Vancouver Laminate Flooring
Practical & Affordable Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is the most anti-scratch flooring option after tile and stone. Laminate flooring is more anti-scratch than luxury vinyl, and luxury vinyl is more anti-scratch than your typical Hardwood flooring. Laminate is not just a durable flooring option but also economical. The price of laminate usually is determined by where it was made, the scratch rating number, embossing, overall thickness, and locking mechanism.
Anti-Scratch Rating and Locking Mechanism
An AC number rates the anti-scratch rating of laminate. The higher the AC number, the more resilient a laminate flooring is. Most laminates in the Canadian market have AC3 to AC4 ratings. AC5, the highest rating you can give to a laminate, is usually considered a commercial product. However, the AC rating shouldn’t be your only deciding factor. One of the most important factors is the locking system of laminate flooring. For Example, the Uniclic® locking system offered by Torlys is considered one of the best locking mechanisms in the flooring world. This locking system allows you to remove a particular plank in the middle of a floor without removing the nearest baseboard and back paddle. Laminates with weak locking systems are almost nightmares for flooring installers as they continue to break during installation.


Laminate Flooring and Water
The surface of all laminates is water-proof. However, the HDF core is typically not. When water is allowed to sit on a surface of laminate flooring, gravity will eventually cause the water to get to the core. This is another reason a superior laminate locking system is vital in laminate selection. A sound-locking system holds the water on top without allowing it to get to the core for much longer. This can be extremely helpful in a dishwasher flood called “the laminate flooring killer” in the industry. In recent years, there has been a tremendous amount of improvement when it comes to the water-proofing characteristics of this flooring option. Various flooring manufacturers have devised different techniques to improve this aspect of laminate. One of the best water-proofing technologies is the Richmond Atroguard, a mind-boggling flooring product for all of us in the industry. Atroguard laminate’s core is water-proof, allowing you to install this product in full bathrooms or wet mop without worry. Also, this product can be installed up to 4300 SF without a transition due to its high stability in typical expansions and contractions. The Spillshield of Mannington is another incredible technology offered. This technology respells water from the four sides of the board. However, when it comes to the Spillshield series of Mannington or Nature Tek series of Torlys, the room’s perimeter has to be properly sealed so you don’t have any water getting to the core.
We are committed to a healthy environment and sustainable business practices. We only support suppliers that practice these values so that you can feel good about your purchase from us! Visit our North Vancouver flooring showroom today!




We are an award-winning company and active members of BCFCA (BC Floor Covering Association) and NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association). We take pride in keeping up to date and constantly increasing our knowledge in the flooring and cabinetry industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer our services in most of the Lower Mainland.
Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam
Richmond
Sechelt
Gibsons
Delta
Surrey
Anmore
Port moody
Maple Ridge
New Westminster
White Rock
Surrey
Delta
We’re only going to suggest quality European or American-made products at our flooring store.
- Quickstep Nature TEK series by Torlys
- Mannington Restoration collection
- Mohawk RevWood
All three have their own unique features and are considered water-resistant quality laminate flooring.
Yes, all our flooring installers are in-house and have extensive experience in the flooring industry. It’s not just about having the right flooring but also about how you install them. Our in-house team of professionals takes pride and care for your home like they do their own because that matters most to us!
The price of laminate installation is \$2-2.75 SF for most flooring stores in Metro Vancouver. It depends on the company and the installer’s experience level.
However, you must consider the following factors as well for the total cost:
- Existing floor removal and disposal
- Baseboards
- Transitions and trims
- Subfloor preparation and levelling
- Generally, not good with water
- It can’t be refinished
- Not repairable
- Not natural
- Off-gassing could be an issue with cheaper products.
No, you’re not supposed to wet mop your laminate flooring. You can use a damp cloth for the areas that need more attention. However, the newer series in the market are water-resistant and considered highly durable against moisture and wet mopping.
Laminate is more anti-scratch than your average hardwood floors. It also used to be considered more anti-scratch than vinyl flooring. However, luxury vinyl has come a long way in terms of anti-scratch ratings, depending on what kind of vinyl you’re comparing to.
No, that’s the wrong perception in the market. The Made in Germany laminate options in town are considered average at best.
Yes, you don’t need to worry about fading when it comes to your laminate floor.
- AC rating (wear rating)
- Locking system
- Where it’s made
- Thickness
- The density of the core
- Embossing
For Quality laminate flooring, contact Canadian Home Style in North Vancouver. We are the authorized flooring dealer of high-quality products such as Torlys, Mannington, Aquafix, Richmond, and Mohawk.