The kids are racing around the house, running up and down the stairs at full speed and your energetic pet single-handedly increases the foot traffic in your home. Suddenly, you spill some water in the kitchen and then, here come the guests. Which flooring can withstand such heavy traffic, along with spills and scratches that can easily be removed?
Well, there’s only one flooring that can successfully win this challenge: Laminate! With its unmatched durability, beauty, and unique qualities,
Let’s take a closer look to see what factors make laminate the best flooring for high-traffic areas.
Why Laminate Flooring is Suitable for High-Traffic Areas
The areas in your home or business with more foot traffic/activity are known as high-traffic areas. These include stairs, kitchens, entryways, living rooms and hallways. Unlike solid wood, which is made from a single piece of real wood, Laminate is made from several layers;
The Bottom Layer, which is moisture resistant and is near the subfloor, The core layer, which is made of MDF or HDF,The Design Layer, that can offer you an appearance mimicking wood, stone or marble and wear layer on the top, to make laminate moisture and scratch resistance and acts as a protective shield against them.
The layers of Laminate are made to be resilient and withstand these pressures without fading. With good maintenance, the average laminate lifespan is between 15 to 25 years.
Comparing Laminate to Other Flooring Options for High-Traffic Areas
Of course, there are other flooring options for your high-traffic areas, but what features make the Laminate the best one compared to others?
Laminate vs Luxury Vinyl
Both flooring options have moisture resistance, are easy to install, and give the space a luxurious look. But Luxury Vinyl offers less durability and does not withstand heavy traffic as well as Laminate.
Laminate vs Solid Wood
Compared to solid wood, Laminate is less durable against severe abrasions and doesn’t offer a sense of natural warmth.
But, it is more resistant to stains and moisture and is easy to install. More than that, Laminate is budget-friendly compared to solid wood.
This table helps you compare the 3 flooring options better.
| Features | Laminate | Luxury Vinyl | Solid Wood |
| Price | Affordable | Mid-range | Expensive |
| Durability | Moderate to High | High | Very High |
| Scratch Resistance | Good | Good | Good |
| Water Resistance | Good | Excellent | Poor |
| Installation | Easy (Click-lock system) | Easy (Glue-down, click-lock) | Requires professional installation |
| Maintenance | Low (requires occasional cleaning) | Low (requires occasional cleaning) | High (needs refinishing and regular maintenance) |
| Best for High Traffic Areas | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suitable for Moisture-Prone Areas | No | Yes | No |
Choosing Laminate for High Traffic Areas
When you want to choose the best laminate for high-traffic areas, several factors should be kept in mind.
Abrasion Class (AC) Rating
The Abrasion Criteria (AC) indicates how much the flooring can resist abrasion, impact, stains, and burns. Regarding high-traffic areas, the AC rating should be at least AC3 for homes and AC4 or AC5 for commercial spaces to ensure durability and compatibility with heavier foot traffic. you can find AC4 laminate flooring in our showroom.
Thickness of the Planks
Laminate flooring comes in different thicknesses. The thicker the laminate, the better the sound insulation and the more durable it feels. It is also a great alternative to solid wood.
A thickness of 10mm and above is considered ideal for high-traffic areas.Thicker laminate stays firm on the ground, while thinner laminate may have a spring-like feel over time.
you can explore different laminate flooring thickness here:
8mm laminate flooring
10mm laminate flooring
12mm laminate flooring
Water and Moisture Resistance
Water and moisture resistance is one of the most important factors when choosing Laminate flooring. The wear layer should be moisture-resistant enough to protect the flooring when you enter your home with a wet umbrella or when kids run around with damp feet. A waterproof laminate flooring prevents water from penetrating the inner layers, reducing the risk of swelling or damage over time.
Top Laminate Flooring Options for High-Traffic Areas
Here is the top AC5 Laminate flooring option you can consider for your high-traffic areas:
Craft 12mm Malmo Herringbone AC5 Laminate Flooring
Malmo Herringbone laminate flooring, with AC5 core and 12mm thickness, offers a sturdy feel under your feet that matches both contemporary and classic interior styles. With its waxed joints, you can choose it for the kitchen or bathroom with peace of mind.
Craft 12mm Malmo Herringbone AC5 Laminate Flooring
Craft 12mm Helsinki Herringbone AC5 Laminate Flooring
Craft 12mm Helsinki Herringbone AC5 Laminate offers you enough waterproof and abrasion-resistant capabilities to safely use it in high-traffic areas with a risk of moisture. With stylish and timeless herringbone patterns, you can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your place and ensure durability.
Craft 12mm Helsinki Herringbone AC5 Laminate Flooring
Craft 12mm Bergen Herringbone AC5 Laminate Flooring
Another luxury Scandinavian style for laminate flooring is Craft 12mm Bergen Herringbone AC5 Laminate. It is the best choice for high-traffic areas, and with an AC5 score, you can easily install it using a floating method without worrying about water resistance.
Craft 12mm Bergen Herringbone AC5 Laminate Flooring
Cambridge 12mm Nude Oak AC5 Laminate Flooring
The Cambridge 12mm Nude Oak AC5 Laminate Flooring is a combination of the aesthetic appeal of natural hardwood with water-resistance and toughness of Laminate. With DIY-friendly installation, it is an affordable, durable and stylish choice for modern interiors.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Proper installation and regular maintenance are key to protecting laminate flooring, ensuring its appearance and durability, helping it to last much longer.
- Vacuuming or sweeping regularly can prevent the accumulation of dust and small particles that cause scratches.
- Don’t use steam cleaners because excessive moisture can damage the surface. Also, avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach. Try a Damp (not wet) microfiber towel to remove stubborn stains and dirt.
- During installation, ensure there is a gap of 8 to 12 mm around walls and corners to allow for expansion and contraction.
- For Laminate, using underlayment can help reduce noise, enhance comfort, and improve durability.
- Avoid dragging objects on the laminate, use protective pads under furniture and if you have direct sunlight shining on your flooring, use curtains or a rug to prevent its colour from fading.
Conclusion
Laminate flooring, with its tempting features, including affordability, beauty, and moisture resistance, has a high rank among the best flooring for high-traffic areas. From kids to pets and moisture, it is worry-proof and can withstand it all with proper maintenance. At Flooring Surgeons, we provide the best quality laminate flooring with various colours, textures, and patterns that can help you choose the perfect style to complement your space.
If you have any flooring queries, email us at info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk or visit our showrooms in Birmingham and Wolverhampton!
Halesowen
214A Dudley Road. Halesowen, Birmingham, B63 3NJ
0121 274 8575
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Weekends: 10 AM – 4 PM
Wolverhampton
317 Penn Rd, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV4 5QF
01902 836 666
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM | Sun: Closed
info@flooringsurgeons.co.uk
