Choosing Laminate Flooring: Northern Michigan Buyer’s Guide
Beautiful wood looks at half the price of hardwood price — and far more durable than it was 10 years ago.
At Kiss Carpet Design Center, laminate is the smart choice for rentals, lower-level rec rooms, first homes, and anywhere you want gorgeous floors on a real-world budget. Here’s everything Northern Michigan homeowners need to know in 2025.
Why Laminate Still Makes Sense in 2025
- Realistic wood & stone looks — most guests think it’s hardwood until you tell them
- Excellent scratch and fade resistance (perfect for pets and sunny cottages)
- Quick, clean floating installation — often completed in one day
- Budget-friendly — typically $6–$11 per sq ft installed
- Easy to replace individual boards if ever damaged
- Works great over concrete basements and radiant heat
2025 Laminate Buying Checklist – Don’t Get Stuck with 2015 Technology
| Feature | Avoid (Cheap) | Good | Best for Northern Michigan Homes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Rating (scratch resistance) | AC1–AC3 | AC4 | AC5 commercial grade |
| Thickness | 7–8 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm+ with pre-attached pad |
| Core | MDF | HDF | High-density or water-resistant core |
| Water Resistance | None | Splash-resistant | 24–72 hr waterproof models |
| Texture | Smooth print | Light texture | Deep EIR (embossed-in-register) |
| Warranty | 10–15 yrs | 25 yrs | Lifetime residential |
Best Laminate vs. Luxury Vinyl vs. Hardwood – Quick Northern Michigan Comparison
- Choose Laminate if: You want the lowest price, excellent scratch resistance, and don’t have standing water risks.
- Choose Luxury Vinyl if: You need 100 % waterproof (kitchens, bathrooms, lake cottages).
- Choose Hardwood if: You want real wood you can sand and refinish for 50+ years.
Best Laminate Brands We Carry & Recommend
- Mohawk RevWood Plus – waterproof options, lifetime warranty, gorgeous wide planks
- Pergo WetProtect – true 72-hour waterproof with lifetime surface warranty
- Shaw Repel – water-resistant, AC5 rating, amazing oak visuals
- Quick-Step Livyn – extra-quiet with attached pad, soft underfoot
Laminate & Allergies / Asthma
Laminate is naturally hypoallergenic — no fibers to harbor dust mites or pet dander. Sweep or vacuum weekly and occasional damp-mopping is all it needs. All of our laminates are FloorScore® certified for low VOCs.
Installation & Subfloor Notes for Northern Michigan Homes
- Floats over almost any flat subfloor — concrete, plywood, even existing tile
- Works beautifully with radiant heat (check manufacturer specs)
- We use our own certified crews and back every job with a lifetime installation warranty
Simple Care That Keeps Laminate Looking New for 25+ Years
- Vacuum or sweep regularly (no beater bar)
- Damp-mop only — never wet-mop or steam clean
- Use felt pads on furniture legs
- Keep humidity between 35–55 % year-round
Ready to see how realistic today’s laminate looks in your own light?
Stop by any of our three showrooms in Mancelona, Traverse City, or Harbor Springs showrooms, …or schedule your free in-home measure today.. We’ll bring big samples right to you — the same week.
We treat you like family because, at Kiss Carpet, you are.
– The Roberts Family & the entire Kiss Carpet Team