If you are updating floors in your LaGrange home this year, laminate deserves a close look. Today's laminate looks remarkably like real hardwood, stands up to kids and pets, and costs far less than many other options. Newer products even offer strong water resistance, which matters in a region with snowy winters and humid summers. At NPN Flooring, our family-owned team has installed floors across Chicago's western suburbs for more than 27 years. This guide covers what you need to know before you buy laminate in 2026.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate is a multi-layer floor made of:
A wear layer that protects against scratches and fading.
A design layer with a high-resolution image of wood or stone.
A core made of high-density fiberboard or a water-resistant composite.
A backing layer that adds stability.
The result is a durable floor with a realistic look, installed as a floating floor that clicks together.
Why Laminate Works for LaGrange Homes
LaGrange is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets and busy family life. Laminate suits all of it:
Scratch resistance. Laminate's hard surface handles dog claws, toys and moving chairs better than many floors.
Realistic looks. Embossed textures mimic real wood grain.
Value. It offers the look of hardwood at a lower total cost.
Easy care. Sweeping and a damp mop keep it looking fresh.
Faster installation. Most rooms can be done quickly with little disruption.
Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof Laminate
This is one of the most important choices in 2026. Standard laminate handles everyday spills if you wipe them up quickly, but standing water can cause swelling. Water-resistant and waterproof laminate add sealed edges and moisture-resistant cores that protect against spills for many hours.
For kitchens, entryways, laundry rooms and finished basements, a waterproof product is the smart choice. For bedrooms and living rooms, standard laminate often works well.
Understanding AC Ratings and Thickness
AC ratings measure durability:
AC3: Good for all residential rooms, including busy living areas.
AC4: Great for very active homes and light commercial use.
AC5: Built for heavy commercial traffic.
Thickness usually ranges from about 7mm to 12mm. Thicker planks feel more solid underfoot and sound more like real wood.
Popular Laminate Styles for 2026
Warm natural oak tones that suit older homes and modern updates alike.
Wide planks that make rooms feel larger and calmer.
Light, Scandinavian-inspired finishes that brighten darker rooms.
Textured and hand-scraped surfaces that hide everyday wear.
Stone-look laminate for kitchens and entries.
You can explore our full range of laminate flooring online to compare colors and plank widths.
Laminate and the Chicago-Area Climate
Our winters bring dry indoor air from furnaces, while summers bring high humidity. Laminate expands and contracts slightly with these changes, so proper installation matters. Our installers leave the right expansion gaps, choose the correct underlayment and let planks acclimate before installation. A humidifier in winter and a dehumidifier in damp basements in summer help keep your floor stable year-round.
Underlayment Matters
The underlayment sits beneath the laminate and affects comfort, sound and moisture protection. Some products have it attached; others need a separate layer. In basements, a moisture barrier is essential. Our team provides underlayment as part of our installation service and will recommend the right one for your home.
What About Pets?
LaGrange is a dog-loving town. Laminate is one of the best choices for pet owners because of its hard wear layer. Choose a textured finish for better traction and a waterproof product to protect against accidents.
Laminate vs. Other Options
Laminate vs. hardwood: Laminate costs less and resists scratches better, while hardwood can be refinished many times.
Laminate vs. luxury vinyl: Vinyl is softer and fully waterproof, while laminate offers a harder surface and a more realistic wood texture.
Laminate vs. carpet: Laminate is easier to clean and better for allergies, while carpet feels warmer underfoot.
Budgeting for Your Project
The total cost depends on the product, the size of the area, subfloor repairs and removal of old flooring. NPN Flooring offers free in-home estimates with clear pricing, and our change control process means no surprises if your project scope changes.
Installation You Can Trust
As a family-owned company, we are present on your job site, we keep projects on schedule and we never cut corners. Furniture removal and subfloor repair are available to make your installation smooth from start to finish.
Room-by-Room Laminate Tips
In living rooms and dining rooms, a warm wood-look laminate with a matte finish gives a classic feel that suits LaGrange's older homes. In kitchens, choose a waterproof product with a textured surface for better grip. In bedrooms, a thicker plank with attached underlayment keeps rooms quiet and comfortable. In entryways and mudrooms, pair waterproof laminate with a good mat to catch snow and salt during winter. Using the same laminate across connected rooms creates a smooth, open flow, while transition strips handle changes between rooms and other flooring types.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Ask about the warranty, the AC rating and whether the product is water resistant or fully waterproof. Ask whether underlayment is attached, how the planks handle stairs and what trim options are available. Our design consultants will answer every question in plain language, so you can make a confident choice for your LaGrange home and your budget. We can also bring samples to your home so you can see each color in your own light and compare plank widths in the actual room.
Get Started on Your New Floors
Our Brookfield showroom at 9311 Ogden Ave is a short drive from LaGrange and open by appointment seven days a week. Call or text (630) 206-3173, or reach out to us to schedule your free in-home estimate for laminate flooring in your LaGrange home.
