Laminate Flooring Checklist

Ready to purchase laminate flooring? Make sure you know everything about laminate before you go. Our Laminate Buying Checklist will provide you with the necessary questions to consider before purchasing laminate flooring. For your convenience, we offer a print–friendly version of the Laminate Buying Checklist so you can take it with you when shopping.

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Buying Laminate Flooring? Know Before You Go!

Download Checklist PDF
Buying Laminate Checklist - 166kb pdf | Download our buying checklist, so you know what questions to ask at your local floor store.

	Questions to Ask	What Do I Want to Know? / Key Points About Buying Laminate
	What are the pros/cons of laminate floors vs. other flooring?	If you are unsure that laminate flooring is for you, this will help you decide.
	What different types of laminate do you carry and how do they differ?	You should be shown the following to get an idea of the brands or types you like: Appearances Construction Brands Sizes Textures Price Ranges Installation Methods
	What would you personally recommend for my situation?	Consider: The look you are trying to achieve Home décor and furnishings Climate extremes and traffic level Any pets, kids or disabilities you have Wet area considerations The type of room (including stairs) Type of subfloor (wood, concrete) Need for sound insulation Lighting
Once You Have an Idea of What Product You are Leaning Toward...
	What is the AC rating of this product and what is the expected lifetime?	AC1   Moderate Residential AC2   General Residential AC3   Heavy Residential/Moderate Commercial AC4   General Commercial AC5   Heavy Commercial
	What is the average life expectancy?	Ranges from 10 to 30+ years depending on the product and how it is cared for.
	How durable is this product in relation to others laminates?	Factors that determine durability are: Core: Denser cores can handle more wear and tear and are usually more stable. Construction: High pressure laminate floors are more durable than direct pressure laminate floors. Backing: Cheaper varieties of laminate will have a thin paper backing rather than a proper backing layer. Thickness: Thicker laminate is often more durable and transmits fewer subfloor imperfections.
	Is this preferred for a DIY installation?	Ask for DIY instructions. These can also be found in our installation instructions.
	What does the manufacturer's warranty cover and how long does it last?	Look for a warranty accompanied by a large US company backing the product. If you find a cheap warranty from a private–labeled product without a big US presence, be cautious. Always read the fine print!
	What can you tell me about the manufacturer and your experience with their products?	How long and how much have you sold? Do you have any customer testimonials? Large or small/private label? Number of years in business? Do they provide support?
Other factors to consider
	Is the product in stock or does it have to be ordered? Is there a minimum order?	Rare products may take longer to ship. Ask your salesperson to check stock with the distributor. Normally you can order 1 box at a time.
	What is your return policy?	Find out penalties, fees and stipulations for returning. Can you return excess laminate?
	What is the lead time before I can have this completely installed?	Consider factors such as ordering the product, waiting for arrival, acclimatization and installation.
	What other accessories or products might I need and do you carry them?	Examples: Moisture barrier or underlayment, adhesives, trims and moldings, tools for installation, rugs or mats
	Can you provide care instructions?	Follow all the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your warranty is not voided.
	Do you sell cleaning kits and repair kits?	Look for products recommended by the manufacturer.
	May I see a sample of the actual flooring?	If it is in stock, ask to remove a piece from actual box so can inspect it (not all retailers will allow this). If undecided, ask to take a floor sample home. Evaluate how it works with the other colors and the lighting in the room.
	What financing options are available?	Consider financing if you decide on a product that is more than your budget.
	Do you deliver?	If so, curbside or stacked in the installation area? Is there a fee? How many days do I have to schedule in advance? Do I need to move furniture? Are there any other preparations that I need to take?
	Do you offer installation? If not, do you have a list of licensed installers &/or contractors you recommend?	If not, use FindAnyFloor.com's directory search tool, "Find it Locally", to find a local flooring professional, installer (contractor), or cleaner.