elements in its construction. These elements are cleverly engineered to provide the aesthetic appeal of wood while offering enhanced durability and stability.

At CALI, our waterproof laminate flooring boasts a wood-based core, ensuring that each plank maintains its structural integrity while minimizing the risk of warping or damage from moisture. This innovative core gives the plank a more substantial feel and is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, making it an ideal choice for busy households.

It's helpful to note that laminate flooring is distinct from vinyl flooring, which often contains Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). PVC is a synthetic plastic material used in many common products, including vinyl flooring. While vinyl flooring definitely offers its own set of benefits, such as affordability, resilience, and ease of installation, it does not contain the natural materials that you’ll find in CALI Laminate, which contains no PVC.

All CALI floors are FloorScore certified and undergo a rigorous quality control process to ensure they are suitable for healthy home environments. So regardless of the flooring you go with, rest assured you’re making a responsible choice for your home.

Engineered Wood Flooring or Laminate – Which is better for your home?

While both engineered wood flooring and laminate flooring offer durability and aesthetic appeal, there are some key differences between the two. Engineered wood features an actual cut of premium hardwood bonded to a layered core comprised of another kind of wood – usually one that grows rapidly and is more renewable like acacia or eucalyptus. This layered design makes for an especially stable, strong plank made of actual wood. Planks may be designed to be highly water resistant but they’re not technically waterproof. CALI Laminate contains a wood-based core but is also comprised of synthetic materials to make it fully waterproof, easy to maintain, and more budget-friendly.

Laminate floors are known for their high durability and resistance to scratches, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. While engineered wood provides a more authentic look thanks to its natural top layer, laminate flooring is more cost-effective and easier to install, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget or seeking a straightforward DIY project.

How Do I Clean Laminate Wood Flooring?

One of the beauties of laminate wood flooring is that it’s so easy to clean and keep looking like new. Here are a few helpful tips below, and you can find many more on our Flooring Care and Maintenance page.

• Regular Sweeping: Use a microfiber mop or cloth to regularly sweep away dirt and dust. This helps to prevent build-up and debris that may cause scratches over time.
• Gentle Cleaning Solution: Only use cleaning solutions recommended for your floor for a gentle, effective clean that won’t cause any damage.
• Spot Clean: Even though CALI Laminate flooring is waterproof, it’s still wise to clean up spills promptly to avoid staining.
• No Steam Mops: Steam can damage laminate floors, so stick to a dry or slightly damp mop instead.

Some beautiful dark wood laminate flooring options include Mocha Del Mar and Reyes Reserve.

When Is Grey Laminate Wood Flooring a Good Choice?

Grey laminate wood flooring is a unique and versatile choice that suits many situations:

• Modern Homes: Grey laminate is perfect for achieving a contemporary, minimalist look.
• Neutral Base: If you love statement pieces, grey flooring provides a great neutral base, allowing you to experiment with more colorful decor.
• Small Spaces: These cloudy shades can help make small rooms appear larger and more open.
• Versatility: Grey laminate wood flooring complements a wide range of furniture and interior styles, from rustic to modern.

Some great grey laminate flooring options that offer a stone tile look include Tiburon Marble, Bolinas Marble, and Black Sands Marble.

How to Find the Right Wood and Laminate Flooring Supplier

New flooring is a major investment with the goal being that whatever floor you choose will be a product that holds up and looks great for many years to come. This is why it’s so crucial to choose the right supplier to help guide you through the process and connect you with a floor that is the perfect fit for you home. Here are a few things to look for when finding the right brand: 

• Product Variety: A good supplier offers a wide range of laminate floors and wood options to fit your style. CALI offers hardwood, bamboo, luxury vinyl plank, and laminate, in addition to outdoor products like composite decking, turf and rugs.
• Quality: Look for suppliers known for providing high-quality, durable flooring. All CALI products undergo a rigorous third-party lead quality control process, ensuring only the best product reaches your home.
• Warranty: Ensure they offer solid warranties on their laminate flooring products. All CALI floors are backed by a 50-year residential warranty for extra peace of mind.
• Customer Service: Flooring can get complicated! Choose a supplier with knowledgeable and helpful customer service to assist with your flooring needs.

What Are the Advantages of Choosing Light Wood Laminate Flooring?

Light wood flooring tones are especially popular right now thanks to their ability to keep spaces looking bright, open, and naturally airy. They also offer colors that are easy to design with.

• Brightens Spaces: Light wood laminate floors reflect more light, making rooms look brighter and more spacious.
• Versatile Decor Matching: These lighter shades easily complement various decor styles and color schemes.
• Hides Dust: Lighter floors are more forgiving with dust, pet fur, and small debris, keeping your home looking cleaner.
• Durability: Like all laminate flooring, it’s durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it a practical choice for busy households.

Some beautiful light wood laminate flooring color options include Tomales Twilight, Santa Cruz Sand, and Half Moon Oak.

How Do You Install Wood Laminate Flooring?

Here’s a very basic overview of how to install wood laminate flooring, but more comprehensive and detailed steps can be found in our Laminate Installation Guides.

• Acclimate the Flooring: Let your laminate planks acclimate to your home's environment for 24 hours before installation.
• Prepare the Subfloor: Ensure your subfloor is clean, level, and dry.
• Install Underlayment: Roll out and cut the underlayment to fit the room, providing a smooth base and moisture barrier.
• Lay the Planks: Starting from one corner, carefully click the laminate planks together, working your way across the room.
• Cutting to Fit: Use a saw to cut planks to fit around obstacles or at the room's edges.
• Finishing Touches: Install baseboards or trim to cover the expansion gaps and give your new laminate floor a finished look.

How Do I Transform My Space with White Wood Laminate Flooring?

Giving your home a makeover with white wood laminate flooring can create a bright, open feel, making rooms appear larger and more inviting. The key to decorating with white flooring is to create contrast and warmth. Darker furniture or decor elements can provide a stunning contrast, while soft textiles like plush rugs and curtains can add coziness. Incorporating natural elements, such as wood accents and plants, adds warmth and prevents the space from feeling too stark or sterile. Utilizing the light-reflective properties of white laminate can also enhance the sense of space, making any room feel airy and light.

How Do You Decorate with Dark Laminate Wood Flooring?

Decorating with dark laminate wood flooring offers a unique opportunity to create a cozy, sophisticated space. The richness of dark floors can serve as a grounding element in a room, allowing bold accent colors to pop and adding a layer of warmth. Mixing textures is crucial when working with dark floors; incorporating metal, glass, and soft fabrics can create a dynamic and inviting interior. Introducing greenery is an excellent way to add some natural vibrancy, making the space feel more balanced and welcoming. Warm, soft lighting will enhance the ambiance, highlighting the flooring's texture and depth.