Laminated Flooring: A Stylish & Sensational Look to the Floor

In last decade laminated flooring has really gained popularity. It is one of the fastest growing flooring choices in America. Laminated floors are known for their low cost, ease of installation and great looking features. Laminated floors are manufactured in a manner, which makes it tremendously resistant to wear tear, stains and fading.

These flooring has a thin layer of hardwood bonded to two layers of less costly wood backing, trimming down the amount of costly hardwood needed.

What is lamination?

Lamination is a process by which hard plastic or fiberglass is applied to a core material. This is done under intense heat and pressure. There are two types of lamination: high-pressure lamination and direct pressure lamination.

High-pressure lamination involves subjecting the entire core material to heated laminate. As the core material passes through the laminating machine, laminate is applied to it using more than 1,000 pounds per square inch of pressure at over 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Direct pressure laminates are created a section at a time under significantly lower pressures and temperatures. Both the core and the laminate are subjected to about 300 pounds per square inch of pressure at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Laminate flooring that uses direct pressure lamination is cheaper, but it is less resistant to scratches and dents. Its laminate shells also tend to peel away sooner.

Laminated floor manufacturers provide warranty against wearing, staining and fading for all three layers. There are companies, which are also offering moisture warranties for the laminated floors.

Core materials:

The core material is the part that undergoes the lamination process. Almost any kind of flat surface can be laminated for flooring material. Wood is a popular core material for lamination. It is organic, porous, and valued for its sheen and warm tone. However, it is vulnerable to mold and mildew infestation. Maintaining wood flooring can be difficult, but laminating the wood slats can keep them intact and make them easier to maintain.

The fiberboard is also a popular core material. It is synthetic and less prone to rotting than wood. However, the fiberboard is still porous, so attempting to scrub or mop it can only ruin it. Applying a laminate layer over it can protect it, give it added durability, and make it easier to maintain.

Installation procedures:

There are two types of laminated flooring according to how they are installed: glued laminate flooring and floating glue-free laminate flooring. Glued laminate flooring is made up of slats glued together side by side and laid onto the concrete floor. This installation process adheres the slats to each other but not directly to the floor. Once all the slats have been laid on the floor, a rubberized sealant is applied along the seams of the flooring to prevent moisture from seeping into it. It depends on your choice and need. One thing for sure that installing laminated floors is so easy that you can install it yourself.

Let us discuss some advantages. Laminated floor are also more resistant to expansion and contraction problem, which are likely to occur in areas, such as kitchens and toilets.

Laminated floors are available in infinite designs, colors and styles. It gives a wide range to select a color and style, which goes with the ambiance of your room.

Right selection of floor colors and styles can really set the tone of a home. Remember light colors emphasize the impression of light and space while the darker ones create a feeling of warmth and intimacy.

Maintaining wooden floors is a very quick and easy task. As said earlier these floors are extremely resistant to any kind of scuffs, burns or scratches from pets. You can vacuum or use a damp cloth for daily cleaning routine. With a high-pressure laminate surface it is virtually impossible for spills/scuffs to leave any mark.

Summary:

Laminated floors are excellent from hygiene point of view; these floors are non-allergic and do not absorb odors. Its high durable quality makes it an excellent flooring material for high foot traffic areas like kitchen, bedrooms and moist areas such as basement.

For a rich and long lasting experience at a pocket friendly price choose laminated flooring and enjoy an exotic floor for years to come.