Myrtle Rustic Waterproof Laminate | GemCore Flooring

What is Myrtle?

Myrtle is a laminate floor in a deep cocoa-brown shade, a wood-look surface over a high-density core for a low-maintenance, practical finish.

How durable is it — what's the AC rating?

For a home, an AC4 rating is a strong, practical grade. Myrtle is rated for busy households and general commercial areas like offices and shops, so daily family traffic, kids, and pets won't wear it early.

How realistic does the wood look?

Finish makes a big difference in how real laminate looks. Matte and low-sheen surfaces generally read more natural than high gloss, which can look plasticky. The finish on a given floor is part of what sells the effect.

Is it waterproof?

Waterproof describes the floor itself: Myrtle won't swell from surface spills the way ordinary laminate can. It is not a moisture barrier, though, so the subfloor beneath it still needs to be dry before installation and kept that way after.

Can it be refinished?

If a laminate floor becomes worn or damaged, the fix is replacement, not refinishing. Because laminate usually floats, a damaged board can often be swapped out without redoing the whole room — especially if spare planks were set aside.

Will it hold up to daily life?

Pets and busy households test any surface. No laminate is scratch-proof, but the wear layer resists everyday scuffing well, and the printed grain helps small marks blend in rather than stand out.

What does the plank surface look like?

Up close, Myrtle's plank surface opens on a long, flowing grain that builds into a soft cathedral figure before breaking into a stronger swirl, with dark mineral streaking cutting through that movement at intervals. Several small-to-medium knots sit among the figure, and the board-to-board variation runs pronounced -- no two planks land on quite the same swirl or streak pattern. Up close it's a busy, characterful surface; from a few feet back the movement reads as one cohesive field rather than scattered.

Quiet enough upstairs or in a condo?

A floating laminate always installs over an underlayment, which cushions footfall and takes the hollow click out of the floor, so it stays quieter underfoot — the difference is easiest to hear upstairs or in a condo. Myrtle uses the underlayment specified for it, whether that's pre-attached or a separate roll. For the quietest result over a bedroom or a neighbor below, ask us about an acoustic-rated underlayment (look for an IIC number) matched to laminate — it cuts impact noise without the sponginess that can stress a floating floor's click joints.

Is it safe for indoor air?

Yes — Myrtle carries FloorScore certification, independently tested for low chemical emissions. That matters most for households with allergies, asthma, or young children.

Will this color work in my room?

With many windows feeding bright midday daylight into the room, Myrtle's cocoa brown reads warm and full rather than muddy -- daylight keeps the mineral streaking and swirl visible instead of flattening into a dark, uniform blur. In a room with less natural light, expect this same brown to pull in a touch and read quieter, closer to a deep neutral than a warm cocoa. Either way it stays warm and steady rather than swinging toward orange or grey, which suits a traditional, wood-and-leather room like the one it's photographed in.

Price & availability?

This product ships as a special order. Call or text (408) 753-3220 for the current lead time and a quote. Choose nationwide shipping, local Bay Area delivery, or showroom pickup. Verified trade accounts for contractors, designers, and architects come with trade pricing. Our team is ready to help you move forward.