Laminate Flooring

Sleek, Smooth, Impressive

Laminate flooring's sleek look and smooth finish is impressive! With an amazing range of effects at affordable prices, this is a great alternative.....

Man-made just in time for the 21st Century, worldwide it is the fastest growing sector of the floor-covering industry. Often referred to as the "not to worry" flooring because of its ease to install and maintain.

In 1977 a company called Pergo introduced laminate to the world with its "Pergo Floors".

Not to be out-done, it wasn't long before other synthetic floor manufacturers (like Mannington & Dupont) followed suit and the rest is history!

Creating Laminate - The Process In A Nut Shell

What happens! Using high-density fiberboard (HDF) for backing, simulated effects (images) on thin sheets of paper are attached to the backing, then covered with a clear layer of aluminum oxide coating, known as the "wear coat", to protect the image.

Often times a thin sheet of melamine is put underneath the HDF as a moisture protection layer.

Laminate flooring is available in nearly every type of wood imaginable and hard-tile floors like ceramic & stone.

Durability & Resistance

Most types of flooring have high and low quality ratings. For laminate flooring it is called TC, an industry-wide rating system from TC #1 to TC #5. After the flooring has gone through a battery of testing it is given a number based on test results.

The best all-around TC rating for residential use is TC 3. TC 1 & 2 are good for low traffic areas like bedrooms or dens. Anything above a #3 is best for high-traffic areas such as department stores or industrial properties. You could install it in your home too, but it would be much more than needed.

Stay away from any flooring that is not rated.

Built to withstand impacts, stains, small burns, water- absorption and swelling, laminate flooring is tough!

Sensitive to friction and abrasive particles, it will scratch more easily than other types of flooring.. keeping it free of dirt and grim will help eliminate the chances of this happening...

Laminate flooring is hard-wearing, but not as durable as hardwood flooring, linoleum or high-quality vinyl.

Definitely not the best choice of flooring for areas prone to dampness and moisture like the laundry or bath room.

For kitchens, be sure to follow any advice given on ways to prevent water from seeping into the joints or under the flooring.

Laying waterproof barrier sheeting underneath the flooring is highly recommended, as well as an underlayment of foam to give it bounce and increase the wear of the floor.

Waterproof sheeting and foam underlayments are available as one unit, so no need to buy them separately...

I personally know of several kitchens with this type of flooring and not one of them have had any problems whatsoever with moisture, mine included, which is now six years old....

Affordable

Price brackets range from $1.50 - $5.00 sq/ft. As with vinyl flooring, the more expensive the more impressive the simulation will be. Compared to costs of hardwoods, natural stones or ceramics you can save a bundle and still have a great, modern looking floor!

Cleaning & Care

Sweeping frequently will protect the floor from abrasive grit that causes dullness and damage to the floor.

For mopping... liquid detergent diluted with water (1/4 cup to 1 gal water)and a damp sponge mop,or a liquid cleaning product like Swiffer" does the trick!

No laboring over waxing, either, just sweep often (keep the dirt and grim away) and mop when needed and you're all set! Very easy, no fuss, no muss. Enjoy....

Installation

Laminate flooring must be about the easiest type of floor to install on the market today!

You won't need the skills of a professional to install your laminate flooring, you can do-it-yourself (DIY)! Just follow the instructions that come with the materials and you'll have yourself a new floor in no time...

The "wood" look of planks and tiles come from the factory pre-finished, so there are no glues or coatings to worry about.

For the stone & ceramic "look" there is no grouting involved... plus, the snap lock / click lock joints are built in, which make installation a real snap!

The Environment

Yes, there are wood particles used to make the high-density fiberboard (HDF) backing, but the source for these particles come from other types of wood productions, which means there are no additional trees being felled for the sole purpose of creating laminate flooring.

Take a look at the many different types of materials and you be the judge. I think you're going to like what you see... When properly installed it looks like the "real" thing!

Thanks for stopping by, and come back soon!

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