Nashville's Laminate Buyer's Guide by Rick McGrath
Laminate Flooring: What’s Under the Surface
Wear Layer (Melamine Resin Coating)
The top clear coating protects your floor from:
Scratches & stains
UV fading
Abrasions from foot traffic
It’s your floor’s armor — and it never needs refinishing.
Decorative (Design) Layer
This is where the magic happens: a high-res printed layer that gives laminate its gorgeous hardwood looks, with options for:
Rustic oak
Coastal ash
Sleek matte modern tones
Weathered barnwood grays
Core Layer (High-Density Fiberboard)
The HDF core delivers:
Strength
Impact resistance
Dimensional stability
Perfect for busy homes and climate variation in Middle Tennessee.
Backing Layer
The bottom stabilizing layer prevents:
Warping
Buckling
Moisture intrusion from below
Many products also feature built-in acoustic underlayment to keep things quiet and cozy.
Laminate vs. Other Flooring: What You Need to Know
Feature
Laminate
Hardwood
LVP
Tile
Water Resistant
Yes (in newer models)
No
Yes
Yes
Budget Friendly
✅ More Affordable
❌ Most Expensive
✅ Mid-Range
❌ Installation Costly
Pet/Kid Durability
✅ High
❌ Easier to dent/scratch
✅ Excellent
✅ Excellent
Look/Style Options
✅ Wide Range
✅ Natural Grain
✅ Designer Variety
✅ Natural Stone Aesthetic
Maintenance
✅ Low Maintenance
❌ Requires Refinishing
✅ Low Maintenance
❌ Grout Can Stain
Feels Warm Underfoot
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
❌ Often Cold
Where Laminate Works Best
✔️ Living Rooms & Family Spaces ✔️ Bedrooms & Home Offices ✔️ Basements (with vapor barrier) ✔️ Hallways & High-Traffic Areas
Design Trends: Laminate That Pops in 2025
At McGrath, we handpick laminate flooring that doesn’t just “look like wood”—it feels elevated. Our designer selections include:
Japandi Calm: Matte oak visuals, wide planks, and minimalist grain patterns
Vintage Revival: Warm brown tones, knotty pine styles, and rustic farmhouse character
Modern Luxe: Sleek greys, charcoals, and blackened walnut visuals with ultra-low sheen
Coastal Breeze: Light, sandy hues that brighten up a Brentwood kitchen or Franklin sunroom
Want that high-end style? Laminate’s got it — without the maintenance.
Why Choose McGrath Floor & Design
✔️ Full-Service, Start to Finish Design, selection, delivery, installation — all from one trusted local team.
✔️ Expert Guidance Our showroom team will help match you to the right laminate look and performance level based on your lifestyle and design goals.
✔️ Certified Installers We float it. We click it. We lock it in tight with moisture barrier protection and precision.
✔️ Brands That Deliver We carry top laminate lines from:
Shaw
Happy Feet
Garrison
Legendary Floors
Dreamweaver …and more — giving you tough, textured, ready-for-life laminate.
✔️ Showroom-Ready Looks We know our audience. Whether you’re a high-end custom builder or a busy homeowner upgrading your family’s forever home — we deliver designer-level finishes with everyday durability.
Local Expertise, Local Installation
We proudly serve Franklin, Brentwood, and the Greater Nashville area, with real knowledge of what Tennessee homeowners want:
Southern style, subtle or bold
Flooring that works with HVAC, humidity, and seasonal shifts
Down-to-earth pricing with luxury-level delivery
Maintenance Tips
Sweep or vacuum regularly
Damp mop only — no wet mops or steam
Use felt pads on furniture legs
Avoid dragging heavy objects across the floor
Let’s Get Started
Also you are invited to come and see — and feel — the difference in our New Sure Steppin’ Laminate collection.
