As the poster child of the flooring industry, laminate floors have generated a great deal of hype. Is laminate really the wave of the future or simply another product that fails to deliver?

In the world of flooring, laminate can do no wrong. It is perfect for every project, it is durable, it looks nice, and it will make your home a showplace worthy of awards and accolades. Of course, like all hype, this isn't exactly the case.

- Indestructible?

Of course laminate is not indestructible, it's not even close. As much as we would love to believe it, there is no such thing as a floor that can not be harmed. Even finished concrete floors aren't impervious to scratches and stains. Laminate flooring does tout the benefits of its prefinishing, but that finish can only keep out so much.

The top coat of laminate flooring protects the floor from basic scrapes, scratches, and stains. There are industry standards and ratings designed to give consumers a better idea of how tough a particular brand of flooring is. If all laminate floors were indestructible, of course, there would not be a need for a rating system.

AC1 and AC2 laminate floors are basically wimps. The AC1 and AC2 ratings indicate that those types of laminate should only be used in areas with light foot traffic, such as a bedroom or dining room. Wait a minute. If I can't even walk on it that much, why should I believe it won't end up scraped and damaged?

Actually, according to the industry, this is right on the money. Not all laminate is created equal, and if you are looking for the indestructible kind, you need to focus your attention on AC3 and above. In fact, AC5 really is the toughest flooring around. AC5 is used commercially in places like car dealerships and department stores. If laminate can withstand SUVs and Christmas shoppers, it can certainly withstand your Chihuahua.

- Waterproof?

Is laminate waterproof? This is a definitive Maybe. Upon closer inspection, only some brands of laminate manufacturers offer moisture protection in their warranty. So for those brands, keeping water out of the seams is a big deal. It might not be an area of interest for other manufacturers however.

In general all laminate is water resistant, but that doesn't make it water proof. To be sure of how much moisture protection your brand of laminate has, simply consult the warranty information. No company will offer coverage on a product they know is not watertight.

- Attractive?

Consumers are split about the attractiveness of laminate. A vast majority find it very attractive, especially the products at the high end. The wood grain (or tile) on a section of laminate is quite simply a photograph of real wood sealed to the layers of backing. This offers the appearance of real wood along with the, if not indestructible, certainly strong, protection of laminate sealants.

So, as with all things, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Laminate is not real wood, but the higher end of the laminate selection can certainly fool the eye for a moment. Laminate appearance improves along with quality and price. The least expensive laminates might not be as attractive or wood-like in their appearance, but it is wrong to judge an entire product line or industry by the cheap generic version. Test drive the deluxe model before making up your mind.

- Bottom Line

Laminate is certainly a wonderful product, but the responsibility falls on the consumer to be sure he is selecting the best laminate for his needs. Like any product, not all laminates are of the highest quality, and some do not do justice to the market as a whole. Consider laminate flooring with an open mind, and regardless of your initial skepticism, there is certain to be a laminate floor perfectly suited for your needs.