The 2026 Trend That Results In Durable And Stunning Floors For Your Home

Flooring isn't purely aesthetic — it serves an important practical function as well. We put our floors through a lot of wear and tear. They need to be up to the test. Homeowners must strike the tricky balance of reasonable cost, utility, and style when shopping for new flooring. There's a myriad of options to choose from, some more cost-effective than others. But there's no need to compromise on style for reliability or cost. Laminate flooring is back and better than ever this year.

House Digest spoke exclusively to Paul Henthorn, president of Slaughterbeck Floors, about this emerging trend. "I believe laminate flooring is going to make a big comeback in 2026. It is very durable, water resistant, and the newer designs look much more realistic than older versions," he said.

Homeowners seeking out an attractive, long-lasting, and affordable option should consider this flooring material. Laminate caught a bad rap in the last couple decades but, with other cost-effective materials losing their allure, we're going to see it more and more. "Laminate lost some attention when luxury vinyl plank first became popular, but with some current issues in the vinyl market, more homeowners are looking back at laminate," Henthorn continued. "The wider and longer planks, better moisture protection, and improved finishes make it a great choice for both style and long-term performance."

If you're in the midst of a home renovation and you're weighing your options, laminate is worth considering — especially if you're on the hunt for budget-friendly home upgrades. In our exclusive interview with Paul Henthorn, president of Slaughterbeck Floors, he praised laminate as an affordable option, noting that the material is typically $2 to $5 per square foot while installation costs will generally be an additional $1 to $3 per square foot.

Laminate floors are also a superb option for a home's high-traffic areas that need a bit of extra durability. Henthorn described a recent satisfied client. "They chose laminate for cost and because it is strong enough to handle kids and pets without wearing down quickly," he shared. "They were also considering vinyl but were concerned about report of chemicals used in its manufacturing." The phthalate plasticizers used in some vinyl products can seep out of this type of flooring into the air, posing health risks to those exposed. It's yet another reason to opt for laminate instead. 

"Another client in a modern townhouse went with laminate in a natural oak finish," Henthorn added. "They loved how realistic it looked and appreciated the water resistance. For both clients, the main deciding factors were durability, appearance, and the overall value they were getting from the floor."

Once you've landed on laminate flooring, there are still plenty of choices to mule over. One important thing to know before installing laminate flooring is that your subfloor must be level in order to optimize the longevity of your flooring. While all floors can vary, the slope should be no more than ½ inch per 6 feet. Your subfloor must be structurally sound. It's also vital to factor in where you're planning on installing your laminate. This type of flooring is durable, but it can't withstand all conditions.

"Moisture is one of the biggest things to keep in mind. Laminate is water resistant, but very wet areas need extra care," Paul Henthorn explained in an exclusive interview with House Digest. "Durability is also important because some finishes hold up better in high-traffic spaces."

Design decisions are also an important consideration. There are a variety of laminate floor styles for just about any taste. Henthorn shared that laminate flooring "fits really well with open floor plans, neutral color schemes, and modern or transitional styles." He also noted that modern iterations of this material feature larger planks and natural-looking finishes that provide a high-end look. These would work well in a variety of interior styles from contemporary to traditional designs. You can easily recreate gorgeous hardwood floor patterns with laminate, whatever style you're hoping to achieve.