AquaGuard Laminate Flooring | Home Flooring Pros

In this Home Flooring Pros overview of Aquaguard flooring we will take you though specs and styles, pros/cons, installation, cleaning and prices including a comparison table of AquaGuard prices compared to other leading laminate brands like TrafficMaster, Pergo, Mohawk and Shaw.

CONSTRUCTION

Each plank is constructed of four layers, including an AC-5 rated protective coating and a high-density wood-based core for extra durability. AquaGuard comes with one of the best warranties in the laminate industry and provides lifetime protection against spills and pet accidents when on the floor for up to thirty hours. AquaGuard laminate is only available at Floor & Décor stores nationwide and through their website.

STYLES

The AquaGuard line includes 108 styles in various colors, shades, and textures, so there is sure to be a style to fit into any decor. There are darker, traditional looks such as Rosewood and Coco, and lighter, more contemporary styles like Jasmine Maple and Lambent Blonde Oak. The collection features several gray-toned options, including Irish Mist and Brookview Fog and reclaimed looks like Homestead Hickory and Storm Cloud. Finally, there are even a couple of herringbone-patterned and tile-look options. AquaGuard laminate comes in high-gloss, matte, and hand-scraped finishes.

The majority of the flooring options come with planks that are approximately 48” long and between 6” and 8” wide. However, some styles include planks with a range of lengths and widths for a more custom look. All AquaGuard flooring is 12mm thick.

PROS & CONS

INSTALLATION

AquaGuard laminate can be installed in an area 4x the size as traditional laminates without the need for transitional moldings, up to 4,300 square feet.

Because AquaGuard laminate is water-resistant, it can be installed in any room of your home, including bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. However, it is very important that the subfloor is moisture-free, clean, and level. A vapor barrier is required if you are installing AquaGuard laminate over a concrete subfloor.

Make sure to let the flooring acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the room for at least 24 hours prior to installation and check all planks for defects or blemishes.

AquaGuard laminate does not come with an attached underlayment. Floor & Décor recommends Eco Ultra. Many consumers suggest using a premium underlayment to minimize noise.

When you are ready to install, lay the first row against the wall using spacers. For subsequent rows, click the long side of the plank into the previous row. Drop the plank and gently press downwards with a rubber mallet so the plank so it firmly locks into place. Make sure that the plank is level with the surrounding planks before continuing.

When installing AquaGuard in rooms where the flooring is exposed to moisture, a silicone-based sealant is required around the perimeter to properly protect the floor. Using a sealant around islands, doorways, and other area where the planks have been cut to fit is always a good idea.

Detailed installation instructions can be found on Floor & Décor’s website.

PRICES

As stated above, Aquaguard laminate flooring costs between $2.49 and $3.99 per sq/ft. This places AquaGuard in the higher price range of comparable water-resistant laminate floor brands.

As you will see from our comparison table below, Aquaguard prices are similar to well-known brands like Mannignton Restoration Collection, Mohawk RevWood and Shaw Repel laminate. It should also be noted that AquaGuard flooring does not come with underlayment pre-attached so you will have to buy underlayment separately.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Caring for AquaGuard laminate floor is extremely easy. Regular vacuuming with a soft-bristle brush is usually all that is needed to keep dirt and other debris off the flooring. If needed, a damp mop can be used to clean spills and pet messes.

Never flood the flooring with water or cleaning products. Residential steam mops on the lowest setting can be used on AquaGuard laminate flooring for hard to remove spills.

Do not use detergents, abrasive cleaners, or polishes.

As always, rugs and furniture pads and help reduce wear. Improper care can void the product’s warranty.

WARRANTY

AquaGuard laminate flooring comes with a lifetime limited warranty, which protects against manufacturing defects, staining, fading, and wearing through of the surface layer of the floor. AquaGuard also warrants that the laminate flooring will resist damage due to wet mopping and spills for up to 30 hours. The warranty does not cover labor except for professional installation. AquaGuard also includes a 15-year limited lifetime commercial warranty. Full warranty information can be found on Floor & Décor’s website.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

I installed AquaGuard laminate flooring in my kitchen, playroom and dining room and I couldn’t be more thrilled. We had it professionally installed to make sure the floors were level and we used a premium underlayment. It’s been about a month and no sign from two little boys tossing and banging toys, a dog, moving furniture, contractor traffic, and a minor sink leak. I have real hardwood throughout the rest of my home, and the AquaGuard is definitely more resilient than my true hardwoods. Valerie, WI

We’ve had this product since 2018. We have not had any issues. I flooded our utility room and the water went into the hallway and 2 bedrooms with AquaGuard laminate. I was in panicked, but we quickly cleaned up the water and the floors were fine. They have held up well living out in the country on a dirt road with pets. Janet, PI

We installed AquaGuard laminate in our new home. The main reason that we chose this over other brands was the increased water resistance. We are able to mop this flooring, which was a major plus for us. It has the natural wood texture that we love. The installation can be tricky, but it’s manageable for DIYers. Daniel, MI

About the Author: Greca Fotopoulos

Greca is the lead style writer at Home Flooring Pros (more), with a BA in Technical Art, she’s focused on flooring trends, flooring ideas, and flooring brand reviews.

“There’s nothing more satisfying than creating a home that you love. The hardest thing about this job is trying not to covet all the great floors I get to review; if I could remodel my home every month, I would!”