Laminate flooring was first introduced in the United States in 1994 by Pergo. They made a deal with Home Depot, and a concerted advertising effort then made it highly successful. Other manufacturers began producing their own versions of laminate flooring, so that nowadays the choice is quite confusing. This report will help you to make a decision.
Laminate flooring is highly resistant to staining and requires very little maintenance, allowing you time for more productive activities. Just sweep daily with a soft brush, and damp mop as needed. Waxing is not 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 abrasion and stains. Next there is a thin design layer that displays the look of the flooring. It may be a thin strip of real wood, or more likely a photographic image of wood, stone, or whatever the floor is supposed to look like. The inner core is a dense fiber or wood-chip board impregnated 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.
Almost all laminate flooring nowadays is installed by the free floating method - so called because the flooring is not actually connected to the sub-floor. First , a layer of plastic sheeting is put down over the sub-floor, which provides a moisture barrier and makes it easier for the floor to move back and forth with fluctuations in temperature. Next a layer of foam, which is not only sound-absorbing, but helps to smooth out any bumps in the sub-floor. And finally, the laminate boards are joined together by tongue-and-groove, and may be glued to each other as well.
Laminate floors come in many different colors and styles, so you can choose just the right look to go with your interior decor. It can be made to look like stone, hardwood, ceramic flooring, or tile, but at a much lower cost. Laminate flooring is available as square tiles or as thin 8-inch boards in 3/8 inch or even 1/2 inch thicknesses. The planks can be shown as one, two, or three strips per panel. There may also be a choice of square or beveled edges, and a choice of surface finishes.
Laminate flooring also comes in a variety of qualities, although there is no standard grading system available in America. Choose a quality that is recommended for hard residential use - anything higher would be a waste of money. Get a 15-year warranty that includes coverage against stains, fading, and accidental moisture damage. If there is only a 10-year warranty available, this inicates that the material is of low quality, and will likely be more easily damaged by scratching -- not covered by any warranty.
A final factor in choosing your laminate flooring is the manufacturer's reputation. If you buy a well-known brand you will be more apt to get quality service and advice. On the other hand, well-known brands are also more likely to charge more just for the name, so choosing a lesser-known brand might be a wiser decision. One useful technique when investigating several possible sources for your laminated flooring is to find them on the internet. You can usually locate testimonials from customers, with surprisingly candid opinions about their experience.
When you have finally decided what type of laminate flooring to buy and where to get it, then go ahead. Buy your materials, install the floor, and finish your new project. Now when your friends and neighbors compliment you on your new room, you'll know that you made the right choice.