Laminate Flooring - The Stylish Alternative

Laminate flooring has had a new birth recently with people viewing it as a crisp new material that holds many untapped interior design possibilities. As you can guess laminate floors are thus fast becoming a popular choice for homeowners across the country. People are now able to surround themselves with the dramatic wood and stone effects that in their natural form would be less financially manageable.

It's become especially easy to install, easy to maintain, and relatively cost effective. Scandinavians, however, have been using laminate floor coverings for several decades and Sweden's Pergo brand has become the common name used for describing laminate floors in general.

Flooring comprises layers of different materials that are bonded together using heat and pressure. From the bottom up, laminates have what is called a balancing backing bonded to a core layer-often medium density fiberboard (MDF) and occasionally high-density fiberboard (HDF). The pattern is a printed photograph of the material it simulates within a resin or plastic layer; the potential is limitless, but usually looks like various woods, stone, or tile. Finally, the top is wear layer of durable aluminum oxide which is impact, stain, heat, and fade resistant.

The Layers within Laminate Floors

The visible surface of a laminate floor is a high resolution picture of a genuine piece of wood or stone that has been sealed in with a high wear transparent layer. This type of flooring is made up of a number of sections or layers:

Wear-Layer - The top most layers that is exposed to traffic and all the hazards of the outside world. It is usually composed of a cellulose paper that is soaked in melamine plastic.

Design-Layer - This is the high resolution picture. It is protected from damage by the wear-layer so there is less chance of it fading with use.

Core-Layer - The supporting layer which is made of processed chip board. The strength of it depends on the board used.

Stabilizing-Layer - This is the layer that is at the bottom and is responsible for keeping all the other layers in position. Some laminate floor types also have an additional layer to absorb sound and others may have additional padding usually in the form of cork or foam.

There are two ways in which these layers are all combined - direct pressure and heat on all the layers at once; or the top /bottom layers are treated first and then combined with the middle layer with high pressure. The final products are usually in the form of strips, planks and square tiles which can be glue or glue less with regards to installation.

Installation

Laminate flooring is a favorite with do-it-yourselfers because it can be very easy to install. Many may be installed as floating floors with each board clicked into place over a layer of foam.

The foam serves several purposes. It forms not only a vapor barrier, but also creates an insulative, sound barrier. The vapor barrier can prevent the flooring from sticking to the subfloor, which can cause it to buckle. The vapor barrier is especially important for slab concrete floors which can conduct moisture into the flooring. The insulation value can make the floor warmer and more comfortable and deaden sound as it travels through the boards.

Laminate Flooring: Advantages and Maintenance

1. Can be fitted anywhere in the home, and over a number of sub floors.
2. It has is near immune to chemical and physical abrasion - be it stiletto heals, heavy furniture, a fallen cigarette or strong household chemicals.
3. Very easy to maintain - all it requires is a quick sweep or wipe. No wax required.
4. It does not hold odors.
5. It is easy to repair. One plank can be removed and substituted for a new one without upsetting the surrounding ones or having to replace the whole area.

The floor will need a good clean every once and a while that cannot be argued. Just run a mop over it with a little household ammonia. Soap based products should be substituted for citrus ones, and under no circumstances should you use any abrasive products such as steel wool, scourers or strippers. If you are ever unsure, do a quick test on a bit that lies under an out-of-the-way piece of furniture. It's a good idea to use floor protectors under the legs of tables and chairs to prevent scratching. When moving large appliances or furniture, take care to avoid dragging across the surface.

Summary: Laminates are versatile, durable, and easy to care for. For families with kids, pets, and a lot of coming and going, laminates can be an ideal choice. Flooring choices include boards and tiles. Consideration needs to be taken on where laminates are installed. In living areas, bedrooms, and halls, they may be perfect. In kitchens, bathrooms, or laundry areas other flooring choices may be more appropriate. Because the core is MDF, any moisture that penetrates could destroy your floor and many manufacturers will not guarantee laminates in wet rooms.