There are many advantages of hard flooring, and when it comes to the cream of the crop, hardwood comes in at the top in many people’s minds. There is nothing quite like the look of real hardwood flooring, and it’s versatile too. Consumers can choose their favorite species, colors and even texture of the floor. However, there are some limitations of hardwood flooring. It’s typically priced higher than other hard flooring alternatives, it doesn’t deal well with moisture, and requires a certain amount of maintenance.

For those who want a similar look to real hardwood flooring, but have other cost and performance needs, there are a couple of options to consider. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a popular and easy-to-install product with many advantages, including moisture-resistant options. You can learn more about luxury vinyl flooring here.

Another tried-and-true option is laminate flooring featuring favorite wood looks to suit traditional to modern design tastes. Here we’ll take a look at today’s most popular laminate picks, as well as the advantages and limitation of this flooring choice, to help determine if a laminate flooring resembling hardwood is the right pick for your home.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a synthetic flooring option that’s been popular since the 1970s. Since then, laminate floorings have improved drastically, in durability and performance, as well as color and pattern options.

Style Options

Laminate floors offer realistic tile flooring looks that you’ll find in many kitchens across the country, as well as throughout people’s homes. However, it’s the wood-look floorings that are on our radar for 2022. Due to improvements in printing technology (laminate patterns are literally printed on the top layer of the flooring), there are more and more options on the market. You can pick from all the popular species used for authentic hardwood flooring. For a traditional look, consider an oak pattern in a warm beige or brown color. Hickory patterns will resemble the warm and worn pattern of this species; while maple, pine and cherry each bring distinctive looks and characters to your space.

Let’s talk about color! When it comes to wood-look laminates, color options abound. Gray has been a popular interior choice for all kinds of items, from wall colors to furniture and even décor, and it continues to be a popular flooring choice as well. Gray wood-look laminate flooring can complement different design styles, from casual farmhouse to sleek and contemporary homes. While gray floors will continue to be a popular choice, many are predicting warmer neutrals to be big hitters in the new year—whether it’s grays with warm undertones, beiges, taupes or other creamy colors.

A few other hot trends for 2022? Whitewashed floors are popular due to their ability to brighten up a room and mix well with a variety of styles and furnishings. High-variation planks offer a bold choice that looks both very welcoming and current. Distressed wood flooring looks bring character and charm into a home, and they are a good fit for trendy styles such as cottagecore and Grandmillennial looks. You may also consider a laminate that comes in wide planks that are a bit nostalgic but with current colors and patterns so they don’t look outdated. Chevron patterns are also available to bring some interest and a unique feel into your room, while still complementing many furnishings and design styles.

Laminate floors are also available in different textures that can impact the overall appearance of the flooring. A flat texture is just what it sounds like; while a wood-grain texture will resemble the classic appearance and feel of etched wood floors. Embossed texture takes it a step further, featuring ridges to resemble a more worn wood floor that’s rich in character and charm. There are also laminate floors available to mimic the handscraped look and feel of some of today’s most popular rustic wood choices.

What are the advantages of laminate flooring?

If you truly love the look of real hardwood, then it may be worth the investment and maintenance that authentic wood flooring requires. However, if you like the look of wood but are open to different flooring options, there are several considerations to factor in to your choice. Here are some of the reasons you may opt for a wood-look laminate flooring.

• Durability – Laminate can resist a lot of wear and damage, making it an ideal option even for high-traffic areas, including commercial applications.
• Scratch resistance – It isn’t as susceptible to scratches and dents as some other flooring types such as hard wood.
• Water resistance – Some manufacturers offer water-resistant laminate options. While these are not considered waterproof, water resistant laminates are built to withstand some topical moisture.
• Ease of maintenance –Regular sweeping and dry mopping or wiping with a damp cloth is typically all that’s needed.
• Comfort underfoot – Laminates are considered a softer feeling flooring and are more comfortable for standing on for extended periods compared with authentic hardwood and tile flooring.
• Ease of installation – Laminate flooring uses an interlocking design. It is considered a floating flooring system and, because of this, it can be installed by a professional or completed by a competent DIY-er.
• Cost effective – Laminates vary in cost according to the type and manufacturer, but they are typically significantly lower cost than hardwood or tile floors, with similar looks available to these more expensive options.

Whether you are opting in to laminate for the performance benefits or the myriad style options, these floors are a home upgrade you can make in 2022 that you can enjoy for years—and countless steps—to come.