What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate Flooring

One of the most popular types of flooring right now is laminate. Many homeowners are opting for laminate flooring rather than any other flooring type due to its many advantages and relatively few weaknesses. If you are looking for laminate flooring information, you have come to the right place.

Laminate is a flooring type that is a composite or a combination of four layers to achieve the desired effect of a beautiful floor with outstanding durability. The layers are back, core, decorative, and outer.

• Back - The back of the laminate floor is the layer that touches what is underneath the floor and it is comprised of materials that provide structural stability as well as moisture resistance.

• CoreAbove the back layer is the core which is usually made of fiberboard, and it contains materials that provide stability to the floor. The better quality cores are treated with chemicals that resist moisture so that the floor does not buckle or expand and contract. It is important to note that a thicker core is more stable and less susceptible to buckling.

• Decorative - Above the core is the decorative layer, a detailed "photograph" of the flooring type that we are trying to emulate whether it be a hardwood floor or a tiled floor.

• Outer - The outer layer is the part of laminate flooring that you actually step on. It is made of materials that give it a resilient finish, such as melamine. The outer layer is commonly treated with a clear finish containing aluminum oxide. This layer helps to resist staining, fading, surface moisture, and general wear.

Advantages of Laminate Flooring

Now that you have seen the laminate flooring information that you have been looking for, you might want to know about the advantages as well.

• Durable - Laminate flooring is a very durable flooring type and it is designed to meet the demands of high-moisture and high-traffic areas, as well as rooms that demand a lot, such as a toddler's room.

• Stain-Resistant - Laminate flooring is more resistant to stains than hardwood or carpets. Each segment is pre-finished with a stain-resistant sealant.

• Does Not Fade - Laminate flooring does not fade with time or from sun exposure, not like hardwood floors.

• Moisture-Resistant - Laminate floors are okay to install in overly humid environments. They can withstand moisture levels that hardwood floors cannot endure. Keep in mind, however, that laminate floors are not totally invulnerable to moisture. Colors and Styles: Laminate floors offer a wide variety of colors, styles, and designs. It can also be made to resemble any flooring type without the hassle.

• Easy Maintenance - Laminate flooring is not only durable, it is also easy to maintain. Standard vacuuming and/or wiping with a damp mop is all you need to keep it sparkling. Laminate is not invulnerable to everything, but it can take a lot of punishment before it is destroyed.