Why Laminate Flooring Still Deserves a Place in Your Indianapolis Home (Even in the Age of LVP)

We get it. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is the Taylor Swift of flooring right now. Everyone’s talking about it. Everyone’s installing it. And it does have its perks — it’s waterproof, pet-friendly, and looks good in photos (just like Taylor).

But before you start ripping out your old floors and jumping on the LVP bandwagon, we want to give some overdue credit to a classic: laminate flooring.

Because believe it or not, laminate still brings a lot to the table — especially in Indiana homes, where we’re dealing with all four seasons, muddy dog paws, salty snow boots, and the occasional wrestling match in the living room during a Colts game.

Let’s break it down.

🏡 When Laminate Flooring Actually Makes More Sense

1. You’re on a Budget but Still Want the “Wow” Look

Laminate flooring has come a long way in recent years. Today’s laminate mimics hardwood textures beautifully, and the price point is easier on your wallet than most high-end LVP or hardwood.

So if you’re trying to get that "HGTV living room glow-up" without refinancing your house — laminate’s your guy.

2. Your Home Stays Mostly Dry

Laminate isn’t fully waterproof like some types of LVP, but if you’re not dealing with kids dumping bathwater onto the hallway floor or floods in the basement, you’re probably good to go. Indiana’s climate means we have dry seasons (hello, cracked knuckles in February) — and in many homes, laminate holds up great as long as there’s not standing water.

Think: bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and even dining spaces. Not: bathrooms with toddlers or basements that flood when a squirrel sneezes.

3. You Want That “Click-Clack” Sound Gone

Here’s a little insider secret: laminate often feels softer and warmer underfoot compared to some rigid LVP options. And with a good underlayment (which we help with, by the way), you can get a quieter, more natural step — without that weird echo you sometimes get with vinyl.

4. You Like Things That Are Easy to Clean and Durable

Good laminate has a strong wear layer that resists scratches and dents from pets, furniture, and your Roomba who’s clearly training for demolition derby. Plus, cleanup is easy: sweep, vacuum, and an occasional damp mop.

🌦️ But What About Indiana Weather?

Ah, Indiana. Where it can be 75 and sunny on Monday and snowing sideways by Wednesday.

Laminate handles Indiana’s mood swings surprisingly well — especially when it’s installed correctly with expansion gaps and quality underlayment. Because it’s a floating floor, it allows for subtle movement with humidity changes, which is ideal in homes that don’t have perfectly consistent humidity control.

Just don’t forget: proper installation matters. (Call your helpful flooring store… we know a guy. It’s us. We’re the guy.)

🛠️ How to Know What Kind of Laminate to Buy (Without Losing Your Mind)

When you walk into a flooring store or scroll online, you’ll see hundreds of options. It can get overwhelming fast. Here’s a simple breakdown to help:

✅ Check the AC Rating

The “AC” number (Abrasion Criteria) tells you how durable the laminate is. For most homes, an AC3 or AC4 is perfect. If you’ve got five kids, three dogs, and a trampoline in the living room… maybe AC5.

✅ Look for Water Resistance

Some laminate brands now offer water-resistant options — ideal for busy households. Just remember: water-resistant ≠ waterproof. Still, it's a nice backup if your dog takes a surprise leak.

✅ Go Thick or Go Home (Kinda)

Thicker laminate (12mm or more) feels more like real hardwood underfoot, and it tends to be more stable and durable. Pair it with a quality underlayment for maximum comfort and sound control.

✅ Pay Attention to Texture

Embossed or hand-scraped laminates look way more realistic than the shiny, plastic-feeling ones. You want people saying “Is this hardwood?” not “Oh... laminate.”

🎯 So, Should You Still Consider Laminate?

If your home isn’t a splash zone and you want high style without breaking the bank — laminate is 100% still a solid option. Especially here in Indy, where our weather keeps us guessing and our homes do it all — host parties, raise families, store muddy boots, and provide comfort year-round.

And hey, if you want someone to walk you through the options (without upselling you or talking down to you), come by J. Michael Flooring, your helpful flooring store on the east side of Indianapolis.

We’ll help you figure out what’s best for your home — whether that’s laminate, LVP, hardwood, or just a better rug to cover your current situation. No judgment. Just good advice.

Got questions? Want samples? Or just want to see what your space could look like with the right floor?Shoot us a message, give us a call, or stop in. We’re not here to sell you something trendy. We’re here to help you find something right.