Tarkett is one of the most popular providers of laminate flooring.
Tarkett laminate flooring solutions are affordable and relatively durable.
What Is Tarkett Laminate Flooring?
Tarkett laminate floors are multi-layer floors constructed from wood fiber.
The purpose of Tarkett laminate flooring is to closely resemble natural wood.
Tarkett laminate products have four layers combined at high pressure and temperature.
- Bottom layer – The bottom layer protects the board from moisture and offers dimensional stability.
- Core board – This section is high-density fiberboard. It contains over 80% wood and delivers tremendous structural strength.
- Decorative layer – The decorative layer is compatible with printed images to allow for numerous designs and gorgeous patterns.
- Transparent surface protection – The final layer shields Tarkett laminate from damage and makes maintenance easier with its hard-sealed design that resists stains and impact.
To boost the build quality of their flooring, Tarkett offers integrated cork backings. They contain tiny air pockets that guarantee optimal protection from noise and enhance walking comfort.
Tarkett Laminate Flooring Cost
The main reason Tarkett laminate flooring is popular is its low price.
It’s more affordable than other manufacturers, with most of their products costing around $2 per square foot.
Tarkett laminate flooring is much cheaper than Shaw flooring and real wood.
Tarkett Laminate Flooring Cost Breakdown
There are three primary types of Tarkett laminate flooring.
| Flooring Type | Cost per Square Foot | Cost per 100 Square Feet | Average Installation Cost per Square Foot | Cost per 100 Square Feet Installed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-millimeter | $1-$1.50 | $100-$150 | $4.15 | $515-$565 |
| 9-millimeter | $1.60-$1.90 | $160-$190 | $4.15 | $565-$605 |
| 10-12-millimeter | $2-$3 | $200-$300 | $4.15 | $615-$715 |
You shouldn’t have trouble purchasing Tarkett laminate, even if you’re on a budget.
Just remember to consider the installation cost if you’re hiring professional contractors, which usually runs between $1.80-$6.50 per square foot.
Tarkett Laminate Flooring Pros And Cons
Let’s delve into the pros and cons of Tarkett laminate flooring to determine whether it’s a good investment.
Pro #1 – Easy Maintenance
Like any other laminate, Tarkett laminate is relatively easy to maintain and clean. Regular vacuuming and sweeping should do the trick.
The AquaFlor collection may require a bit more elbow grease. You might need to mop them occasionally to maintain their appealing finish.
If mopping is required, be sure your laminate has enough time to dry after the procedure to avoid slipping accidents. And don’t let any water pool on the surface, as it’s not waterproof.
It’s a good idea to only use laminate-specific cleaners. Otherwise, you risk damaging the finish.
Pro #2 – Low Volatile Compounds
Sustainability is one of the strongest suits of Tarkett laminate.
It’s not an eco-friendly solution (because it uses binders and plastics), but each product emits minimal amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
VOCs are found in numerous products. To qualify as low-VOC laminate flooring, the manufacturer must subject the flooring to stringent third-party tests.
Tarkett has passed the procedure and doesn’t have any scandals regarding VOC emissions.
You can rest assured that Tarkett laminate flooring is safe and non-toxic.
Pro #3 – The Wood Texture Feels Authentic
Although Tarkett’s textures aren’t as good as the offerings of high-end brands, they’re still decent.
The Malibu line is particularly impressive. It feels authentic, so it’s hard to tell the difference between this product and genuine wood.
Pro #4 – The Premium Collection Is Scratch-Resistant
The AquaFlor laminate is the best Tarkett product.
AquaFlor has an AC4 rating, which is considered exceptionally resistant to scratches.
It might not be as sturdy as the most robust wood flooring, but AquaFlor is pretty durable.
You can expect your Tarkett laminate flooring to last for many years without any surface blemishes.
Did you know? You can protect your laminate flooring by adding rugs, especially in your entryway or hallway. These high-traffic areas can wreak havoc on your floors, but rugs go a long way in preventing them.
Con #1 – Lack of Waterproof Laminate
If you need high-quality laminate flooring for your kitchen or bathroom, Tarkett might not be the best option.
The only water-resistant collection is AquaFlor. Note that it’s not waterproof, just water-resistant, so you’ll need to clean up splashes and spills immediately.
If waterproof properties are a priority, check out Tarkett’s vinyl flooring. Unlike laminate, vinyl won’t fall victim to moisture.
Con #2 – Limited Styles
Despite having six collections, you can only find about 12 Tarkett styles, all of which replicate real wood patterns and colors.
The reason is simple – the company was established as a budget brand.
What they lack in diverse styles, they more than make up for in affordable, low-maintenance products.
Con #3 – Requires Long Acclimation and Isn’t Fit for Commercial Settings
All laminate floors require acclimation.
During this period, the flooring adapts to your environment to minimize the risk of warping after the installation.
The best brands generally need less than 24 hours to get used to your house, but Tarkett takes at least two days. This doesn’t mean the quality is poor, but the wait can be inconvenient.
Tarkett makes a few laminate collections you can install in commercial settings. They only offer one product that’s compatible with non-residential properties – AquaFlor.
Tarkett Laminate Flooring Installation
Tarkett laminate flooring comes with a revamped profile that allows for quick and easy installation.
Tarkett laminate products are customizable, as you can choose the mounting method that works best for your house, like row-by-row and plank-by-plank tapping.
The type of installation you’ll need to perform is called floating installation. This means the Tarkett laminate flooring planks are connected to each other rather than the sub-flooring.
You also need to place a foam underlayment between the subfloor and Tarkett laminate flooring planks to enhance noise reduction properties.
Again, you shouldn’t walk on the Tarkett laminate floors for at least two days after the installation.
You can book professional installation, but you should be able to mount Tarkett laminate flooring on your own. No special skills or tools are required to install Tarkett laminate flooring.
You can cut the Tarkett laminate flooring planks with a standard jig saw, or hand saw, and there’s no need to glue the planks to each other. This means you can attach the Tarkett laminate flooring correctly even with minimal technical experience.
Regardless of how many Tarkett laminate flooring planks you need, the installation normally takes less than a day.
You can cut the Tarkett laminate flooring installation time to just 2-3 hours if you get a helping hand. This makes Tarkett a time-saving solution for revamping your house.
Tarkett Laminate Flooring Maintenance
Tarkett laminate flooring doesn’t require extensive maintenance.
Installed correctly, the Tarkett laminate flooring products can last for quite a while, but you should follow these tips to prolong their lifespan and preserve the finish.
- Vacuum or wipe the surface every day.
- Wipe the laminate with a moist cloth or mop and neutral detergent once a week.
- Dust the surface with a vacuum cleaner or broom whenever necessary to avoid dirt and dust buildup.
- Don’t let water linger on the floor for more than a few minutes.
- Don’t use harsh cleaning products or tools, since they can compromise the top layer
- Place soft castors and pads under chairs and table legs to reduce the chances of dents and scratches
- Don’t push or drag your furniture. Instead, lift it to avoid damaging the flooring.
Did you know? You shouldn’t allow pets to walk on your laminate. But if that’s not possible, trim their nails regularly to avoid scratches.
Tarkett Laminate Flooring Designs
Laminate is generally a versatile floor material that comes in numerous designs. Most brands allow you to enhance the room with several wood effects, myriads of colors, and grooves or textures.
That might not be the case with Tarkett. Their products are available in limited designs, and most of them emulate natural wood.
The good news is that Tarkett laminate flooring complement modern decors nicely.
You can choose from different lengths or widths to create striking patterns.
Tarkett Laminate Flooring Finishes And Embossing
Even the smallest details count regarding laminate flooring, especially the finish.
Tarkett flooring gives you a wide array of finishes that achieve stunning surface effects.
Whether you need embossed or lighter nuances, Tarkett won’t let you down.
There are also varying reflections, from gloss and silky to matte.
Tarkett uses register technology to emboss their laminate designs. This enables you to feel every slate crack or wood knot, contributing to Tarkett’s authenticity.
Tarkett Laminate Flooring Reviews
Most people like Tarkett laminate flooring because it’s affordable.
Tarkett lets their customers install a material that resembles natural wood at a fraction of the cost. They also praise Tarkett laminate flooring products for their low-maintenance design and easy installation.
Others wish the surfaces were more resistant to water.
Many customers have seen their laminate warp after minimal coffee, wine, or water spills.
Do I Need Underlayment for Tarkett flooring?
You do need underlayment for your Tarkett flooring.
It should be made of foam, sitting between the subfloor and planks.
Is Tarkett Laminate Waterproof?
Tarkett laminate isn’t waterproof, but it is water-resistant.
Tarkett vinyl is considered waterproof.
What Is Tarkett Flooring Made Of?
Like most other laminate solutions, Tarkett flooring is constructed of high-density board.
There are also protective, decorative, and sound attenuating layers.
Is Tarkett Laminate Flooring Scratch-Resistant?
The AquaFlor has some excellent scratch-resistant floors.
The AquaFlor collection is the sturdiest product.
Tarkett Is All About Cost-efficiency
When renovating your house, you don’t have to go for high-end floor materials.
Affordable products can be perfect for your place, and Tarkett is one of your best options.
Despite the low price, Tarkett laminate flooring is relatively resistant to scratches. Plus, it requires minimal maintenance and allows for fast installation.
