You wouldn't think of using laminate and sophistication in the same sentence unless you've seen the latest in laminate flooring; handscraped laminate. Once you see it and feel it, you'll want to have it. "In the last year, we've seen a huge demand for sample requests, quotes and purchases for the handscraped laminate over our other projects," says Tammy Barlow, VP Sales at Laminate Flooring Site, a US-based company that carries a wide variety of handscraped laminate headquartered in Dalton, GA.

Handscraped laminate flooring is considered as an engineered floor, characteristically proven to simulate hardwood. "Unfortunately, many of the laminate floors that you see every day whether at work, at the doctor's office, at the mall… don't stand out as the flooring you want to install in your own place. If you have ever visited a close friend or attended a local play or show, you will be bombarded with crappy laminated floors. Also, if you were to ask the average person by what name they are called, you may get a response like uhhh… pergo, or even worse, K-mart peel-apart?"

Hand scraped laminate should inspire one to nature. This year's newest look in laminate revolves around capturing design appeal with special attention to physical texture. The newest hand-scraped designs consist of full textural coverage: fine details and contours that have been achieved with unique production techniques.

Today, most of the designs of handscraped laminate flooring's wear layer and colors are technically generated. Laminate flooring is available in different plank widths. Depending on ones preference, the wide plank and the thin plank both look identical to real wood. Also, there are various square tile and granite sizes called laminate tile. These porcelain and granite tiles have all the benefits of laminate flooring, beauty, ease and performance. (Note: Real ceramic tile installs with a click and is glueless, just like laminate flooring or tile redifined.)

Looks alone don't sway you? How about quality? These floors have three layers, the backing layer, the core layer, and the wear layer. The backing layer allows the other layers to have strength and durability. The core has varying degrees of high density fiber board, the higher the better. The wear layer provides surface protection with aluminum oxide or melamine. This ingredient provides the protection to the outer layer. So, any room of your house or business can have handscraped laminate floors. You don't have to be as careful spilling liquid on the laminate as you would a hardwood floor. Also, this quality laminate does not scratch and dent like hardwood floors are susceptible to. Laminate floors are also burn resistant and the color of the floor does not fade over time.

Let's not forget ease of installation. Laminated floors are very easy to install. The planks have tongue and grove edges that are simply clicked together and placed over concrete or vinyl without glue. The simplicity of installing laminate allows a home or business owner to earn an additional savings over hardwood by not having to hire a contractor

It's very simple to keep your handscraped laminate looking as good as the day you installed it. Laminate flooring never requires waxing, buffering or vigorous mopping. Vacuum cleaning on a regular basis keeps the floors spick and span and they can be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop. Detergents are not recommended. Water and vinegar are all that is needed.

Handscraped laminate offers the beauty, sophistication and texture of hardwood flooring without the hassle, fussiness and cost. What are you waiting for? Experience handscraped laminate flooring for your self.