Shopping for new floors can be exciting but also challenging. I’ve learned that not all laminate flooring is made the same. Some brands look great at first but start to peel, crack, or fade way too fast. Others don’t hold up to daily wear and tear, which is not what anyone wants after spending time and money on a new floor.
In this blog, I’ll share the laminate flooring brands I think you should avoid. I’m not here to scare you—to help you make a smart choice.
I’ve examined common problems people face, such as poor quality, bad reviews, and weak warranties. If a brand repeatedly shows up with the same issues, it’s worth discussing.
What Makes a Laminate Flooring Brand Bad?
Laminate flooring can look great when it’s new. But over time, some brands don’t hold up well. I’ve read tons of reviews and talked to people who’ve had bad experiences. They all say similar things.
Some brands use cheap materials. This can cause the top layer to peel or crack. Others have weak locking systems, which means the planks don’t stay together. You might notice gaps between boards after only a few months. Some laminate brands also claim to be waterproof—but in reality, even a small spill can ruin the floor.
Another red flag is poor customer support. If something goes wrong and you can’t get help from the company, you’re stuck with the problem. And then some warranties sound good but don’t actually cover anything helpful.
These are the main signs of bad laminate flooring, and I considered them when putting this list together.
Laminate Flooring Brands to Avoid
1. TrafficMaster
TrafficMaster is a budget-friendly laminate brand sold mainly at Home Depot. At first glance, it seems like a great deal—it’s cheap, comes in many styles, and is easy to find. But many buyers find out later that they got what they paid for—and not in a good way.
Why People Avoid It:
The most common issue with TrafficMaster is poor durability. The planks are thin, which makes them more likely to bend, chip, or crack. I’ve seen reviews from people who say the floor started showing wear after only a few months. That’s not great for a floor you walk on every day.
The surface also scratches easily. If you have pets, you’ll probably start to see claw marks fast. Even dragging a chair can leave scuffs. Many people also say that water gets into the seams, causing the edges to swell or lift.
Common Complaints:
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Planks don’t lock tightly.
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Edges chip during installation.
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Water gets under the seams and causes swelling.
If you’re putting floors in a high-traffic area, TrafficMaster may not last long.
2. Dream Home by Lumber Liquidators (now LL Flooring)
Dream Home is one of the laminate flooring lines sold by LL Flooring, which used to be called Lumber Liquidators. On the surface, this brand sounds promising. The styles are modern, the pricing is low, and the product names often include words like “premium” or “durable.”
Why People Avoid It:
Unfortunately, Dream Home has had serious quality control problems. Some of their floors were even recalled in the past due to safety concerns. That’s never a good sign.
The planks are often thin and can come out of the box warped or damaged. Many customers also report that the finish scratches off quickly, leaving dull patches. Some say it doesn’t even take heavy foot traffic to cause this, just daily use.
Common Complaints:
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The floor feels hollow when walked on.
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Chips easily around the edges.
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Some planks came warped or cracked.
It might be cheap, but many say it’s not worth the risk.
3. NuCore
NuCore is a private label brand sold by Floor & Decor. It’s marketed as a waterproof flooring option, which makes it very appealing. It comes in wood-look styles and is often cheaper than other “waterproof” brands.
Why People Avoid It:
The problem is that NuCore isn’t truly waterproof for every situation. While the top layer may resist small spills, many users say water gets between the planks and causes swelling. This is especially common near kitchens or bathrooms.
Another issue is the locking system. It can be hard to install evenly, and if the planks aren’t 100% flush, water can easily seep through. Once that happens, it’s nearly impossible to fix.
The top layer also peels or wears off with use. Some customers say the floor looked great at first, but within months, it faded and started feeling soft underfoot.
Common Complaints:
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Doesn’t hold up to pets or kids.
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The planks don’t fit evenly.
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Warranty is hard to claim.
If you want true waterproof flooring, NuCore may not be your best bet.
4. Select Surfaces
Select Surfaces is sold at Sam’s Club and is popular because it’s easy to grab in-store and is priced low. It even claims to have a thick wear layer and a water-resistant surface.
Why People Avoid It:
While it sounds good, many people run into problems during and after installation. The locking mechanism can be hard to use. If you don’t get it just right, the planks don’t stay locked. That can cause shifting and gaps later on.
The floor also scratches more easily than advertised. Families with kids or pets often report surface damage within weeks. Some also mention that the finish looks dull and plastic-like, making the floor feel cheap even when it’s new.
Common Complaints:
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Corners lift over time.
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Doesn’t look real.
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Water damage happens fast.
You might save money up front, but you could pay more in the long run.
5. Pergo (Budget Lines)
Pergo is one of the most well-known laminate flooring brands. They helped make laminate floors popular in the first place. While Pergo has high-quality options, their budget lines are not the same story.
Why People Avoid It:
The biggest issue with cheaper Pergo lines is inconsistency. Some planks are fine, while others are warped or poorly made. The wear layer is also thinner, which means the surface scratches and fades quickly.
Many customers also feel misled by the warranty. It sounds like it covers damage, but if you read the fine print, it often doesn’t cover water, pets, or daily wear.
Common Complaints:
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The surface wears down after a year or two.
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Doesn’t do well with spills.
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Pieces don’t always line up right.
Pergo is a well-known name, but I don’t trust all their products. Do your homework first.
6. AquaGuard
Another private-label brand from Floor & Decor, AquaGuard promises water resistance and easy care. But many buyers say it doesn’t live up to the hype.
Why People Avoid It:
First, the price is higher than other laminate options, so expectations are also higher. But customers often say it performs like a cheaper floor. Some planks arrive with uneven edges or warped shapes, making installation frustrating.
The “waterproof” claim doesn’t always hold up. If water sits on the floor too long, the seams can swell or lift. And once that happens, the floor looks uneven and feels soft in spots.
Common Complaints:
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Looks good at first, but fades quickly.
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The warranty doesn’t help much.
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Some planks are uneven or bowed.
If you want water protection, this brand might let you down.
7. Allen + Roth Laminate
Allen + Roth is a store brand from Lowe’s. It’s well known for lighting and furniture, but their laminate flooring doesn’t have the best track record.
Why People Avoid It:
Buyers often say the planks look good in the box but disappoint once installed. The texture can feel plastic-like, and the color may look flat. Over time, the surface wears out quickly, especially in high-traffic areas.
Another issue is the locking system. It can be hard to use, and planks may not fit tightly. This leads to shifting and popping sounds when walked on. Some people also report swelling and warping from minor water spills.
Common Complaints:
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Looks dull after cleaning.
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Water stains are common.
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Doesn’t hold up well under furniture.
It may look nice at first, but it’s not built to last.
8. Style Selections
Style Selections is another Lowe’s brand that offers laminate flooring in many styles and colors. It’s one of the cheapest options, and that’s part of the problem.
Why People Avoid It:
The materials used are very thin. This makes the planks more likely to break, chip, or warp. Many customers also say the top layer starts to peel, even without much use.
Water resistance is poor, even though it’s sometimes advertised as moisture-friendly. A small spill can cause the edges to puff up and make the floor feel uneven. Color fading is also common, especially in bright rooms.
Common Complaints:
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Doesn’t handle moisture well.
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Color fades in the sun.
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Installation can be frustrating.
If you want flooring that lasts, Style Selections might not be it.
Signs of a Bad Laminate Floor Brand
If you see these signs, it’s best to avoid that brand:
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Many negative reviews online.
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Short or unclear warranty.
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Thin planks under 8mm.
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No water protection.
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Looks fake or cheap.
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Sellers push big discounts often (a red flag).
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Poor support when things go wrong.
Always check these before buying.
How to Pick a Better Laminate Flooring Brand
Now that you know what to avoid, here’s how to find a good one:
1. Read Reviews: Check what real people say after months or years of use.
2. Check the Warranty: Look for at least 10 years for residential use. Make sure it covers water and wear.
3. Look for Thick Planks: 12mm or thicker planks feel better and last longer.
4. Ask About Water Resistance: Look for brands with sealed edges and water-resistant cores.
5. Buy from Reputable Stores: Stick with brands sold by trusted sellers with good return policies.
Trusted Laminate Brands (to Consider Instead)
A few laminate brands that have better reputations:
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Shaw Floors: Shaw Floors offers a wide range of laminate flooring options known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. They provide various styles and finishes to suit different preferences.
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Mohawk Flooring: Mohawk Flooring is renowned for its innovative laminate products, including the RevWood collection, which combines the beauty of hardwood with the toughness of laminate. Their products are designed to be both stylish and long-lasting.
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Quick-Step: Quick-Step offers a variety of laminate flooring solutions that are easy to install and maintain. Their products are recognized for realistic designs and high-quality finishes.
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Armstrong: Armstrong Flooring provides a diverse selection of laminate flooring options that mimic the look of natural wood and stone. They focus on delivering products that are both beautiful and resilient.
These brands still have pros and cons, but they’re a safer bet than the ones we’ve talked about.
Final Thoughts
Laminate flooring can look great and save money—if you choose the right brand. But picking the wrong one can lead to cracks, peeling, and lots of stress. I wrote this guide to help you avoid that.
Remember, just because a floor is cheap doesn’t mean it’s a deal. Look past the price and check for real quality. Read reviews, ask questions, and don’t rush the process. A little research now can save you a big headache later.
If you’ve had a bad (or good) experience with a laminate brand, feel free to share it. The more we learn from each other, the better choices we can make.