Decoding the Different Types of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a complex, multi-layered product that delivers the realistic look of wood or stone at an incredible value.

When choosing laminate, you’re not just choosing a colour; you’re choosing a construction method, a texture, and a durability level.

Understanding these distinct types ensures you select the perfect, long-lasting floor for your home.

How Laminate Flooring is Categorized

By Installation Method

Most modern laminate is a floating floor, meaning it isn’t nailed or glued directly to the subfloor.

• Glueless Click-Lock: The overwhelming majority of modern laminate is installed this way. The planks simply click and lock together, forming a tight, secure seam. This is the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective method for installation, reducing labour time.
• Glued Laminate: An older method where the seams of the planks must be glued together. This offers a very tight seal but is more labour-intensive. Today, this is primarily reserved for specific commercial uses or older product lines.

By Surface Finish and Texture

The texture of the laminate is key to its realism and aesthetic appeal:

• Smooth Finish: A sleek, flat surface that mimics a freshly varnished hardwood. This look is clean, modern, and very easy to clean.
• Embossed Texture: The most common form of realism, where a general wood grain texture is pressed onto the surface.
• Embossed-in-Register (EIR): This is the gold standard for laminate realism. The embossed texture perfectly aligns with the printed photographic image beneath. When you look at an EIR plank, you don’t just see the knot or grain—you can feel it, creating a highly authentic look that adds considerable value.
• Hand-Scraped/Distressed: Features a rougher, undulating texture designed to replicate the appearance of aged, hand-finished, or distressed wood, perfect for rustic tastes.

By Durability (The AC Rating)

The AC rating (Abrasion Class) is an independent measure of a laminate floor’s durability and is critical for selecting a product that meets your needs.

• AC3: Suitable for all residential areas and moderate commercial use (like small offices). A great choice for most Canadian homes.
• AC4: Built for general commercial use and heavy residential traffic. Ideal for rental properties or very busy family homes.
• AC5: The most durable, reserved for heavy commercial traffic (e.g., department stores).

Order a Laminate Flooring Sample Online from GC Flooring!

At GC Flooring since 1995, we specialise in selling high-quality, high AC-rated laminate floors. Our bulk buying ensures you get these superior construction types—like EIR and high-AC ratings—at truly low prices, allowing us to serve every neighbour in all 10 provinces of Canada with confidence.

Ready to choose a durable, stylish laminate? Shop online with Giant Commercial Flooring for superior quality options.