Laminate flooring has improved a lot from the thin, hollow-sounding product it once was. Today’s laminate looks much more like real wood or stone, has scratch-resistant layers, and, in top-tier options, offers true waterproof protection. Laminate costs much less than hardwood, installs faster than most other flooring, and often holds up better in busy homes than real wood. However, you can’t refinish it, it doesn’t add as much value to your home as hardwood, and the difference between high-quality and cheap laminate is bigger than many people realize.
This guide highlights the brands worth considering and explains what makes each one a good or bad choice.
Our Top Picks
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- Durable wear layers with scratch resistance
- Large variety of colors and plank widths
- Made in the USA with sustainable practices
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- Industry leader in waterproof laminate
- Realistic wood and stone visuals
- Wide availability through major retailers
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- Made in the USA
- Environmentally responsible manufacturing
- Long-standing industry reputation
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- Sophisticated European-inspired visuals
- Excellent scratch and fade resistance
- Precision locking for easy installation
How We Rated the Best Laminate Flooring Brands
Each brand in this guide is rated from one to five across seven factors: durability and material quality (22%), performance and ease of maintenance (20%), warranty coverage (18%), value and pricing (14%), brand reputation and support (12%), installation compatibility and ease (8%), and climate and regional suitability (6%). Durability and material quality matter most because people usually pick laminate for busy homes. Brands that don’t do well in these areas are often the ones homeowners regret buying. Learn more about how we rate laminate flooring brands in our rating methodology.
Mohawk
- Average Cost: $2.50 to $7 per sq. ft. installed
- Products Offered: Waterproof and water-resistant laminate, embossed wood textures, and wide plank designs
Our Take
Mohawk’s RevWood Premier is a great option for families considering laminate instead of engineered hardwood. It comes with real waterproof warranties, resists scratches better than natural wood in homes with pets and kids, and its thicker planks can handle small flaws in the subfloor. It also costs less than engineered hardwood and won’t dent from dog nails. While laminate doesn’t add as much resale value as real wood, it’s a fair trade-off if durability is your top priority.
- Wear Layer: AC4 to AC5 scratch-resistant coating
- Core: High-density fiberboard (HDF) with moisture-resistant treatment
- Install: Floating click-lock; compatible with most subfloors
- Style Range: Wide planks, embossed wood textures, and a broad color selection
- Best Fit: Active households with pets and children
Something to Consider: Some of Mohawk’s lower-tier collections have thinner cores, which can mean less consistent moisture resistance. Check the waterproof rating for the specific collection, not just the brand, before you buy.
Cost Information by Line
- RevWood Select: $2.50 to $4 per square foot installed
- RevWood Plus: $4 to $6 per square foot installed
- RevWood Premier: $5.50 to $7 per square foot installed
Best Product to Consider
The RevWood Plus and Premier Collections provides waterproof durability, premium visuals, and tight-locking joints that resist spills and stains.
Pergo
- Average Cost: $3 to $8 per sq. ft. installed
- Products Offered: Waterproof laminate, high-density fiberboard core, embossed textures, and click-lock systems
Our Take
Pergo created modern laminate flooring, and its Outlast+ line is still the standard for waterproof performance. It works well in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where most laminates are not recommended. The lifetime residential warranty is reliable, and the look of the flooring is worth the higher price compared to budget brands. The main downside is that plank quality can vary between batches, which can be frustrating during installation.
- Wear Layer: AC4 to AC5 with SpillRepel surface protection
- Core: Moisture-resistant HDF with sealed edge technology
- Install: Uniclic click-lock; glueless floating floor
- Style Range: Wood and stone looks; realistic embossed-in-register textures
- Best Fit: Kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic main living areas
Something to Consider: The heavier boards in the Outlast+ line can be tough to handle alone. Plan for extra time during installation and check each plank for edge damage before you lock it in place.
Cost Information by Line
- Pergo TimberCraft: $3 to $5 per square foot installed
- Pergo Outlast+: $5 to $8 per square foot installed
Best Product to Consider
The Pergo Outlast+ Collection offers lifetime residential warranty coverage, waterproof protection, and realistic wood embossing ideal for high-traffic rooms.
Mannington
- Average Cost: $3.50 to $9 per sq. ft. installed
- Products Offered: Laminate planks with eco-friendly cores, embossed finishes, and wide boards
Our Take
Mannington’s Restoration Collection keeps up the brand’s strong reputation. The 12mm planks provide real waterproof protection against most spills, and the U.S. manufacturing with certified eco-friendly practices makes it a good choice for buyers who care about where their flooring comes from. It does cost more, and the “pet-friendly” label needs a closer look. Some reviewers with dogs have said that urine can seep into the grooves and cause warping.
- Wear Layer: AC4 scratch-resistant with low-gloss finish
- Core: High-density core with moisture protection
- Install: Floating click-lock; compatible with radiant heat systems
- Style Range: Wide boards with realistic wood grain and low-gloss finishes
- Best Fit: Households without large dogs; buyers who prioritize U.S.-made and eco-certified products
Important Context: The Restoration Collection’s “pet-friendly” label mainly means it resists surface scratches and stains, not that it protects against pet urine getting into the seams. Some dog owners have reported warping from urine, which is not covered by the standard warranty.
Cost Information by Line
- Mannington Revolutions: $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot installed
- Mannington Restoration Collection: $6 to $9 per square foot installed
Best Product to Consider
The Restoration Collection features realistic wood grain patterns, 12mm thickness, and low-gloss finishes for timeless appeal.
Quick-Step Flooring
- Average Cost: $3 to $8 per sq. ft. installed
- Products Offered: Laminate planks with high-definition printing, waterproof core, and advanced click systems
Our Take
Quick-Step is known for its design. The NatureTEK Plus line offers the color depth and texture of European hardwood at laminate prices, and both DIY installers and professionals often praise its precise click-lock system. It’s a great choice if you care most about how your floor looks and are willing to pay a bit more for the right style.
- Wear Layer: AC4 to AC5 with scratch and UV-fade resistance
- Core: Waterproof Uniclic core with tight seam protection
- Install: Uniclic Multifit; one of the most installer-friendly systems available
- Style Range: European hardwood-inspired tones, including wide-plank and herringbone options
- Best Fit: Design-forward buyers who want laminate aesthetics close to premium hardwood
Something to Consider: Some NatureTEK Plus collections need a specific underlayment that may not be included in the box. Check underlayment compatibility before you buy, and order 10% extra material. Some buyers have found more blemished planks per box than usual.
Cost Information by Line
- Quick-Step Impressive: $3 to $5 per square foot installed
- Quick-Step NatureTEK Plus: $5.50 to $8 per square foot installed
Best Product to Consider
The NatureTEK Plus Collection delivers waterproof protection and ultra-realistic visuals inspired by high-end European hardwoods.
Newton Flooring
- Average Cost: $2.50 to $6 per sq. ft. installed
- Products Offered: Budget-friendly laminate planks with authentic textures and moisture protection
Our Take
Newton is a Floor & Decor exclusive brand that offers real value for the price. It has a good wear layer, a moisture-resistant core, and an easy click-lock installation, all without the higher price of big national brands. It’s a solid upgrade from the cheapest options out there. Since there aren’t many independent reviews, it’s a good idea to visit a Floor & Decor store and look at a sample before buying for your whole home.
- Wear Layer: AC3 to AC4 moisture-resistant coating
- Core: Moisture-resistant composite core
- Install: Click-lock floating floor; suitable for most subfloor types
- Style Range: Oak and hickory looks; mid-range color selection
- Best Fit: Budget-conscious buyers with access to Floor & Decor retail locations
Something to Consider: Newton is only sold at Floor & Decor, so warranty service and replacement stock depend on that store’s policies and inventory. Ask a store associate for contractor feedback and request a full-size sample before you buy.
Cost Information by Line
- Newton Standard: $2.50 to $4 per square foot installed
- Newton Classic Series: $4 to $6 per square foot installed
Best Product
The Newton Classic Laminate Series features versatile oak and hickory looks with moisture-resistant finishes suited for family homes.
AquaGuard Performance
- Average Cost: $3.50 to $8.50 per sq. ft. installed
- Products Offered: Waterproof laminate flooring with attached pad, wide planks, embossed-in-register texture
Our Take
AquaGuard offers thick planks, built-in underlayment, and textured surfaces at a price comparable to luxury vinyl plank (LVP). When it performs, it can outperform pricier brands in real-world conditions. Real-world results are inconsistent, though — some owners report no issues after flooding or years of rental use, while others describe complete floor failure within 60 days.
Cost Information by Line
- AquaGuard Value Collection: $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot installed
- AquaGuard Performance Waterproof: $6 to $8.50 per square foot installed
Best Product to Consider
The AquaGuard Performance Waterproof Collection combines extra-thick planks, built-in underlayment, and realistic embossed visuals for buyers who want waterproof laminate at a price closer to standard LVP.
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StainMaster
- Average Cost: $2.50 to $6.50 per sq. ft. installed
- Products Offered: Water-resistant laminate planks with scratch-resistant coatings
Our Take
StainMaster’s PetProtect line genuinely delivers on pet and stain resistance, and it’s a reasonable choice for households with multiple animals. Since the brand’s retail transition away from Lowe’s, quality consistency has declined, and installation reviews frequently cite a click-lock system that is difficult to engage cleanly.
Important Context: StainMaster’s retail distribution shifted significantly after its brand transition. Verify current availability and confirm you’re purchasing from an authorized retailer to ensure valid warranty coverage.
Cost Information by Line
- StainMaster Essentials: $2.50 to $4 per square foot installed
- StainMaster PetProtect: $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot installed
Best Product to Consider
The PetProtect Laminate Collection is the strongest offering in the lineup, with surface coatings designed to resist scratches, stains, and pet-related wear in active households.
Evoke Flooring
- Average Cost: $3 to $7 per sq. ft. installed
- Products Offered: Waterproof laminate planks with wood and tile looks
Our Take
Evoke offers a distinctive range of Scandinavian-inspired designs that stand out visually, and its waterproofing is legitimate. Durability is the persistent weak point — edge chipping and surface fading within the first year appear frequently in reviews, and warranty claims often go unresolved. Reserve it for low-traffic spaces where aesthetics matter most and wear is minimal.
Cost Information by Line
- Evoke Heritage Collection: $3 to $5 per square foot installed
- Evoke Aqua Allure Collection: $5 to $7 per square foot installed
Best Product to Consider
The Aqua Allure Collection pairs light Scandinavian tones with realistic grain embossing and waterproof construction — the best option in the lineup for low-traffic rooms where aesthetics are the priority.
TrafficMaster
- Average Cost: $2 to $5 per sq. ft. installed
- Products Offered: Basic laminate planks with floating click-lock installation
Our Take
TrafficMaster is the most basic option in this guide — thin medium-density fiberboard (MDF) core, a simple wear layer, and no waterproofing. It works for a rental update or a short-term fix before a larger renovation. For anything meant to last, the brands higher on this list are worth the additional cost.
Cost Information by Line
- TrafficMaster Standard: $2 to $3.50 per square foot installed
- TrafficMaster Glenwood Oak: $3.50 to $5 per square foot installed
Best Product to Consider
The Glenwood Oak Laminate Collection is the most consistent performer in the TrafficMaster lineup, with realistic grain patterns suited for short-term installs in low-traffic rooms.
