Love the look of wood? There’s more than one way to get it.
Laminate flooring gives you the look of wood in a surface designed for everyday living. From light, natural-looking planks to deeper, richer colors, there are plenty of ways to give your home a fresh look without choosing traditional hardwood.
At Floors by Michael, we’ll help you sort through the options, find a laminate floor that makes sense for your rooms, and take care of the installation.
Whether you’re updating one bedroom or replacing flooring throughout your home, we’d love to help you get started.
Laminate has become a popular choice for homeowners who want a wood-inspired floor without all the considerations that come with natural hardwood.
Today’s laminate comes in realistic patterns, textured finishes, and a range of plank widths. Some styles have the look of oak, while others offer a more rustic or contemporary appearance.
And because laminate has a protective wear layer, many products are made to handle the scuffs and activity that come with daily life.
Why homeowners like laminate flooring:
Wood-inspired styles: Get the appearance of natural wood in a variety of colors and finishes.
Scratch resistance: Many products have wear layers designed to help resist everyday scratches.
Easy cleaning: Most laminate floors need little more than regular sweeping and manufacturer-recommended cleaning.
Plenty of options: Find styles that work with traditional, farmhouse, and modern interiors.
Practical for busy rooms: Laminate can be a good fit for bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and other areas of your home.
Of course, not every laminate floor is made the same way. We’ll help you compare products instead of choosing one based on appearance alone.
Not all laminate flooring is created equal. From appearance to durability, the right features can make a difference in how your floors look and perform.
Here’s what to consider when choosing laminate:
Color & Texture: Choose from realistic wood-look finishes, natural grain patterns, and colors that complement your home.
Durability: Compare wear ratings and scratch-resistant surfaces designed for busy households.
Water Resistance: Explore products with added protection against everyday spills and moisture.
Plank Size & Style: Find the right plank width, length, and finish to create the look you want.
Not sure where to start? Our in-home shopping service lets you compare laminate samples in your own space, alongside your furniture and lighting.
Sometimes you know exactly when it’s time for new floors. Other times, it’s something you’ve been thinking about every time you walk into the room.
Maybe your old laminate has started to separate. Maybe the carpet has seen better days. Or maybe you’re simply tired of the flooring you chose years ago.
You might be ready for new laminate flooring if:
Your current floors have scratches, chips, or worn spots.
Planks are swelling, separating, or showing damage.
You’re replacing old carpet with a hard-surface floor.
Your flooring no longer works with the rest of your home’s style.
You want something easier to keep clean.
Whatever has you thinking about a change, we’ll help you figure out what comes next.
From muddy shoes to playful pets and occasional spills, your floors need to keep up with your household. Laminate offers practical features that make it worth considering for busy homes.
Scratch Resistance: Many laminate products have protective wear layers designed to handle everyday foot traffic and pet activity.
Spill Protection: Water-resistant options help protect against everyday spills when cleaned up promptly. Protection varies by product.
Easy Maintenance: Regular sweeping, vacuuming, and manufacturer-recommended cleaning help keep your floors looking their best.
If moisture is a bigger concern, explore our waterproof flooring and luxury vinyl plank options.
We’ll help you compare products so you can find laminate flooring that fits the way your family lives.
The cost of laminate flooring installation depends on the product you choose and what needs to happen before your new floors can go down.
Four things can affect your project cost:
Laminate product: Plank thickness, design, wear layer, and moisture-resistant features can affect material costs.
Underlayment: Your flooring may require separate underlayment, or it may come with attached padding.
Baseboards and trim: Existing trim may need to be adjusted, removed, or replaced.
Old flooring removal: Removing carpet, vinyl, or other flooring may be part of your project.
We’ll go over those details with you so you understand what’s involved before moving forward.
Interested in payment options? Learn about flooring financing.
Both laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) offer realistic wood-look styles, but they differ in construction, moisture resistance, and installation.
Laminate Flooring: Typically has a wood-based core and a protective wear layer that helps resist everyday scratches and wear. Moisture protection varies by product.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: Made with synthetic materials, LVP often provides greater moisture resistance, making it worth considering for kitchens, entryways, and other spill-prone areas.
Which is right for your home? It depends on your lifestyle, budget, and where the flooring will go. We’ll help you compare both options and choose what works best for your space.
Explore our luxury vinyl plank flooring and hardwood flooring, or browse all flooring options.
Proper installation starts with a well-prepared subfloor. Our laminate floor installers handle the details to help your new flooring look great and perform as intended.
Here’s what to expect:
Preparation: We’ll review measurements, subfloor conditions, and any existing flooring that needs to be removed.
Installation: Our team installs your laminate according to manufacturer requirements, including underlayment, expansion spacing, and transitions.
Finishing Touches: We’ll complete the finishing details and review how to care for your new floors.
A typical laminate flooring installation takes 7 to 10 days, depending on your project and preparation needs.
Floors by Michael helps homeowners shop for laminate flooring and plan professional installation across Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
Fort Wayne, IN: Explore laminate flooring styles and installation options for your home.
Metro Detroit, MI: Helping homeowners in Ann Arbor, Livonia, Canton, Novi, Westland, and nearby communities.
Toledo, OH: Laminate flooring selection and installation for homeowners in Toledo, Perrysburg, and surrounding areas.
You shouldn’t have to become a flooring expert just to replace the floors in your home.
At Floors by Michael, we believe in taking the time to understand what you want, answering your questions, and helping you find something that works.
We’re a family flooring business with roots in Fort Wayne, and personal service is still an important part of how we do things.
When you work with us, you can expect:
Help comparing laminate products and styles
Convenient in-home flooring shopping
Guidance on materials and installation costs
Professional laminate flooring installation
Clear communication from start to finish
We’d rather help you choose the right floor than push you toward something you don’t need.
Maybe you’ve already found a laminate style you like. Maybe you’re still comparing colors, finishes, and flooring types.
Either way, we’re here to help you figure out what works for your home.
We’ll walk you through the options, explain what installation involves, and help you get started when you’re ready.
Have a question first? Contact Floors by Michael.
Laminate is a hard-surface flooring product available in designs that recreate the appearance of materials such as natural wood. Individual planks typically use an interlocking system, creating a floating floor that isn’t attached directly to the subfloor. The wide selection of colors and patterns gives you plenty of flexibility when coordinating new flooring with your interior.
Many laminate floors use tongue-and-groove or click-lock planks that connect to create a floating surface. The subfloor needs appropriate preparation, and the specific installation instructions depend on the flooring product you select. Our team members will follow the applicable product requirements while fitting the flooring throughout your space.
Waterproof laminate products are available, but you shouldn’t assume every laminate floor provides the same water protection. Some current products are specifically rated as waterproof and approved for rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms. We’ll help you compare waterproof flooring options when moisture resistance is an important part of your project.
Laminate works in many living areas, including bedrooms, hallways, kitchens, and living rooms, when the selected product is approved for that application. Some waterproof products are also designed for bathrooms and basements. Your flooring consultant will help you choose a product suited to the specific room you’re updating.
Underlayment requirements depend on the laminate product and the surface beneath it. Some flooring comes with attached underlayment, while other products require a separate layer before the planks are installed. We’ll account for the manufacturer’s requirements when planning your laminate flooring installation.
Floating laminate generally shouldn’t be installed over another floating laminate floor because movement between the layers could affect the planks and joints. Existing flooring and the subfloor should be evaluated before installation begins, rather than assuming another layer belongs on top. Our team members will plan the project according to the flooring product and conditions in your room.
Acclimation requirements vary by manufacturer and product, so the instructions for your chosen flooring determine what’s required. Some products call for flooring to remain in the installation environment before work starts, while others list no minimum acclimation period. Following the product requirements helps prepare the flooring for installation under your home’s conditions.
Routine cleaning starts with removing dust, dirt, and debris, followed by cleaning methods approved by the flooring manufacturer. You’ll also want to follow the product’s guidance on moisture and cleaning equipment, as recommendations can vary by floor. For example, some waterproof laminate products specifically prohibit steam mops.
The timeline depends on the size and layout of your space, existing flooring, preparation needs, and the laminate product you select. A standard room installation can take a day or two in general, but preparation and product requirements affect the complete schedule. We’ll discuss your project before work begins, so you know what to expect from the installation process.
Save big on your first visit with our limited-time welcome offer. Don’t miss out!
Once you’ve found flooring you love, you don’t want to lose momentum! Our financing options make it easier to move forward with your project now while paying over time, so you can start enjoying your updated space sooner. Don’t let your project stall—and don’t settle for less than the floors you really want.
At Floors by Michael, we provide dependable laminate flooring installation in Fort Wayne, IN, that will give your rooms an attractive and professionally finished foundation. From product selection to installation, our team members will make the process clear and keep your preferences at the center of every decision. Book now to explore laminate floors for your home and discover a style that brings your space together.