You may have come across Select Surfaces Laminate flooring at your nearest warehouse club grocery store. While some folks find it odd to purchase flooring from the same place as a fifteen-pack of mayonnaise, others swear by the value.
Select Surfaces laminate flooring has some great looks all wrapped up in an easy DIY format with an attached pad. Let’s look at a few more features of this bulk-buy favorite and then decide if it’s worth the membership or if you should save room in your shopping cart for all those discount socks.
Appearance
Select Surfaces Laminate Flooring offers a single collection of trendy and classic styles designed for wide appeal. You will find species patterns such as Oak, Hickory, Maple, and Walnut. These patterns come in standard wood tones as well as a handful of fashion-forward grays and beiges.
While the color range is somewhat lacking, the quality of the finish textures does not disappoint. Most of the finish textures are hand-scraped with a few that are wire-brushed and antiqued. The depth and grain-like accuracy of the texture creates a true-to-wood-look on this otherwise humble laminate.
This flooring is also HD printed with a fifteen-pattern repeat, so you will see less of the same pattern in a large open area.
In addition, each plank features a four-sided painted micro bevel which takes this laminate to the next level in the hardwood floor look-alike contest.
Perhaps a couple downsides here are the lack of multi-width plank options and the limited color range. Also, there is no sampling program available. This can make deciding on a color somewhat difficult.
Construction and Durability
On their website, Select Surfaces Laminate boasts an “Extra Thick 14mm Plank.” This is half true. The plank itself is 12mm and the attached laminate underlayment is 2mm thick.
While this type of advertising is kind of gimmicky and misleading for the average consumer, it’s not uncommon. This is an example of why it pays to do your due diligence and always read the specifications before purchasing.
Even so, a 12mm laminate with an attached 2mm pad is exceptional for durability and acoustics. This laminate won’t sound hollow underfoot and will have reduced noise in larger rooms.
Select Surfaces finishes their laminates with an AC4 abrasion-rated aluminum oxide. This enhanced wear layer gets you a limited lifetime warranty as well as a ten-year commercial warranty. Therefore, this product is very scratch-resistant and will not show wear and tear in high-traffic areas for many years.
Perhaps one drawback is that this laminate is not water-resistant. At this price point, there are many water-resistant laminates on the market. So, if you have kids or pets, you may want to keep shopping.
Update from Select Surfaces: A new ‘Spillproof’ line is launching in June 2019.
Ease of Installation
Laminate floors are a favorite of DIYers and flooring professionals alike. The installation itself is simple and there are no special tools needed. However, you will need a power saw large enough to make cuts on both the width and the length of the plank.
Select Surfaces Laminate features a drop-and-lock installation system. You will hear a satisfying “click” when the plank locks into place. This is a great feature for a DIYer and is the most straightforward installation system for a laminate product.
Additionally, the attached foam underlayment makes for one less step. This feature saves the time it would otherwise take to measure, cut, and fit rolls of underlayment.
The coordinating trims and transitions are equally simple to install. You have the option of using the provided trim tracks to snap them into place or your hired pro can use their favorite construction adhesive.
This is a “floating” type floor, so it can be installed over a variety of subfloor conditions including particle board. You still want to conduct a moisture test based on the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid future issues. Remember that a moisture test is always cheaper than a floor replacement.
Should you choose to have a professional install your new laminate floor, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2.50-$4 per square foot which doesn’t include things like removal of your old floor, baseboards, furniture moving, or additional subfloor prep.
Eco-Friendliness
In general, laminate is not the eco-friendliest flooring out there. Steps have been taken in recent years to minimize the impact flooring manufacturing has on the environment. For example, many companies use recycled materials and wood fibers from sustainably harvested trees or plant-based pigments for printing.
In this case, Select Surfaces offers no information on the eco-friendliness of their products. They only mention that their products are made in Germany.
While some consumers might argue that manufacturing in Europe is about equal to manufacturing in the USA, the lack of information here is a bit of a red flag.
Correction from Select Surfaces: “All of our laminates are GreenGuard Gold certified for low VOCs, TSCA VI and CARB phase 2 compliant, and made from responsibly sourced wood from certified forests (either FSC or PEFC). The HDF used in production is manufactured at the factory as well, further reducing the environmental impact of production.”
If you have concerns over whether or not your flooring comes from sustainable sources or have chemical sensitivities, you may want to continue shopping for products that highlight these features.
Cost
Select Surfaces Laminate Flooring can be purchased exclusively through Sam’s Club. Sam’s Club has a couple colors in stock in store with the rest online. You can also find Select Surfaces on Walmart.com’s website, but the 3rd party merchant is apparently buying their stock from Sam’s Club & re-selling on Walmart.
If you already have a Sam’s Club membership, you will save about fifty cents per square foot. While this can add up to a significant savings for a large project, it may not otherwise be worth it to buy a membership for a few boxes of flooring if you never plan to use the membership again.
That said, you can expect to pay:
- $1.79 per square foot in store, or $2.49 – $2.60 online (with free or discounted shipping) for their 12mm flooring.
- $1.49 per square foot in store for their 8mm flooring.
This laminate square foot pricing also includes attached 2mm underlayment.
You will also need trims and transitions to finish your project. These are sold in a kit from Sam’s Club that contains one of each type. Alternatively, you can buy them by the piece directly from the manufacturer’s website.
This coordinating molding kit costs $14.98 in store, or $34.98 plus shipping if bought online. It’s important to note that no matching quarter round is available. For some folks, this is a major deal breaker.
FAQ
Yes, Select Surfaces is one of the best laminate floors on the market because of its high durability. They can last between 15 and 25 years if the floors are taken care of correctly and they come with an excellent warranty.
Select Surfaces makes laminate flooring with authentic wood colors and grains. The laminate floors are easy to install because they have a patented SpeedLoc system. Select Surfaces laminate flooring is GreenGuard Gold certified and emits low VOCs.
Is Select Surfaces laminate waterproof?
This will depend on which laminate flooring you buy from Select Surfaces. The laminate flooring from the Spill Defense collection is water resistant for up to 24 hours. This option has tighter-locking joints to prevent water from seeping under the laminate. On the other hand, the laminate flooring from the Elite Collection is merely moisture resistant, as opposed to truly waterproof.
The Verdict
Select Surfaces Laminate has a lot of things going for it. The on-trend color selection, high abrasive wear rating, easy DIY format, and attached pad all make this a very desirable laminate floor.
However, there are several other products with similar prices on the market that have all of the above, plus water-resistance, full matching trim set, and eco-friendliness.
Overall, at this price point, this flooring is not the best value despite what the merchandising and purchasing outlets might have you think. You might be better off purchasing your flooring at, you know — a flooring store.
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Is the flooring scratch resistant? We have a large dog who loves to play. Worried about potential scratches from paws.
Very poor experience trying to order matching trim directly from select services. About half of order damaged in transit, color was way off, and their customer service is difficult to work with. You can’t get them on the phone and hard to work with via email to resolve my issues.
I purchased the canyon color more than a year ago and put it in the family room where the slider is. It has done beautifully in snow, sleet, etc. and my young son didn’t know not to turn on the spigot outside during snow times. He flooded the floor overnight. A long story short, the floor made it through an overnight of water. So this year I did the honey maple upstairs. I absolutely love it. I guess the only thing I would say is transitions were a little difficult, however Home Depot has transition strips that can be stained the right color, and I guess I’ll head up to floor and decor to see about bullnos8ng, otherwise Ace has been pretty good. Just during Covid everyone else has done their floor and some things are out of stock. My son helped me install the flooring and he is just fifteen. It looks like a pro did it. Corner and trim cuts were not easy for him, however math and science kicked in. He did the math twice cut once with a jigsaw, and you couldn’t tell who did the work. It’s all under the trim. Anyway. Thanks for having such a great product. My neighbor bought her flooring at a lesser grade at a competing store and paid a lot more for it. They also aren’t as satisfied with what they purchased. I am very happy the flooring from more than a year ago hasn’t even a scratch on it and looks as good as the day we installed it. Water spills didn’t phase it. By the way … it was a great project to keep my son busy during Covid. He learned a lot, and he wasn’t bored.
Regards
Catherine
Just installed 350 sq. ft. Went together well once you got the hang of it. Getting around the door jams was not fun. I laid it on concrete so I had to place a 2mm plastic sheet down but all manufactures require it. My biggest complaint was the transition package.The plastic piece that the trim piece snaps into is too shallow, even when transiting between two pieces of laminate. although they did work. The screws included in package are about 3/4 of an inch too long. Will not work with the included ribbed plastic anchors for concrete installation . Had to go out and buy 3/4 inch screws. Don’t think I would buy the transition package again, go to a flooring store. Completed job looks great and I am happy with it so far.
I did about 250 sq. Foot in my daughters room first time I’ve ever did a floating floor. Let me tell you something it was very easy. It’s about 6 months old and not a problem yet. I got the sterling color. Only bad thing is they never have the stair nose in stock.
Is there a repair kit for some bad places that were already existing or caused during installation?
I purchased your product last year from Sams Club and we notice they dont carry the color we got …Well we need about 25 boxes to complete my house so i was wondering if you still have Vintage Walnut 10mm Or maybe have something just like it ..
Horrible priduct and Company. I installed 300 sqft in my home and after 3 weeks it stated falling a part. It’s just myself in the home with No furniture yet do to a compkete remodel. I contacted the company and they are finding every excuse to void my warranty.
Does anyone know if this flooring can handle freezing temperatures like in a mobile home that may at times get below freezing inside?
I installed 1000 sq ft of the Drifwood 2.5 years ago and have not had a single issue so far.It was easy to install (I did it myself and had no previous experience installing any type of floorings), i purchased it on sale (~$1.3/sq ft) and it looks great.
The transition packs are crappy. They don’t look as nice as the laminate planks, the transition rails holding the moldings are made of cheap plastic. I did find better transitions at Lumber Liquidator
I’ve been installing this laminate in my home. I chose the Silver Oak and am very pleased with my choice. I purchased mine at Sam’s Club and paid only $1.31/sqft before taxes. This was the sale price. They have it on sale about 2 times per year. As for the lack of quarter round, I’ve found near perfect matching transition pieces, including quarter round, at Floor & Decor. Bring a small off cut with you and match it in the store under some good lighting. It’s also much cheaper too. The only complaint I have is the quality of the Select Surfaces transition pack they sell in store. The pattern is just a sticker and is not the same quality as the laminate. Also, you are forced to purchase transition types that you may not need anyways. However, since I found a great match at Floor & Decor, I won’t be buying any more transition packs at Sam’s.
I’d highly recommend this product. And, if it for some reason goes bad in 10 years, just replace it yourself. It’s only $1.31/sqft. Nothing to cry about.
Hi! I’m interested in purchasing this when it goes on sale. Do you know when it goes on sale besides Memorial Day? Thanks!
What is the quarter round molding color at the Floor & decor?
Just wondering if you have any specific information on the transition pieces you purchased from Floor and Decor, we are in the same position and could use all the help we can get.
Thanks so much.
What is the best way to clean it. We purchased the Carmel laminate and we love it so far. We have a lot of dirt around.
I absolutely LOVE this product it is durable, effective, beautiful, and a joy to install. I put 700 sq ft of Canyon Trail in my salon and 600 sq ft of Sterling n my vintage mobile home I just rebuilt. The water resistance is better than anticipated as the salon floor has been in for over a year with zero issues. This floor looks amazing and very true to style.. You will not go wrong with this floor!! I highly recommend!!
I just had 1200 square feet of this brand laid in my house. I am beyond impressed with my selection. I paid 1.79 per square feet for 14 mm thickness (which included foaming). That’s very competitive and affordable! I was going to pay 2.59 at another store for a vinyl flooring that was 4.5 mm thick and pay $1000 more!
True, my floor isn’t considered waterproof. It is moisture resistant. If I have a spill, take care of it. Don’t let it just soak all in. So far, I have been pleased with the flooring. Thanks to Select Surfaces for my beautiful Silver Oaks flooring!
Kristy, thanks for your review.
I am still considering this product and the fact that it is in stock at my local Sams Club is great news. Option B, the orange box store I would have to wait 2-3 weeks for shipping. The only thing holding me back is this “waterproof” VS “water resistant” VS “moisture resistant”.
With a 4 month old puppy in the house I would like to know if there was a urine accident on this floor will it ruin or not? Will it hold water for 30 minutes or 6 hours??
Javier,
The product says it can hold water up to 24 hours. Your seams are where the water will try to get through at. And they are double coated to seal. So I think 6 hours would be ok.
As for waterproof- the are no laminate floors that are 100% waterproof. Water-resistant is the best you can do currently. Aquaguard brand (sold only at Floor and Decor) has a 30 hour water-resistant guarantee. That’s the best out there currently. It also is pet wear resistant it says.
I’m debating between this Select Surfaces brand and Aquaguard brand before putting in my home. Both look good. It’s just color I have to settle on. I wish Select Surfaces had more color options.
Don’t buy this stuff!! It has only been down for 6 months or less and it is not water resistant at all! Horrible product! It looks great but it is not durable despite what the box says! A spill wiped up immediately causes rippling on the seams!! I’ve bought Sam’s flooring in the past with great results. I wish I hadn’t spent $1600 on this junk!
Michelle which floor did you end up going with? I have been looking at this floor, Select Surfaces, and have some not so good reviews so now I am doubting. I was originally going to go with the Restoration Series from Mannington but it is major expensive like above 4.00 a square ft. I just cannot afford that then pay someone to install. I have LVP, a not cheap brand, from Home Depot that I have had down since 2016 and it is coming apart and lifting. Not happy and will not buy anything from them again. Thanks in advance!
I’m assuming your $5-$6 per sq ft range was including installation (the higher end cost). You might mention that. For a diy install-it would be a LOT cheaper than $5-$6. The laminate price itself is economical.
Kathy, I agree. I just bought some of this laminate on sale and it was less than $1.50 per square foot. And it WAS described as “moisture resistant”.