The essentials in 30 seconds
The best laminate flooring is the one with the right wear class for the room. Under the EN 13329 standard, the class is shown on the packaging as a pictogram: 21 = moderate use (bedrooms), 22 = normal use (living rooms), 23 = heavy use (stairwells); 31 to 34 are for commercial areas, and the higher the number, the heavier the load the floor can take. Beyond that, look at moisture protection (the EPLF mentions hydrophobic edge treatment against moisture getting into the joints), footfall sound (integrated or separate underlay) and the care it needs. The EPLF warns that cheap products may not meet even the minimum requirements of EN 13329.
- Laminate has a wood-based core: water in the joints makes it swell.
- Bathrooms are wet rooms: some manufacturers, such as Tarkett, say their laminate is not suitable there.
- Never wax or polish laminate.
Laminate wear classes explained
| Class | Use | Example rooms |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Home, moderate | Bedrooms |
| 22 | Home, normal | Living rooms |
| 23 | Home, heavy | Stairwells |
| 31–34 | Commercial | Heavily frequented commercial areas |
The higher the class, the heavier the loading the floor can withstand. Choose the class for the busiest room the floor will cover, and look for the pictograms on the pack.
How to choose the best laminate flooring
-
01
Room and traffic
Choose the wear class for the busiest room where it will go.
-
02
Standard
Look for the EN 13329 classification and pictograms on the pack.
-
03
Moisture
For kitchens, look for edge protection against moisture and plan to wipe spills straight away.
-
04
Wet rooms
Check the manufacturer's rules; for bathrooms, compare with vinyl flooring.
-
05
Sound
Integrated footfall sound insulation, or a separate underlay suited to the floor.
-
06
Look
Synchronised textures and printing make wood and stone effects more realistic.
-
07
Care
Make sure the routine suits you: no wet mopping, no wax.
-
08
Installation
Click systems are designed for DIY, but follow the instructions.
Is laminate flooring water-resistant?
Laminate's core is mainly high-density fibreboard, a wood product. The EPLF explains that water penetrating the joints causes unsightly swelling, and Tarkett describes laminate as water-resistant but not waterproof: suitable for semi-moist rooms like kitchens, with spills wiped up at once and joints sealed with silicone sealer to reduce the risk, but not for bathrooms. Features such as hydrophobic edge treatment add protection against moisture getting into the edges, and the EPLF notes they come at a higher price.
Footfall sound and underlays
Laminate can sound hollow underfoot. Since around 2000, manufacturers have used loose or integrated underlays to reduce footfall noise, and the technical specification CEN/TS 16354 standardises the data for underlay materials (dimensions, mechanical and thermal properties, sound, fire, emissions and moisture resistance). Check which underlay the floor's manufacturer recommends.
How to keep laminate floors looking good
The EPLF's care advice:
- Dust and dirt: a brush or a vacuum cleaner suitable for hard floors.
- Wiping: now and then with a very slightly damp cloth, wrung out thoroughly; no water in the joints.
- Cleaner: a laminate floor cleaner added to the water.
- Never use floor wax or polish: they do not adhere to the surface and leave marks, streaks and lines.
For the full routine, see how to clean laminate floors properly.
Best laminate flooring: frequently asked questions
What is the best laminate flooring?
The one with the right wear class for the room, EN 13329 classification, moisture protection suited to where it goes and an underlay that controls noise.
What wear class do I need for a stairwell or busy area?
Class 23 (heavy home use). The EPLF gives 21 for bedrooms and 22 for living rooms.
Can I use laminate flooring in a kitchen?
Many manufacturers allow it as a semi-moist room. Wipe spills straight away and consider sealed or moisture-protected joints.
Can laminate go in a bathroom?
Tarkett, for example, says its laminate is not suitable for bathrooms. Vinyl is usually a better choice there.
Is cheap laminate flooring worth it?
The EPLF warns that some cheap products do not meet the minimum requirements of the EN 13329 standard. Check the classification on the pack.
Sources
Industry association and manufacturer information, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- EPLF · Laminate flooring FAQ ↗EN 13329 wear classes 21–23 for homes and 31–34 for commercial use with examples; pictograms on the packaging; cheap products below EN 13329; hydrophobic edge treatment and integrated footfall insulation; care with a brush or vacuum and a very slightly damp cloth; no wax or polish; swelling from water in the joints.
- EPLF · About laminate and wear classes ↗History of laminate, wear class 34 in EN 13329; HDF substrates; loose and integrated underlays; CEN/TS 16354 for underlays; synchronous pore printing.
- Tarkett · Laminate flooring in bathrooms ↗Sealed HDF; suitable for kitchens, not bathrooms; water-resistant but not waterproof; wiping spills; sealing joints with silicone.
Not sure which class you need?
Choose by the busiest room the floor will cover, and check the pictograms on the pack before buying.