Learn from the pros. Read and watch home improvement articles and videos.

Featured Article

Choosing Flooring: Laminate

It would be hard to find a flooring product more versatile than laminate. In addition to a variety of colors and finishes, you can also choose between installation methods. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you.

How It's Made

Laminate flooring shouldn't be confused with engineered wood flooring. Both are made of layers of material bonded (laminated) together for strength. Laminate floors use several materials such as resin, wood fiber and Kraft paper (materials vary by manufacturer) compacted under pressure to create the final product. The flooring is made into planks.
The surface of a laminate plank is actually an image, printed from film onto a thin decorative layer, which is then treated with a wearlayer. The high resolution of the film allows an extremely authentic appearance. The finished material is similar in feel to a kitchen countertop. A variety of finishes are available from wood grain to color.

Installation

Laminate floors are floating floors, meaning that they aren't attached to the subfloor. The flooring is sold as tongue and groove planks where the planks simply lock together.
Laminate flooring can be installed on all grade levels. Because it's durable and easy to clean, it's a perfect floor for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms — any room that has a lot of traffic. With proper preparation, installation is possible over concrete, vinyl, tile and even some carpet.

Share
Advertisement

Article Library

How to Get the Most from your Flooring

These guidelines are provided so you can get the most from your flooring project. Story >

Hardwood Myths

Myths about hardwood floors are exposed and the truth is explained. Story >

Choosing Flooring: Laminate

It would be hard to find a flooring product more versatile than laminate. Story >

Choosing Flooring: Hardwood

Hardwood floors suggest warmth and richness. With proper care, hardwood rarely needs replacing, and Story >

Installing Vinyl Tile

Applying vinyl tile to an old floor is an inexpensive way to significantly improve Story >

Installing Sheet Vinyl Flooring

You can easily update your entire room by installing new vinyl flooring. Story >

Installing Wood Flooring

Looking for a simple way to make your home warmer and more inviting? Try Story >

Choosing Flooring: Carpet

Carpet normally brings luxury, fashion and comfort to mind. It’s quiet, insulates well from Story >

Which Type of Flooring Do I Choose?

Flooring materials are more varied than ever before, offering a combination of fashion and Story >

Choose an Interior Area Rug

Do you want to add a little flair to your floor? Story >

Turn Your Home Extraordinary with the Latest Tile Design Trends

Tile is truly an amazing material that offers you limitless possibilities in designing a Story >

Save Money Improving your Hardwood Floors

Many things can be done to upgrade a new home. One of the most Story >

Carpet Repair Techniques

With all of the traffic that our carpeting gets, it's not surprising that it Story >

Ceramic Tile

The most durable of all tiling materials are ceramic tile and stone materials that, Story >

Wood Flooring Options

For a beautiful floor, you can't beat installing wood flooring. In general, a Story >

Understanding Tile Installation Methods

Homeowners are often confused by the variation of estimates they can receive from tile Story >

Ceramic Tile Grades

Ceramic tile ratings are set up in a grading system of 1 to 5, Story >

Carpet Ratings

There is no such thing as standardized carpet ratings. Some companies may generate Story >

The Versatility of Terrazzo Tile

Terrazzo tile is one of the most versatile tiling options available in the industry. Story >

Different Styles of Berber Carpet

Berber carpet is a popular style because of its wool-like and rugged look, its Story >

Carpet Runners Rescue and Revive Floors

Since floors get trampled all the time, eventually it will need some kind of Story >

Pergo Flooring: Premium Laminate Flooring

Decorative laminate had been used in countertops, paneling, and other intricate projects years before Story >

Glueless Laminate Flooring

Glueless laminate flooring is a new flooring alternative that makes installing laminate floors easier Story >

Outdoor Carpet: Patio Perfect

Carpet was made for bare feet. Especially in colder climates, solid floors can Story >

Installation has never been Easier than with Snap Together Flooring

Laminate flooring has long had a reputation of being one of the more installation Story >

Porcelain Tile: Holds up after It's Put Down

While many people immediately associate it with figurines and toilets, porcelain can be Story >

Spice up your Bath with Bathroom Wall Tile

Picture wall tile and you're likely conjuring up images of bathrooms and showers. Story >


Tip Of the Week

To keep a water pipe from freezing, let the faucet drip water slightly to maintain water flow.

Sign up for FREE Tip of the Week e-mails!

Sign Up!

Advertisement

Home Service Providers

Find local home services providers and contractors to help you with your home improvement needs and projects.

Please select a location:

- OR -

Advertisement