The "Tough as Nails" Alternative to Hardwood

Not Your Grandmother’s Laminate

If you haven’t looked at laminate lately, you are in for a shock. Gone are the days of hollow-sounding, plastic-looking floors that peel at the edges. Today’s premium laminate is a high-tech contender that often looks more realistic than vinyl and is tougher than hardwood. At Right This Way Flooring, we carry the new generation of water-resistant, ultra-durable laminates that give you the high-end aesthetic of European Oak for a fraction of the price—perfect for the budget-savvy Boulderite who refuses to compromise on style.

Explore Our Laminate Options

Why Laminate is a Secret Weapon in Colorado

Premium Looks, Practical Prices

Laminate flooring has come a long way from the shiny, obviously fake floors of the past. Today’s premium laminate uses advanced printing technology and realistic textures to create flooring that rivals the appearance of materials costing 3-4 times more.

What you get:

Incredibly durable surface that resists scratches and dents, easy installation often completed in one day, low maintenance (just sweep and mop), budget-friendly beauty that doesn’t look cheap, perfect for Colorado’s climate with no humidity issues.

Hiking Boot Approved (Scratch Resistance)

Your kids can play, pets can run, and furniture can be moved without worrying about expensive damage. Laminate handles family life beautifully.

Sun-Safe Beauty

Unlike real cherry or walnut, which can fade or darken drastically under our high-altitude sun, quality laminate is highly UV-resistant. Your floor will look the same ten years from now as it does today, even in your sunniest room.

The "Solid" Feel

With the right premium underlayment, modern thick (10mm-12mm) laminate feels solid underfoot and sounds like real wood, eliminating that dreaded “click-clack” noise of the past.

Is Laminate Right for You?

Laminate vs. The Alternatives

Laminate vs. Hardwood

This is the big one. Laminate gives you the look of reclaimed barn wood or wide-plank oak without the maintenance. You don’t sand it, you don’t stain it, and you don’t panic when the dog runs across it. It’s the stress-free version of the wood look.

Laminate vs. Luxury Vinyl (LVP)

This is the most common question we get. Vinyl is waterproof; Laminate is scratch-proof. If you have big dogs with sharp claws, laminate is often the more durable choice against scratching. However, if you need a floor for a mudroom or bathroom that gets soaked constantly, Vinyl is still the winner.

Laminate vs. The Budget

Laminate is the “ROI King.” It allows you to install a floor that looks like a $12/sq. ft. custom hardwood for a fraction of the cost, leaving you more budget for that kitchen remodel or basement finish.

Trending Now: The High-Definition Look

E.I.R. Texture (Embossed in Register)

This is tech-speak for “the texture matches the picture.” If you see a knot in the wood grain, you can feel the knot. It tricks the eye and the hand, making it nearly indistinguishable from real timber.

The "Farmhouse" Wide Plank

We are seeing huge demand in Erie and Longmont for rustic, wide-plank laminates (7+ inches) with saw-mark textures that fit the modern farmhouse aesthetic perfectly.

Water-Resistant Technology

New lines now feature hydrophobic seals on the locks (like SpillShield™), meaning spills can sit for up to 24-72 hours without damaging the core. It’s a game-changer for families.

Installing Laminate in Dry Climates

Smart Installation for Smart Spending

Frame 5
Respect the Core

Laminate is made of wood byproducts, so it reacts to humidity. We adhere to strict acclimation protocols (usually 48 hours) to ensure the planks adjust to your home’s dryness before locking them in.

Frame 1 3
The Expansion Gap

We leave a precise gap around the perimeter (hidden by baseboards). This allows the floor to “breathe” and move slightly with Colorado’s seasonal temp swings, preventing buckling.

Frame 2 3
Subfloor Prep

Like LVP, laminate needs a flat surface. We check your subfloor for dips and humps to ensure the locking mechanisms stay tight and secure for the life of the floor.

Frame 3 2
Floating Floor Benefits

 In areas with expansive soil (like Lafayette), a floating laminate floor “rides” out the minor movements of the house foundation better than glued-down options.

What's Included in Budget-Focused Installation

Maximum Value for Your Investment

Starting at $5.49/sq ft all-inclusive.

Every dollar maximizes your return on investment.

Laminate Flooring FAQs

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Is laminate waterproof?

Most modern laminate is “water-resistant,” not fully waterproof. It can handle spilled milk or wet boots if cleaned up reasonably quickly (within 24 hours). For bathrooms with showers, we usually recommend Tile or LVP instead.

Not if installed correctly. The “hollow click” usually comes from cheap, thin laminate or skipping the underlayment. We use premium sound-dampening pads that make the floor sound solid and quiet.

Yes! Because it’s a floating floor, we can un-click the floor back to the damaged wall, swap out the bad plank, and zip it back up. We always recommend buying an extra box for this exact reason.

Absolutely. We only sell laminate that meets strict indoor air quality standards (CARB2 compliant). No harmful formaldehyde emissions—just safe, clean floors.

Easy. Vacuum or dust mop regularly. for a deeper clean, use a laminate-specific spray mop. Avoid “wet mopping” with a bucket of water, and skip the wax or polish—it doesn’t need it!

Our Guarantees

Lifetime Performance Guarantee New

Lifetime Performance

We stand behind the quality of our installation for life

Ontime OnBudget Guarantee

On-Time, On-Budget

The project finishes on time and on budget, or $200/day

What Front Range Families Are Saying

Financing That Makes Sense

0% Interest for Qualified Buyers

Typical laminate projects:

Bedroom

$91/month

Living room

$183/month

Main floor

$366/month

Quick approval, flexible terms, no prepayment penalties. Beautiful floors with payments that work for your family budget.

Ready for Beautiful Floors That Fit Your Budget?

Questions? Email us at hello@rtwflooring.com

Laminate flooring offers the biggest visual impact per dollar spent on home improvements.

Free Consultation, Honest Pricing, No Pressure

Budget consultation to find the perfect balance of beauty and affordability, product samples to take home, transparent pricing, exact completion date, expert guidance without pressure to overspend.

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