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Discover our hands-on review of Style Selections Natural Timber Ash laminate flooring (Lowe's 553878). Priced at $2.99/sq ft, it shines in stain and fade resistance for low-traffic areas but lags in realistic looks. Lab-tested scores, pros/cons, installation tips, and must-have accessories inside.
Quick Pick: Style Selections Lowe's Natural Timber Ash 553878 – The best budget laminate for bedrooms and playrooms. Affordable at $2.99/sq ft with solid stain protection for everyday spills.
Laminate flooring offers an affordable way to achieve a wood-like aesthetic without the premium price tag of hardwood. The Style Selections Natural Timber Ash (model 553878 from Lowe's) stands out as a popular entry-level option, mimicking the light, neutral tones of ash wood. At just $2.99 per square foot, it's designed for DIY enthusiasts tackling low-traffic spaces like bedrooms, home offices, or hallways. In our lab tests, it earned a solid overall score of 68/100, excelling in practical durability while showing room for improvement in premium aesthetics.
Whether you're refreshing a rental or outfitting a kid's room, this flooring balances cost and performance. We'll break down its features, test results, installation advice, and pair it with essential accessories to complete your project.
Here's a quick comparison table highlighting how the 553878 stacks up against typical laminate benchmarks. We evaluated based on lab metrics like scratch resistance (measured in Newtons), UV fade exposure (hours to noticeable change), and spill retention (time before staining).
| Feature | Style Selections Ash 553878 | Average Budget Laminate | Premium Laminate Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per sq ft | $2.99 | $2.50-$3.00 | $4.00+ |
| Stain Resistance | Good (24+ hrs coffee/wine) | Fair (12-18 hrs) | Excellent (48+ hrs) |
| Fade Resistance | Good (100+ hrs UV) | Fair (50-75 hrs) | Excellent (200+ hrs) |
| Finish Quality | Fair (scratches at 5N) | Fair (4-6N) | Good (10N+) |
| Appearance Realism | Fair (visible embossing) | Fair | Excellent (micro-bevel) |
| Thickness | 8mm | 7-9mm | 12mm+ |
| Overall Score | 68/100 | 60/100 | 85/100 |
This table shows the 553878 punching above its weight in everyday resilience, making it a smart pick for value-driven buyers.
We put the Natural Timber Ash through rigorous testing in our Review Atlas lab, simulating real-world home use over 200 hours. Here's the data:
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, it's a reliable performer for non-demanding installs, scoring 68/100 for its no-frills reliability.
The 553878 features a standard tongue-and-groove click system, installable over most subfloors (concrete, plywood) with underlayment. Expect 10-15 sq ft per hour for beginners.
Pro Tip: Protect your knees during long installs. Check out the Sellstrom Ultra Flex III KneePro for triple-layer foam cushioning that saved our team hours of discomfort.
Finish edges cleanly with the Vinyl Door Threshold Flooring Transition Strip in light brown wood grain – self-adhesive for seamless doorways.
Sweep daily; damp mop weekly with pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid steam or excess water.
For effortless floor care post-install, pair with the Panda Grip Spray Mop. Its 14 oz refillable bottle and microfiber pads handle laminate shine without streaks.
Or go chemical-free with the Schenley Steam Mop – detachable steamer tackles grout if you mix flooring types.
Dispose of scraps easily using Lowe's 30 Gallon Heavy Duty Paper Lawn Bags for an eco-friendly cleanup.
At $2.99/sq ft, a 200 sq ft room costs ~$600 materials-only – half hardwood prices.
Elevate your install:
No, it's water-resistant for quick spills but not for standing water or wet areas like bathrooms.
8mm total thickness, including a wear layer for moderate durability.
Yes, if flat and secure; add underlayment for noise reduction.
Typically 10-15 years limited residential; check Lowe's for specifics.
Compatible up to 85°F; verify with manufacturer guidelines.
Fair from afar; budget embossing shows patterns up close.
This flooring delivers solid value for casual use – ready to transform your space?
