Having arrived from Europe over a decade ago, laminate flooring has become the flooring of choice for many homeowners due to its ability to closely emulate today's most popular hard surfaces at a fraction of the cost. Using photographs, laminates lock in the realism of a hardwood strip, weathered or natural stone and traditional brick.
Laminate’s real claim to fame is it durability and ease of maintenance. Since most come with an aluminum oxide wearlayer – one of the hardest substances known to man – it can stand up to kids, pets, traffic and more.