Laminate Flooring

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is made with a patterned image such as wood or stone. You might say it is a "picture" of wood or other pattern. It is comprised of layers containing a moisture resistant HDF (high density fiberboard) manufactured under pressure. Together, these layers contribute to the stability of the flooring to prevent warping. The protective top layer is a wear, scratch, and fade resistant surface layer.

Laminate flooring is a "floating" floor requiring an underlayment as a moisture barrier. You will hear more sound when you walk on a floating floor compared to a wood floor that is glued to concrete or nailed or stapled to plywood. There are different qualities of underlayment that will help in controlling sound.
 
  Direct Pressure Laminate

Direct pressure laminating fuses the wear layer and decorative sheet onto the core material using pressure between 300-500 pounds per square inch. It has about a 6 mil wear layer.

High Pressure Laminate - Better Quality than Direct Pressure

High pressure laminating is manufactured at about 1400 pounds per square inch. The laminate and high pressure balancing backer are then bonded (using high pressure) to a water resistant HDF core. It has about a 17 mil wear layer, but there is one that is thicker. Few companies offer high pressure.

Installation

Most manufacturers now produce their products as a click together installation - no glue required. An underlayment (required moisture barrier) is needed. Each manufacturer offers a standard "film and foam" underlayment or upgraded underlayments which help acoustically.

Benefits of Laminate Flooring

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   Vast array of styles and colors to choose from
   
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   Highly scratch, wear and stain resistant
   
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   Most manufacturers offer click together construction - no glue needed. Nice for the do-it-yourself projects.
   
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   One of the easiest to care for floors you will ever own.
   
 		   Note: You can not sand laminate flooring. If it is damaged, it must be replaced.

Care and Maintenance of Laminate Flooring

For everyday cleaning, you may use an electrostatic cleaner or vacuum. Damp mop with an appropriate laminate cleaner. Clean up spills as they occur. Place area rugs near entrances/exits to protect your flooring. Use furniture glides on furniture that moves such as chairs.

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