Laminate’s Glow-Up

Why the Most Misjudged Floor Is Having a Moment

Laminate flooring was supposed to be a phase. A regrettable early 2000s chapter of thin planks, hollow footsteps, and seams that swelled at the first hint of moisture. It earned its reputation honestly.

And then it reinvented itself.

Today, laminate may be the most underestimated material in residential design. At the Suburban Home Show in January, I displayed wide-plank samples from a premium laminate collection. Rich tones. Textured surface. Convincingly wood-like. Visitors ran their hands across it and asked the same question: “That’s not hardwood???”

When I replied, “No, it’s laminate,” the disbelief was genuine. One man leaned down, examined the grain, and tapped it like he was appraising a Steinway. “There’s no way,” he said.

That moment is exactly why laminate deserves a second look.

What Changed

Early laminates struggled with moisture, realism, and durability. Water seeped into seams, causing swelling, and the visuals looked printed because they were.

Today’s premium laminate is engineered differently. Products like Mohawk’s RevWood use a high-density fiberboard core infused with moisture-resistant resins, topped with a digitally printed wood image embossed into a highly durable wear layer.

The texture now aligns with the grain you see, creating a look and feel remarkably close to real wood. Many modern laminates are water-resistant for up to 72 hours. Some are fully waterproof, making them ideal for kitchens, mudrooms, basements, and even bathrooms. With strong resistances to scratches, dents, and fading, today’s laminate is a completely different product than it was 20 years ago.

Laminate vs. LVP

Laminate and luxury vinyl plank are often grouped together as “wood-look waterproof” floors, but they are built differently.

LVP is 100% synthetic, made from PVC with a printed design layer and protective coating. It is flexible, fully waterproof, and performs extremely well in wet environments.

Laminate, on the other hand, is wood based. It uses compressed wood fibers to create a dense, rigid core, giving it a more substantial feel and often a more authentic wood look.

Thickness is another key difference. Premium laminates are often 12mm or thicker, while most LVP ranges from 5mm to 8mm. That added thickness provides better stability, sound dampening, and a more solid feel underfoot. Laminate also frequently outperforms LVP in scratch and dent resistance.

Is laminate always better? No. LVP is softer underfoot and more forgiving on uneven subfloors. But for a floor that feels closer to real wood with strong durability, laminate deserves serious consideration.

Hardwood Still Wears the Crown

Solid and engineered hardwood remains the gold standard. Real wood brings warmth, depth, and long-term value. It can be refinished, develops character over time, and reflects true craftsmanship. When budgets allow, it is still the first choice for primary living spaces.

But hardwood is not invincible. It scratches, dents, and reacts to moisture and humidity. In climates like New England, snow, salt, and seasonal swings require thoughtful placement and care. Pet owners know this well.

It is no coincidence that Hartco introduced a hybrid hardwood called Dogwood, engineered to perform more like laminate. When hardwood begins borrowing durability from laminate, it reflects how performance expectations have evolved.

Where Laminate Excels

Modern laminate shines in:

• Kitchens and dining areas
• Mudrooms and entryways
• Basements
• Homes with pets and children
• High-traffic living spaces

For households that want beauty with resilience, laminate offers a compelling balance. It delivers wood-like sophistication with durability modern life demands, at a more accessible price point than hardwood.

Homeowners no longer need to choose between elegant and livable.

Final Thought

Laminate is not trying to replace hardwood. Hardwood will always be the crown jewel. What laminate is saying now is simple: it is no longer the inexpensive compromise.

High-quality laminate is a legitimate, engineered flooring category. It is tougher than vinyl in many respects, feels substantial underfoot, and has never looked more convincing.

At the Suburban Home Show, people were surprised because laminate exceeded expectations. In this coming-of-age story, laminate simply grew up.