As we progress into the 21st century, the flooring industry finds itself navigating an era of limitless possibilities. Nowhere is this more evident than in the laminate flooring segment. Companies are melding burgeoning new technologies with ongoing style innovations to create floors that realistically reflect textures and designs that, just a few decades ago, would have been impossible to achieve.

Today, installation has been made easier thanks to the proliferation of glueless systems. Sound-proofing underlayments are enhancing end-user satisfaction with the laminate product. Continuing advances in finishes and overlays, have made laminate virtually impervious to the potentially damaging effects of exposure to water, staining agents and abrasive materials. Designers, installers and consumers now have a plethora of laminate options to meet their flooring needs —- whether the focus is style, ease of installation or durability. The following is just a sampling of the latest advances the laminate industry now has to offer.