Welcome to Club Ceramic Cambridge — your trusted partner for complete premium flooring options in Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, and surrounding areas.
You’re standing in a showroom (or scrolling online at midnight), staring at flooring samples that all start to blur together. Hardwood looks beautiful but feels expensive. Tile seems cold. Carpet won’t survive the dog. And then someone mentions laminate flooring.
But what exactly is laminate flooring? Is it just “fake wood”? Will it hold up to real life — the spills, the pets, the kids racing through the house? And most importantly, is it the right choice for your home?
If you’ve found yourself asking these questions, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about laminate flooring, from how it’s made to whether it belongs in your kitchen, bedroom, or basement. Let’s help you figure out if laminate is the flooring solution you’ve been looking for.
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Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product designed to replicate the look of natural hardwood, stone, or tile — at a fraction of the cost. Unlike solid hardwood or real stone, laminate is an engineered product made from several layers pressed together under high heat and pressure.
Think of it as a smart alternative that gives you the aesthetic you want without the maintenance headaches or the hefty price tag.
But here’s what laminate flooring is NOT: it’s not cheap-looking, it’s not flimsy, and it’s definitely not plastic (despite what some people think). Modern laminate flooring has come a long way, with designs so realistic that even flooring experts have been fooled.
Understanding the construction of laminate flooring helps explain why it performs so well in real-world conditions. Each plank is made up of four distinct layers, each serving a specific purpose:
The foundation of the plank provides stability and moisture resistance. This layer keeps your floors flat and protects against moisture from the subfloor, preventing warping and ensuring long-term performance.
This is the backbone of laminate flooring — typically made from high-density fiberboard (HDF). The core layer provides structural integrity, impact resistance, and dimensional stability. It’s what makes laminate floors strong enough to handle heavy furniture, foot traffic, and daily wear. Higher-quality laminates use HDF rather than medium-density fiberboard (MDF) because it offers superior strength and moisture resistance.
Here’s where the magic happens. The design layer is a high-resolution photographic image of real wood grain, stone texture, or tile patterns. Modern printing technology has advanced dramatically — today’s design layers capture intricate details like knots, grain variations, and natural imperfections that make laminate look authentic. Multiple images are used in production to ensure your floor doesn’t have repetitive patterns.
The protective top coat is a transparent layer made from aluminum oxide or melamine resin. This wear layer is what makes laminate flooring so durable — it resists scratches, stains, fading from UV exposure, and daily wear and tear. The thicker the wear layer, the more durable your floor. This is measured by AC (Abrasion Criteria) ratings, which we’ll cover later.
These four layers are fused together through a lamination process using extreme heat and pressure, creating a single, solid plank that’s ready to handle whatever life throws at it.
Short answer: No. Despite common misconceptions, laminate flooring is not made from plastic.
The core of laminate flooring is high-density fiberboard — compressed wood fibers bonded with resin. The top wear layer uses melamine resin or aluminum oxide for protection, but the bulk of the material is wood-based.
Early laminate floors from the 1990s and early 2000s may have had a somewhat artificial appearance, which contributed to this myth. But today’s laminate flooring uses advanced manufacturing techniques and high-definition printing to create incredibly realistic wood and stone looks. The texture, color variations, and even the embossing match the visual layer, giving you a floor that looks and feels far more natural than “plastic.”
Laminate flooring comes in two main style categories, each offering different aesthetic options to match your home’s design:
Wood-look laminate is the most popular choice, replicating the warm, timeless appeal of natural hardwood. You’ll find options that mimic:
Wood-look laminate gives you the beauty of hardwood without the maintenance concerns. No refinishing, no waxing, no worrying about water damage from a spilled glass.
If you love the look of ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone but want something warmer and more comfortable underfoot, tile-look laminate is worth considering. Options include:
Tile-look laminate offers the visual appeal of stone or ceramic without the cold, hard surface or the grout maintenance. It’s also more forgiving on dropped dishes and easier on your feet and joints.
Let’s be honest — budget matters. Laminate flooring delivers the look of hardwood or stone at a fraction of the cost. You’re not sacrificing quality; you’re making a smart financial decision. The money you save on materials can go toward professional installation, upgraded underlayment, or other home improvement projects.
Laminate flooring is built to handle busy households. The wear layer protects against:
High-quality laminate with a strong AC rating can last 15-25 years with proper care — making it a long-term investment, not a temporary fix.
Unlike hardwood floors that need regular refinishing or tile floors with grout that needs constant scrubbing, laminate is refreshingly low-maintenance:
That’s it. Laminate flooring is designed for people who want beautiful floors without spending their weekends maintaining them.
Most laminate flooring uses a click-lock or tongue-and-groove installation system, making it one of the more DIY-friendly flooring options. The planks “float” over the subfloor on top of underlayment, without being glued or nailed down.
That said, professional installation ensures:
At Club Ceramic Cambridge, we offer professional installation services to ensure your laminate floors look perfect and perform as intended for years to come.
While traditional laminate is water-resistant, it’s not waterproof. The wear layer repels surface water, giving you time to wipe up spills before moisture seeps into the core. However, standing water or prolonged exposure can cause swelling and damage.
For areas prone to moisture — like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements — consider:
We carry waterproof and water-resistant laminate options specifically designed for higher-moisture areas.
Compared to tile or stone, laminate feels warmer and more comfortable to walk on. When installed with quality underlayment, laminate also provides sound dampening and a slight cushioning effect.
Laminate is also compatible with radiant floor heating systems — a bonus for those cold winter mornings.
With hundreds of colors, patterns, textures, and finishes available, laminate flooring adapts to any design style:
At our showroom at 15 Sheldon Dr, we carry an extensive collection from trusted brands including Avolis, CS (Canadian Standard), Home’s Pro, Impressive Floors, Jacob Flooring, MSI, NAF, and Simba — giving you plenty of options to find the perfect match for your home.
The AC (Abrasion Criteria) rating system helps you choose laminate flooring based on where you plan to install it. Here’s how it breaks down:
For most homes, AC3 or AC4 rated laminate strikes the right balance between durability and cost. If you have kids, pets, or high foot traffic, don’t skimp on the AC rating.
One of laminate’s biggest advantages is its versatility. You can install it in almost any room:
Ideal Rooms:
Rooms That Need Special Consideration:
Where You Should NOT Install Laminate:
If you have specific rooms in mind and aren’t sure if laminate is the right fit, our flooring experts can walk you through the best options during a free consultation.
| Feature | Laminate | Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Budget-friendly | Expensive |
| Durability | Scratch and fade-resistant | Prone to scratches, can be refinished |
| Moisture Resistance | Water-resistant (not waterproof) | Susceptible to water damage |
| Maintenance | Low (sweep and damp mop) | High (refinishing every 7-10 years) |
| Installation | DIY-friendly, floating floor | Professional installation, nailed or glued |
| Lifespan | 15-25 years | 50+ years (with refinishing) |
The Verdict: Laminate wins on cost, ease of installation, and low maintenance. Hardwood wins on longevity and resale value — but only if you’re willing to invest in upkeep.
| Feature | Laminate | Luxury Vinyl Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Core Material | HDF (wood-based) | PVC or SPC (plastic-based) |
| Waterproof | Most are water-resistant only | Fully waterproof |
| Feel Underfoot | Harder surface, slightly hollow | Softer, quieter |
| Realism | Excellent with embossing | Excellent with texture matching |
| Cost | Slightly less expensive | Slightly more expensive |
The Verdict: If waterproofing is your top priority (bathrooms, basements with moisture issues), luxury vinyl might be the better choice. If you want a wood-based product with a harder surface, laminate is ideal.
We have a detailed comparison article on vinyl flooring vs laminate durability if you want to dive deeper.
| Feature | Laminate | Ceramic/Porcelain Tile |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Affordable | Moderate to expensive |
| Comfort | Warm, softer underfoot | Cold, hard surface |
| Installation | Fast, DIY-friendly | Slow, requires professional skills |
| Maintenance | Easy (sweep and damp mop) | Moderate (grout cleaning) |
| Waterproof | Water-resistant (not waterproof) | Fully waterproof |
The Verdict: Laminate wins on comfort, cost, and ease of maintenance. Tile wins on waterproofing and extreme durability in wet areas.
While laminate is more DIY-friendly than many flooring types, proper installation is critical for performance and longevity. Here’s a basic overview:
Your subfloor must be clean, dry, and level. Any bumps, dips, or debris will telegraph through the laminate and cause issues. Many installations fail because this step is rushed.
Laminate planks need to adjust to your home’s temperature and humidity. Let them sit in the room for 48-72 hours before installation.
Underlayment provides moisture protection, sound dampening, and a smooth surface for the laminate to rest on. Some laminate comes with pre-attached underlayment, but separate underlayment often performs better.
Using the click-lock system, planks are installed row by row. You’ll need to:
Baseboards or quarter-round molding cover the expansion gaps. Transition strips are used where laminate meets other flooring types or where there are height differences.
Even small mistakes — uneven subfloors, insufficient expansion gaps, or misaligned planks — can lead to buckling, gaps, or an unprofessional appearance. Professional installation ensures:
At Club Ceramic Cambridge, our experienced installation team handles everything from subfloor prep to final trim work. We stand behind our installations with a satisfaction guarantee.
Call us at (647) 394-6030 to schedule your free consultation and installation estimate.
Proper maintenance keeps your laminate floors looking new for years. Here’s how to care for them:
Sweep or Vacuum Daily Dirt, sand, and grit are laminate’s enemies. These particles act like sandpaper under foot traffic, gradually wearing down the wear layer. A quick sweep or vacuum (with the beater bar off) prevents this damage.
Damp Mop Weekly Use a well-wrung mop — excess water is laminate’s other enemy. Choose a cleaner specifically designed for laminate floors, or make your own with a 3:1 ratio of water to white vinegar.
With these simple habits, your laminate floors will maintain their beauty and performance for years.
With so many options available, here’s how to narrow down your choices:
High-Traffic Areas: Choose AC3 or AC4 ratings with thicker wear layers
Moisture-Prone Rooms: Look for waterproof or water-resistant options with sealed edges
Bedrooms: AC2 or AC3 is sufficient; focus on aesthetics and comfort
Think about your home’s overall design. Do you want:
Bring home samples and view them in your actual space with your lighting. What looks great in a showroom might not work in your home.
Laminate ranges from budget-friendly to premium. Remember that price often reflects:
Don’t automatically choose the cheapest option — mid-range laminate often offers the best balance of quality and value.
Look for warranties that cover:
Some warranties are residential-only, while others cover light commercial use. Read the fine print — many warranties become void if the flooring isn’t installed professionally.
Don’t buy flooring based on online photos alone. Visit a showroom where you can:
At Club Ceramic Cambridge, we encourage you to take home samples so you can see exactly how the flooring looks in your space. Order samples online or stop by our showroom at 15 Sheldon Dr to explore our full collection.
Reality: Modern laminate uses high-definition printing and embossing technology that replicates natural wood grain with stunning accuracy. Many people can’t tell the difference between high-quality laminate and real hardwood.
Reality: While traditional laminate isn’t waterproof, it is water-resistant and can handle spills if wiped up promptly. Waterproof laminate options are now available for bathrooms and basements.
Reality: Laminate is primarily made from wood fibers (HDF core) with a protective resin top layer. It’s a wood-based product, not plastic.
Reality: In many cases, you can install laminate over existing flooring like vinyl, tile, or even low-pile carpet (though this isn’t always recommended). The key is ensuring the subfloor is level and stable.
Reality: Proper underlayment eliminates most noise issues. Quality underlayment provides sound dampening and makes laminate feel more solid underfoot.
Reality: There’s a huge range in laminate quality, from budget options to premium products. Core density, wear layer thickness, design quality, and manufacturing standards all vary significantly between brands.
When you’re ready to move forward with laminate flooring, you need a partner who understands both product quality and customer service. Here’s what sets Club Ceramic Cambridge apart:
We carry laminate flooring from industry-leading brands including:
Our knowledgeable team has years of experience helping homeowners in the KW Region choose the perfect flooring. We’ll ask about your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences to recommend options that truly fit your needs — not just what’s on sale.
Quality flooring shouldn’t require a second mortgage. We offer competitive pricing on all our products, with regular promotions and financing options to make your flooring project more affordable.
Our skilled installation team ensures your floors are installed correctly the first time. We handle:
We stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee.
As a trusted flooring partner serving Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Guelph, we understand the unique needs of homeowners in our region — from moisture concerns in basements to radiant heating compatibility. Our products meet international quality standards while our service remains personalized and local.
Don’t just take our word for it — our customers consistently rate us 5 stars for product quality, customer service, and installation excellence.
Laminate flooring offers an unbeatable combination of beauty, durability, and value. Whether you’re renovating a single room or updating your entire home, laminate gives you the look you want without the compromises.
But choosing the right laminate flooring requires more than just picking a color you like. You need to consider AC ratings, moisture resistance, installation requirements, and how the flooring will perform in your specific space.
That’s where we come in.
Visit our showroom at 15 Sheldon Dr, Cambridge to see our full collection of laminate flooring options. Walk through our displays, feel the textures, compare colors, and get expert advice tailored to your project.
Call us at (647) 394-6030 to schedule a free consultation or request samples to view in your home.
Email us at info@clubceramic.com with questions about specific products, pricing, or installation timelines.
At Club Ceramic Cambridge, we’re more than a flooring store — we’re your partner in creating a home you’ll love for years to come. Let’s find the perfect laminate flooring for your space.
