Laminate…

Look for a thick wear layer – it’s more scratch resistant. And, look sharp! There are “3 strip” styles that imitate wood planks and are available at a great price. Once installed however, they may look artificial. Balance this against price and check your pattern repeat too. You don’t want a lot of identical boards ending up next to one another!

Overall board thickness is NOT an indication of quality but, a ¼” to ½” plank helps with transitions to existing floors. You can install laminate over radiant heat using a low R-value pad and there are other pad options to help create a moisture barrier or improve sound deadening. Clean with a damp rag (NEVER wet mop). Some manufacturers recommend using nail polish remover for tough stains (check with yours first).