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What is Laminate?

Laminate flooring is made up into layered construction:

1.) The Wear Layer: This is an easy-to-clean surface that contains aluminum oxide that protects the floor from stains, fading and wear.

Look to make sure that the flooring has an abrasion classification (A/C) rating of at least 3 for the best residential use protection.

2.) Image Design Layer: This is a photographic image of wood, stone, or virtually anything you can imagine.

3.) Inner Core Layer: This layer provides the floor’s structural strength and stability. It is made from high-density fiberboard. This core is often impregnated with a plastic resin called melamine to increase the floor’s strength, stability and resistance to moisture. Most products that have high levels of melamine do not need acclimation before installation.

4.) The Backing Layer: This layer is found beneath the inner core, and is made with resin saturated paper. This paper creates a moisture barrier that protects the floor and keeps it from warping.

All laminate floors are compressed together using one of two processes. DPL, or direct pressure laminate, which is the most common way for residential use. HPL, or high-pressure laminate, Which is an extra-hard construction. The difference between the two is cost, performance and the design realism. DPL is the less expensive, and has the same puncture resistance as HPL with objects that are dropped at or below counter height, plus it is easier to emboss for a more realistic texture. HPL is more expensive and is less likely to puncture if items are dropped on it from above counter-top height, but it is harder to emboss, which makes it not look as real as you would want it to.

Laminate Design

Laminate is the ultimate means by which you can get the look of real wood without paying the real wood price. Its uncanny ability to replicate the look of real wood, stone, brick and ceramic is due to highly detailed photography of the actual material. So, when you look at laminate, you’re looking at an image identical to the real thing. The image is coupled with advanced embossing that adds realistic texture to the floor surface. Sometimes it is hard to tell the laminate from the material it is imitating. Laminate also has an easy to clean surface that protects the floor from stains, fading or wear. Laminates ability to impersonate allows you to get the look and feel of rare, exotic wood or expensive stone at a fraction of the cost, with no natural material drawbacks.

Where Can I Use Laminate?

This flooring can be used in any room of the house, whether it’s below, on or above grade level. However, laminate floors do have some sensitivity to high moisture areas, so if you plan on using laminate in your bathroom, you should take special precautions.

Durability & Life Expectancy

Quality laminate products are one of the best flooring options when it comes to durability. Quality products should last for at least 15 to 30 years. The good performance is due to a good inner core stability and the tough wear layer. The aluminum oxide in laminates top coat makes it unsurpassed for wear and stain resistance. Although laminate stands up well to wear and tear, bear in mind that if it will scratch, and it can’t be resurfaced like a hardwood can. However, scratches can be covered using special pencils made by the manufacturer. Chips, gouges and deep scratches can be concealed by using filler sticks. If an area of the floor does become damaged, replacing it can be a tricky job that’s best left to an installation professional.

Keep in Mind:

* You can not expose laminate flooring to puddles of standing water, which will permanently damage the floor.
* Think about the pros and cons of DPL and HPL constructions for durability and image authenticity when deciding on your laminate floor. There will be a trade off when one of these types are more important than the other.

Care & Maintenance

Laminate flooring needs minimal care and never needs waxing. When necessary, you can mop your laminate floor using a cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Exposure to water will damage your laminate flooring, so if you have to clean with water, make sure to use a damp mop.

Keep in Mind:
* The main culprits to damage the finish on your laminate floor is sand and grit. Regularly clean your floors of dirt with a vacuum that has a wand attachment, or dust mopping. Never use brooms— because they will drag the grit across the floor, thus creating scratches.
* Chair and table leg protectors will help extend the life of your floor.

Installing your laminate floor:

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