Overview
Laminate flooring is quickly becoming the most popular floor used
today. It’s designed for the consumer who likes the look of wood, but wants ease of
maintenance, and at a fraction of the cost. Laminate flooring is very durable and
constructed to resist furniture indentations, scuff-marks, and in some cases water. It is
an interlocking floor that uses a tongue and groove system to keep the floor in place.
Laminate flooring "floats" on top of the existing sub floor (concrete, wood sub
floor, vinyl, hardwood and other existing floors), and it is not attached to it. When
installed, special, water-resistant glue is applied between each tongue and groove to hold
the planks together and keep out moisture. Prior to installation, a polyurethane pad is
laid down to keep the flooring from sticking to the sub floor. Laminate flooring is made
up of several layers, a hard core material in the center, a special backing, and a
laminated printed layer to give it the desired look. It is then coated in a plastic resin
that helps make it very durable.
Laminate flooring is available in a wide array of styles, colors and
patterns. Originally, laminate flooring only simulated the look of hardwood, but is now
available in marble and slate patterns as well. Because of the printed layer, it is easy
to achieve realistic looking floors that you otherwise couldn’t find or afford.
Laminate flooring is made mostly in rectangular 8 inch planks, but some square tiles are
available as well.
Laminate floors are sold by the
square foot and tend to be a little more expensive than vinyl floors. Its durability,
resistance to stains, and lasting beauty however, make laminate flooring a good value.
When choosing a laminate flooring, pay close attention to the warranties offered by each
manufacturer. Many are clearly different and often are a good indication of the quality of
the product. |
