Do you want the beautiful appearance of a real hardwood floor but with exceptional performance that will holdup from the wear and tear from kids, pets, and spills? This question is in the minds of many American homeowners when shopping for a new floor. The answer many flooring shoppers have found is choosing one of the many laminate floors.
Laminate Flooring is simply a multi-layered; wood based floating floor system offering durability, a wide range of styles and colors, easy maintenance, and affordability. Take a look.
Laminates are the newest, most innovative flooring material on the market today. Construction wise, they are a beefed up version of kitchen countertops. Pattern wise, they can resemble any surface the manufacturer decides to apply. Most often that is wood and tile. Used for decades in Europe, and since 1994 in the US (introduced by Pergo, Sweden), laminates have grown tremendously in popularity because:
They are practical and durable in that they have better wear and stain resistance
than wood and vinyl
They can be installed as a floating floor over most existing floors. You will
avoid costly, tedious subfloor preparation / removal of existing flooring (except
carpeting).
Laminates are suited for every room of the home -even the bath (most manufacturers)-
and radiant heated floors
No floor comes closer to being "maintenance-free". Ordinary vacuuming
or sweeping is usually all it takes
Laminates today come in a range of pattern options, from wood to tile and stone
Warranties that few other flooring materials can match.
However, a laminate can cost as much as a hardwood floor, and it can't be refinished when it gets worn or damaged.
1. The Laminate Surface.
A clear wear layer for super protection, even against the harsh punishment of sunlight, stains and burns.
2. The Image Layer.
The look of your floor in choices as varied as the entire North American woodland! From clear maple to lush bamboo, this layer gives you the most realistic hardwood look you'll find anywhere!
3. The Won't Budge Core.
No chipboard here, only High Density Fiberboard (HDF) for your ultimate peace of mind about moisture resistance and indentations.
4. The Laminate Backing.
A thermo-fused backing provides additional strength and protection and ensures our floors stay flat even when exposed to bottom-up moisture, particularly common with installations over concrete.
A. High density fiberboard, HDF, is basically a high-density, moisture-resistant fiber panel. It is made of wood residues (sawdust, shavings and woodchips) from wood processing factories. This ligneous material is grounded into a pulp, to which a melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin is added. This pulp is then dried and pressed into panels of specific density, which, depending on the product, is greater than 800 or 900 kg/m³.
A. A floating floor is a floor built with all of its parts attached to each other but none of these component parts are fixed to the supporting floor.
A. Underlayment foam serves many purposes: It provides greater thermal and comfort insulation, prevents the planks from sticking to the subfloor, acts as a sound barrier and absorbs excess glue. The planks may adhere to the subfloor without underlayment and the floor will not longer "float". Buckling could be caused if it will not be able to expand and contract properly.
A. If there is no vapor barrier or if the subfloor is damp, concave bowing will most often be caused. It may also be due to the improper acclimatization of the planks prior to installation or to water damage.
A. A slight and temporary swelling of the groove segment may be caused by the moisture contained in the glue. This is normal, and shortly following the installation it will correct itself.
A. No, the glue is only resistant to intermittent and short-term exposure to water.
A. Concrete floors below ground
are capable of storing a vast amount of water. It is crucial to avoid all
direct contact between the laminate flooring and
the concrete floor because the soil adjacent to the concrete can bring humidity
into the floor. To install a moisture barrier over all concrete surfaces
is commonly recommended.
A. The shine can not be modified because it is a manufactured characteristic. Therefore, you must never wax or polish a laminate floor.
A. Smaller repairs, such as fills, are done with the manufacturer-specified repair kit. See manufacturer's instruction. Alternatively, replace the damaged plank in its entirety.
A. Neither the performance nor the serviceability of the floor will be affected by scratches. Once they appear, however, you can't get rid of them. Scratches can be easily avoided. Place mats on either side of all exterior doors, sweep the floor regularly and install felt pads under the legs of furniture.
A. Always try to avoid them in the first place. Badly scuffed planks needs to be replaced.
A. Dogs usually don't scratch laminate floors but this is not guaranteed. Animals have different habits, and there may be sand or some other matter stuck to their claws.
A. Place a doormat or rug near any outside door to collect excessive moisture and dirt. Place felt or similar protectors under any heavy objects left in place for a long period of time like furniture legs. Lift heavy furniture instead of dragging or pulling them.
A. All you need to keep your floor clean is sweeping, vacuuming and an occasional damp cloth. Use a cleaner especially formulated for varnished hardwood floors or a nonabrasive household cleaner diluted in water. To avoid excessive water on the floor simply use a light damp cloth.
Caution!
You should never wax, sand or apply sealer or lacquer on your laminate flooring.
To clean your floor, never use steel wool, scouring powder or any abrasive
cleaners.
Commonly called by the trade name Formica, laminate is a hard synthetic material affixed to a layer of wood or particleboard.
The material is extremely durable, but proper installation is crucial. It’s sold in 4 foot by 71/2-inch planks laid tongue and groove in order to appear solid. Joints must be properly glued to prevent moisture penetration and buckling.
Very soft and kind to your feet.
Easy and like hardwoods, the finish hides a lot. Laminate cleaning products are easily available.