Laminate flooring has become one of the most popular types of flooring for use in the home. In just ten years this product has become the trendsetter among floor coverings. The first laminate flooring product came on the market in Sweden in 1989. Pergo brought laminate to the US in 1994 and now shares the market with hundreds of other brands. This article will introduce you to laminate floors, so that you can decide whether it’s right for your home.
Laminate flooring is highly stain resistant and needs very little maintenance, freeing up your time for more productive activities. Just sweep daily with a soft brush, and damp mop when needed. No waxing is necessary. Laminate flooring will not fade, even in direct sunlight.
As its name indicates, laminate flooring consists of different layers, or laminae. The top, or wear layer, is made of aluminum oxide, which provides a protective layer against scratches and stains. Next there is a thin design layer which displays the look of the flooring. It may be a thin strip of actual wood, or more likely a photographic image of wood, stone, or whatever the floor is designed to look like. The inner core is high density fiber or wood-chip board saturated with a plastic resin for strength and moisture resistance. And finally, there is a backing layer made of resin-saturated paper for a moisture barrier to prevent warping.
Unlike other flooring products, that are glued or nailed to the sub-floor, laminate flooring “floats” on the sub-floor. Well, not directly on it - a plastic foam-covered sheet is first laid down, for sound-proofing, insulation, and to cover irregularities. The individual strips snap together, and in some instances require some adhesive along the joints.
As to choices, laminate flooring has such a variety of styles, shapes, and colors that you will certainly have difficulty in making a decision. The planks can simulate almost every wood species you desire, from pine to exotic hard woods. It can also be made to look like stone or ceramic tile. The boards come with square or beveled edges, and also a variety of surface treatments and finishes. And you can choose a color to complement your room furnishings.
In addition to its different appearances, laminate flooring has different grades. You should choose flooring that is rated for heavy residential to moderate commercial use. Anything more durable is probably a waste of money for home installation. Also try to get at least a 15-year warranty against wear, stains, and fading. Even better, some warranties also cover accidental moisture damage, just in case your refrigerator springs a leak. 10-year warranties are usually given only for “low-end” materials, which will usually also be less scratch-resistant — one thing that is not covered.
When choosing a manufacturer, it is wise to pick one of the better-known brand names or distributors. They will be more likely to stand behind their product, as they have a reputation to maintain. Visit their website, and pay close attention to customer testimonials, which is becoming an important tool in making a decision about the quality of laminated flooring being offered.
If you have used this information to help you come to a decision about what kind of laminate flooring to buy, and where to get it, then it’s time to begin work. Buy the flooring, and either install it yourself or hire an profesional to do it for you. Then finish your decorating scheme, and invite your friends and neighbors over to show them your newly decorated room.
