When choosing a laminate flooring pattern, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
Page Contents
- 1 What are the different types of laminate flooring patterns?
- 2 What are the pros and cons of each laminate pattern type?
- 3 What room of the house is the laminate flooring for?
- 4 What flooring colors/aesthetics exist in adjacent rooms?
- 5 How much traffic and wear will the floors endure?
- 6 What is the existing floor prep and subfloor?
- 7 How much noise reduction is needed?
- 8 What is the budget for the laminate floors?
- 9 What special features are desired?
- 10 Conclusion
What are the different types of laminate flooring patterns?
There are three main types of laminate flooring patterns:
Wood Grain Patterns
Wood grain patterns mimic the look of real hardwood floors. These patterns come in different plank sizes and have varying wood grain details to create a realistic wood aesthetic. Popular wood looks include oak, hickory, maple, and exotic woods like Brazilian cherry.
Stone and Tile Patterns
Stone and tile patterns recreate the visual effect of stone, slate, marble, and ceramic or porcelain tiles. These patterns offer unique textured looks that can resemble natural stone, concrete, or geometric tiles.
Solid Color Patterns
Solid color laminate floors come in a wide range of uniform matte, gloss, or embossed colors. Solid color patterns provide a modern, sleek look and are easy to match with many decor styles.
What are the pros and cons of each laminate pattern type?
| Pattern Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Grain |
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| Stone/Tile |
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| Solid Color |
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What room of the house is the laminate flooring for?
The room where the laminate will be installed is a key factor in choosing the best pattern. Here are some guidelines for selecting laminate flooring patterns based on the room:
Living Rooms
For living rooms, wood grain laminates are very popular to create a warm, inviting aesthetic. Mid-tone wood colors like oak or maple work well. Solid colors can also be nice for a sleek look. Tile patterns should be avoided in formal living spaces.
Kitchens
In kitchens, tile and stone laminate patterns hold up best to spills, dripping water, and heavy appliance movement. Textured slate or stone patterns hide scratches better. If using wood patterns in a kitchen, choose a highly durable variety.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms can accommodate most laminate flooring patterns. Wood grain patterns create a cozy cabin feel. Solid colors are modern and relaxing. Tile patterns can work well but may feel cold or too sleek for some.
Basements and Laundry Rooms
For basements, garages, laundries and mudrooms, tile and stone laminates are ideal. These durable, moisture-resistant patterns can better handle heavy activity, dirt, moisture, and potential flooding.
What flooring colors/aesthetics exist in adjacent rooms?
It’s important to consider the color scheme and flooring of adjacent rooms when selecting a laminate flooring pattern. The goal is to create a cohesive flooring flow from one space to the next.
Match colors and tones
If hardwood or tile floors are in an adjoining room, choose a laminate pattern that picks up on those color tones. Even if the materials don’t match exactly, keeping hues complementary creates flow.
Repeat patterns
Using the same pattern from room to room can help adjacent spaces appear more connected and expansive. Just maintain enough contrast between planks or tiles to delineate separate spaces.
Vary textures meaningfully
Moving from a wood grain laminate in a living room to a tile pattern in a kitchen can help define each space’s unique purpose while still feeling coordinated.
Transition strategically
Use threshold strips, trim moldings, or flooring borders to help transition between very different flooring patterns from one room to the next. This frames the change in an intentional way.
How much traffic and wear will the floors endure?
Laminate floors designed for high-traffic areas hold up better under heavy use. Consider foot traffic volume and type of activity when selecting durability:
| Level of Traffic/Wear | Best Laminate Patterns |
|---|---|
| Light residential traffic | Any pattern; choose based on aesthetics |
| Moderate family traffic | Wood, tile, or solid color in medium durability |
| Heavy traffic | Tile and stone patterns with high durability rating |
| Water exposure | Tile patterns with water-resistant cores |
Heavier-duty laminates that can better withstand scratches, moisture, indentations, and daily wear-and-tear are ideal for busy family homes and commercial spaces.
What is the existing floor prep and subfloor?
The underlying floor prep and subflooring impacts laminate flooring selection and performance:
Concrete subfloors
Concrete subfloors are a good foundation for all laminate patterns. Look for floors with attached underlayment to help reduce noise.
Wood subfloors
Any laminate pattern can work over wood subfloors. Use floors with pre-attached underlayment to provide moisture barrier protection.
Existing floor prep
Is the old flooring removed or will the new laminate flooring be installed overtop? Leaving old vinyl or wood floors underneath is acceptable as long as they are level and in good condition.
Radiant heating systems
Some laminate floors can be installed over radiant heating. Look for types designed to withstand slight heating fluctuations without damage.
How much noise reduction is needed?
Laminate floor noise depends on the type of core and underlayment:
| Noise Reduction Needs | Recommended Laminate Types |
|---|---|
| Minimal | Floating floor with pre-attached thin foam underlayment |
| Moderate | Thicker separate underlayment layer |
| Maximum (condos/apartments) | High-density fiberboard or cork underlayment |
In rooms where excess noise is an issue, look for laminates with special sound-dampening cores and thicker underlayment layers.
What is the budget for the laminate floors?
Laminate flooring costs range from about $1.50 to $8 per square foot installed:
| Price Range | Laminate Flooring Options |
|---|---|
| $1.50 – $3 per square foot | Low-priced imported products |
| $3 – $5 per square foot | Mid-range laminates from reputable brands |
| $5 – $8 per square foot | High-end laminates with premium features |
When setting a laminate flooring budget, be sure to also factor in costs for trim, molding, underlayment, and any installation tools needed. Leaving a 10-15% buffer allows flexibility if any hidden issues appear once the old flooring is removed.
What special features are desired?
Many laminate floors offer unique features that can enhance aesthetics, durability, and functionality:
- Beveled edges – Simulate natural planks
- Variegated designs – Mimic wood randomness
- Gloss/matte finishes – Impact visual appeal
- Embossed textures – Add realistic detail
- Water resistance – Help protect from spills/moisture
- Antimicrobial treatment – Inhibit bacteria growth
- Easy installation – Floating clicks, self-adhesive planks, etc.
- Warranties – Provide coverage for future needs
Prioritize must-have features, nice-to-have perks, and unnecessary add-ons when choosing laminates to maximize benefits without overspending.
Conclusion
To find the best laminate flooring pattern, carefully consider the room’s purpose, existing aesthetics, durability needs, noise concerns, budget, and special feature desires. Matching the practicality and style of the flooring to the space and lifestyle is key for long-lasting satisfaction. With endless patterns and designs to choose from, pay attention to the details that matter most for your unique situation. This ensures you select high-quality laminates with the right look, feel, and functionality for years of everyday use.