Laminate Flooring
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Today’s floors are made of various types of materials while incorporating advanced technologies that were not available in the past creating a wide variety of flooring possibilities in the market. One of the most prominent types of floors recognized throughout the industry is Laminate flooring.
Laminate is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product that is designed to imitate the appearance of real wood. In most cases laminate flooring is crafted in 3 layers. A core layer, a designer print layer and a protective finish layer.
HDF Core Layer
The Core Layer of laminate flooring is manufactured primarily from HDF fiber-board materials compressed together and bonded with melamine resin, Designed to provide the floor with a durable base and milled click system for easy installation.
High-Def Imaging Print layer
The Designer Print Layer consists of an imprinted textured image made to imitate the look and feel of real wood. Available in a wide variety of high-resolution design layers and surface textures specially designed to replicates the features and characters that makes a wood plank unique.
Protective Finish Layer
The Protective Finish Layer is the wear layer; it is typically constructed by creating a thin coat of aluminum oxide and can range from high to semi gloss shine. This layer provides a minimal moisture resistance and UV protection helping the homeowner maintain the floor installed for years to come.
Easy to Install Click System
Our Laminate floor is equipped with an easy to install click system, allowing the floor to float and eliminating the need for glue.
The laminate flooring product has grown tremendously over the time and became extremely popular, as many people have adopted its application because it is easy to install and does not require an individual to have the expert knowledge to install and maintain it. It is much easier to care for than any other type of floor such as hardwood flooring which requires exclusive maintenance procedures.
This type of flooring is also affordable, and one can easily install on their own, unlike other alternative flooring materials without the need of an expert. Another advantage is that it is durable and promotes hygiene and does not contain antimicrobial resin like other materials that makes it easier to maintain.
Trim Pieces
Reducer Strip
A teardrop-shaped molding used around fireplaces, doorways, as a room divider, or as a transition between wood flooring and adjacent thinner floor coverings. Fasten down with adhesive, small nails or double-faced tape.
End Cap / Threshold
A molding undercut for use against sliding door tracks, fireplaces, carpet, ceramic tile, or existing thresholds to allow for expansion space and to provide a smooth transition in height difference. Fasten to subfloor with adhesive and/or nails through the heel. Pre-drill nail holes to prevent splitting.
Flush Stair Nosing
A molding undercut for use as stair landings trim, elevated floor perimeters, and stair steps. Fasten down firmly with adhesive and nails or screws. Pre-drill nail holes to prevent splitting.
Overlap Stair Nosing
Similar to the flush stair nose however this piece will overlap the flooring plank at the edge of the stair.
Quarter Round
A molding used to cover expansion space next to baseboards, case goods, and stair steps. Pre-drill and nail to the vertical surface, not into the floor.
Wall/Shoe Base
A molding used when a base is desired. Used to cover expansion space between the floor and the wall. Pre-drill and nail into the wall, not the floor.
T-Molding
A molding used as a transition piece from one rigid flooring to another of similar height or to gain expansion spaces. Fasten at the heel in the center of the molding. Additional rigid support may need to be added to the heel of the molding dependent upon the thickness of the goods covered. Do not use this molding as a transition to carpet.
FAQ
Durability of any flooring surface depends on the intensity of foot traffic and the way the floor is being maintained and cared for. One of the most prominent benefits of laminate floor is that it is extremely durable. Unlike natural wood that is softer than a pressurized composite surface and can dent more easily. Laminate floor core layer is manufactured by compressing HDF layers in high pressure, combined with an outer layer (Top/wear layer) that is crafted by bounding melamine resins and aluminum oxide at high heat and extreme pressure designed to protect the floor against staining, fading and scratching resulting in an immensely strong and durable plank that is made to last for years to come.
Laminate floor is highly versatile due to fact that any designed image can be printed on its composite board surface. This feature gives manufactures the freedom to design and print many different styles and textures ranging from real wood emulations to stone, tile and even marble patterns that can fit any traditional or modern applications.
Unlike traditional wood or engineered floors that are required to be glued or nailed down Laminate flooring is installed as a “floating floor” meaning it is NOT attached to the sub-floor at any point of installation. This can be achieved because laminate flooring planks are milled with a clicking system that allows installers to click and lock flooring planks into place with ease therefore eliminating the need for glue or nails, tremendously reducing installation costs and time.
Laminate floors are easier to clean than other flooring surfaces. Unlike solid hardwood that is required to be cleaned by using special hardwood flooring cleaners that preserve and restore the finish. Laminate floors, requires regular sweeping, dry mopping, or wiping with a damp cloth, making it super easy to maintain and care for. Most hardwood floors have excellent resistance to spills such as red wine and many household chemicals. Still, in order to preserve the beauty of the floor for many years to come, it is important to quickly clean up all spills and clean the floor regularly. It is not recommended to mop the laminate floor with excessive water. Homeowners must ensure most of the water is dried up as excess water may soak into the inner material, which can cause warping.
Laminate flooring is generally less expensive than the traditional hardwood flooring you’ll find in the market today. However the low costs doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on look and quality. Manufactures are constantly innovating, creating a plethora of different textures, and surfaces. With Laminate coming in often at 200% – 300% below most hardwood flooring; it is a great option for those looking to get elegance on a budget.